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 Anton Kolpakov, International Agent at Lynden Logistics in Houston, Texas.
Name: Anton Kolpakov
Company: Lynden Logistics, Houston
Title: International Agent III
On the Job Since: 1996
Superpower: Global shipping expertise
Hometown: Moscow
Favorite Movie: Amadeus
Bucket List Destination: Australia and New Zealand
For Fun: Listening to music
How and when did you start working for Lynden Logistics? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
I first started working with Lynden in 1993, when I was employed by USA-Russia joint venture in Siberia and Lynden was our freight forwarder. To ensure prompt delivery, Lynden’s Moscow staff would often accompany cargo on the flights, and I would meet them in person. Since I was working on a rotational basis back then, sometime around 1996 I also started working at the Lynden Moscow office during my weeks off.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical working day is starting first thing in the morning by checking ongoing requests and shipments with our overseas customers and agents and strategizing before their business day is over, then moving over to quotes, deadlines, and operational issues. Often urgent requests and inquiries come through later in the afternoon, and I must make sure I request feedback and input from overseas before I finish the day so I can start with ideas and solutions again the next morning.
What has been most challenging in your career?
Coordinating customer expectations with governmental and industry regulations. Every country has its own set of rules, laws, and preferences. I must learn them for each new destination or project and then explain them to the customer and assure them that we have a solution.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Knowing that my experience and input is valued and important for the Houston office.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
My family resides in Moscow. I have a sister and my parents. I grew up in Moscow in what was the Soviet Union back then, and we often struggled with the state controlling our lives and our decisions. During my teenage years I saw the deterioration and eventual collapse of the USSR, followed by economic chaos. At the same time, the 1990s was the first time most Russians had the freedom to speak, to choose, and to travel – I made my first trip to the U.S.A. in 1994. Our family tried to make the best of it, but I always wanted to live in a society where I could make my own decisions and live my own life.
What was your first job?
After the Soviet Union collapsed and the economy was in a deep crisis, both my parents lost their jobs, so I started looking for a job while I was still working on my degree at the university. Many western companies have opened up offices and operations in Russia thanks to a new policy of openness and integration with the rest of the world, and I got a job as an interpreter and local liaison with Bechtel Energy, which was setting up a joint venture in Russia. This job allowed me to travel to Siberia and eventually meet Lynden employees. I was still a student at the university and combining studies in Moscow with oilfield work in Siberia was very challenging.
What would surprise people most about you?
I don’t know how to cook. I think this surprises a lot of people.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m a big electronic music fan. I collect CDs and like meeting other folks who have music interests similar to mine. My favorite bands are Depeche Mode, Everything But the Girl, Pet Shop Boys and Massive Attack. I also like spending time with my three dogs. I have a dachshund, a chihuahua and a rat terrier mix.
What do you like best about your job?
The people, both in the Lynden system and outside. I get to meet and talk to people from all over the world and they all have very interesting stories and customs. I also like the challenges in my job – they keep me grounded and disciplined. Although I originally came from Moscow, I now consider Houston my hometown.
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