Everyday Hero Profile: Billy West

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 Billy West, Mechanic at Lynden Oilfield Services in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Name: Billy West

Company: Lynden Oilfield Services

Title: Mechanic

On the Job Since: 2003

Superpower: Ability to motivate

Hometown: Payson, UT

Favorite Movie: Tombstone

Bucket List Destination: New Zealand Red Stag Hunt

For Fun: Travel with my family

How and when did you start working for Alaska West Express? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
I started with Alaska West in Anchorage in 2003. They gave me a job as a yard helper and I soon moved into the shop as a mechanic. I got sent up to Prudhoe Bay in 2017 to take on a challenge that would change my career with Alaska West Express. It was the challenge of driving Lynden's low ground pressure tractor, the Tundra Bear, from Prudhoe Bay to Barrow.

What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day usually involves accomplishing my own tasks and helping others get their to-dos accomplished.

What has been most challenging in your career?
I would say people. Working in the shop and managing people over my career with Lynden. They can be so alike, but yet so different and you have the challenge of figuring them out.

What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m proud of the strong working crew and the support the company offers to its employees to keep them motivated and always moving forward.

Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up on a small farm in Utah. I had the most amazing father that taught me everything I would grow up to become. I met my wonderful high school sweetheart at 16 and moved to Alaska. We now have 5 fantastic kids together.

What was your first job?
My first job was at Mountain Country Foods. They made dog treats, and I got the liberty of emptying the trash cans and sweeping the floors every night after school.

What would surprise most people about you?
My helping and willing attitude! Lots of people comment that I’m the happiest mechanic they have ever met!

How do you spend your time outside of work?
All of my time is spent with my family. We enjoy anything and everything that is and can be done outside. Alaska offers a lot of outside opportunity.

What do you like best about your job?
I like the fact that I get to walk away every workday feeling accomplished. We get to see our accomplishments and others’ ideas put into play to better a working environment or to better a project.