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 Darryl Collins, Distribution Manager at Lynden International Logistics in Calgary, Alberta. 
Name: Darryl Collins
Company: Lynden International Logistics
Title: Distribution Manager
Location: Calgary, Alberta
On the Job Since: 2020
Superpower: Connecting people for a common purpose
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness
Bucket List Destination: Japan
For Fun: I enjoy paying it forward and mentoring the younger generation, helping others grow and succeed
How and when did you start working for Lynden?
I started with Lynden in September 2020. I came across the opportunity by chance, and at the time it wasn’t immediately clear that Lynden Canada specialized in healthcare logistics. What stood out to me was the onboarding experience—it was strong compared to other opportunities I was considering. I was also drawn to the challenge the role presented, which ultimately made it an easy decision to move forward.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day starts early—first as a parent, then heading into work where I wear many hats: problem solver, leader, motivator, and tone setter for my team.
After work, I shift into coaching, mentoring a group of 11 U13 high-level basketball players—often with my own kids nearby, either watching or climbing all over me.
Evenings are focused on family, followed by planning for the next day, getting in a workout, and sending daily affirmations to the young men I coach. Before calling it a night, I’ll often check back in on work—then finally try to get some rest and do it all again.
What has been most challenging in your career?
My mindset has always been to stay comfortable being uncomfortable, so I don’t tend to view many situations as challenges. That said, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been the most demanding part of my career. I naturally have a strong drive to stay busy and engaged, and without clear boundaries, I can easily find myself operating in ‘distribution manager mode’ around the clock. It’s something I’m continuously working on as I strive to be fully present both at work and at home.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud of the people I’ve been able to support and develop along the way—seeing the growth of young supervisors I’ve mentored into successful leaders, and helping individuals who were once disengaged find purpose, confidence, and a sense of balance. Those outcomes mean more to me than any individual achievement.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I’m the youngest of nine boys and grew up in Florida, spending much of my early life between Florida and Texas. My mother was an architect and my father a rancher, so I was raised with a blend of creativity and hard work. I moved to Toronto during high school, which was a major shift and helped shape my perspective. I began my post-secondary education at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, before transferring to Clark Atlanta University, to continue my studies. During that time, I was involved in a serious car accident and spent 10 months learning how to walk again. I completed my rehabilitation in Toronto, which ultimately led me back to Canada and played a significant role in shaping the path I’m on today.
What was your first job?
Holt Renfrew (Canadian luxury retail store) for more than a decade. I started back of house as Logistics Manager.
What would surprise most people about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that in my limited free time, I work as a tattoo artist. I come from a creative family—my mother was an architect, and most of my brothers are naturally artistic as well. One of my brothers is a Hollywood actor, so creativity has always been a big part of my background.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
My time is centered around being a father, coach, and mentor—roles I take on every day without exception. Whether it’s supporting my family or developing young athletes and leaders, I’m committed to showing up consistently and making a positive impact.
What do you like best about your job?
What I enjoy most about my role is the unpredictability—no two days are the same. Whether it’s navigating sudden volume changes, working within a union environment, or supporting team members through a tough day, I thrive in finding solutions and bringing stability. Overcoming challenges and turning adversity into progress is what motivates me most.
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