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 Debbie Chervenak, Customer Service Team Lead at Lynden Logistics in Seattle, Washington.
Company: Lynden Logistics
Title: Customer Service Team Lead
Location: Seattle
On the Job Since: 1992
Superpower: Proactive initiative
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Favorite Movie: The Green Mile
Bucket List Destination: Italy
For Fun: Watching NASCAR races, playing with dogs, crochet, painting
How and when did you start working for Lynden Logistics?
In 1992 my sister got a job at the corporate office, and she let me know about a temp position in the Accounts Receivable department at Lynden Air Freight in downtown Seattle. I was hired for that temp position and six months later, they made me a full-time employee. In 1997 I applied for a customer service position at the field office near SeaTac airport and have been there ever since.
What is a typical day like for you?
My day starts early in the morning, and I try to get right on tracking and coordinating all inbound deliveries. Then I move on to coordinating pickups with agents and other service centers and enter needed information into the system. Of course, in between all of this, I am in constant communication with customers via email and telephone the entire day. Before I leave in the afternoon, I tie in with night operations with anything they might need to know about.
What has been most challenging in your career?
The most challenging part of my day is trying to stay ahead of customer demands.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my ability to complete tasks timely and accurately and can cover for just about every position in the office (they won't let me drive the forklift!). I am loyal, have an extremely strong work ethic, and near-perfect attendance.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in Tacoma, WA. I have one brother and one sister, she is my twin, she's the best!
When we got home from school every day, we had to do any homework we had, then complete our chore list that mom wrote on the chalkboard in the kitchen before we could go outside and play. Needless to say, we were very good at helping each other with everything so we could get out there faster.
There was a bowling alley just down the street that we could walk to and they had after school leagues. I think we started bowling in the 2nd grade. We played sports with every other kid in the neighborhood and classmates, it was awesome. If a sport wasn't in season, we were riding bikes or making up games to play outside. We spent a lot of time riding our bikes to Titlow Park and Pt. Defiance Park, or to friends' houses. We had to be home before the streetlights came on so we synced our watches to the clock on the mantle and checked the newspaper every day to see what time sunset was. We knew exactly how long it took us to ride our bikes home from wherever we were. We were never late, not once.
What was your first job?
My first job was bussing tables at a Mexican restaurant when I was in high school. I stayed at the restaurant for 10 years working in just about every position and even became Banquet Coordinator. I can still eat Mexican food every day!
What would surprise most people about you?
I am a three-time Dakota Creek Cornhole champion.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend most of my time off watching NASCAR races, cooking, chores around the house, playing with dogs. When we lost our last dog, we did not get another so now we watch friends’ dogs and get to share all their love. Over the years I've done a lot of fundraising for the local humane society and for breast cancer research after losing my best friend. She was in her 30's.
What do you like best about your job?
The best part of my job is the long-term bonds I've made with other long-term employees. These people that I get to work with are the best of the best!
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