Lynden is recognizing employees who make a difference every day on the job and demonstrate our core values, Lynden's very own everyday heroes! Employees are nominated by managers and supervisors from all roles within the Lynden family of companies.
Introducing Amanda Kornder, Customer Service Representative at Lynden Transport in Soldotna, Alaska. 
Name: Amanda Kornder
Company: Lynden Transport
Location: Soldotna, AK
Title: Customer Service Representative
On the Job Since: 2013
Superpower: Being the Go-To person
Hometown: Soldotna, AK
Favorite TV Series: Chicago PD
Bucket List Destination: Train hopping across Europe
For Fun: Ice fishing, crafting and playing games
How and when did you start working for Lynden Transport? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
I moved back to the Kenai Peninsula in 2012, and Lynden had an opening for customer service in the fall of 2013 when the previous person moved into operations. I worked very closely with her and was fortunate enough to learn so much from her before she retired. I work on projects with operations, pricing and work closely with Alaska Marine Lines for Lynden Transport loads routed on the barge. I am part of the Customer Care team. I help with quoting and billing for other offices such as Houston, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay.
What is a typical day like for you?
My days are only typical in the sense of routine. I start my day the same way; I’m at my desk by 8 a.m., hopefully emails are sorted in a timely manner, and I work through calls as they come in. I spend whatever time I can assisting other service centers with billing or quotes, whatever is needed.
What has been most challenging in your career?
The most challenging part has been making sure I learn all I can from those who have worked with Lynden for decades before they retire. Also keeping current on system updates, changes and working with other departments such as the pricing team. It’s been challenging but also a lot of fun.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I feel like I’ve made a decent name for myself within Lynden. I really pride myself on doing things correctly the first time and keeping that standard but also providing support to Operations and Customer Service simultaneously. Being reliable, not just as a coworker, but being the customer’s go-to person because they know I’ll work hard for them every time. I think I’m most proud of that.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in Soldotna. My mom was a single parent to my brother and I before she met my stepdad. I have a great relationship with my grandparents. My grandma was actually who told me about the opening at Lynden and got me to turn in a resume. At the beginning of my career, I spoke to someone who would eventually become my husband over the phone before he’d moved to Alaska with the company he worked for at the time. Now we’ve been happily married for just over two years.
What was your first job?
Blockbuster Video.
What would surprise most people about you?
I don’t enjoy cooking at all! I like dogs, but I’m not a dog person. That really surprises people.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I listen to a lot of podcasts, play video games and enjoy crafting. My husband and I are members of the Kenai Elks Lodge and spend time there playing darts and volunteering for events they host. I love ice fishing. When the ice gets thick enough, we take our old jeep out on the ice, find a spot to put up the tent and can sit out there for hours.
What do you like best about your job?
My favorite thing about this job is that no day is the same as the last. It’s constantly moving and changing.
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