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 Emmanuel Lopez, Driver Supervisor at LTI, Inc. in Boardman, Oregon. 
Name: Emmanuel Lopez
Company: LTI, Inc.
Title: Driver Supervisor
Location: Boardman, OR
On the Job Since: 2021
Superpower: Speed
Hometown: Hermiston, OR
Favorite Movie: Spiderman
Bucket List Destination: Japan
For Fun: Spending time with family
How and when did you start working for LTI, Inc.?
I was referred to LTI, Inc. by a friend after completing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) school.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me involves planning and coordinating to ensure operations run smoothly. This includes scheduling, making sure equipment is in the correct locations and available for its intended use, and confirming that resources are ready when needed. I also maintain consistent communication with central operations to stay aligned on the daily plan and to quickly adjust when there are changes.
What has been most challenging in your career?
One of the most challenging aspects of my career has been learning how to work effectively with a wide range of personalities while maintaining professionalism and clear communication. Another challenge has been the need to remain flexible with my time, especially when situations arise that require me to be available outside of regular hours. These experiences have helped me develop patience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills, which allow me to support both my team and the organization when it is needed most.
What are you most proud of in your career?
What I am most proud of is advancing into a driver supervisor role and earning the trust of both leadership and my coworkers. In this position, I focus on maintaining high morale, supporting my team, and building strong, respectful relationships. I am also proud of consistently providing a high level of professional service to our customers, ensuring reliability, safety, and clear communication. Being able to lead by example while positively impacting both my team and our customers has been especially meaningful to me.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in a close-knit family with my sister, who is two years older than me. My father worked as a welder for a mint farm that produces products used in the mint industry, and my mother worked as a waitress at a Mexican restaurant. Watching my parents work hard taught me the value of responsibility, dedication, and perseverance from an early age. Those experiences shaped my work ethic and appreciation for teamwork, which I carry with me in my professional life today.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Lamb Weston, where I worked as a forklift operator. The company produces French fries for large corporations such as McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and many others.
What would surprise most people about you?
What would surprise most people about me is how detail-oriented and disciplined I am in my work. While I stay calm and easygoing on the surface, I take my responsibilities seriously and put a strong emphasis on accuracy, safety, and consistency. I believe that paying attention to the small details is what prevents larger issues and helps ensure reliable results.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife and son, which is something I truly value. I enjoy being present and involved in his life, whether it’s through everyday activities or quality time together. Spending time with my family helps me stay grounded, organized, and motivated, and it reinforces the importance of responsibility, patience, and balance both at home and at work.
What do you like best about your job?
What I like best about my job is the challenge it presents and the opportunity to think critically. I enjoy working through obstacles, brainstorming different ideas, and collaborating with others to find effective solutions. Being part of a team that works toward a common goal motivates me, and I take pride in contributing ideas that help improve processes and achieve positive results. I also really value the opportunity to keep our customers satisfied, knowing that the work we do directly impacts their experience and trust in our service.
Topics from this blog: Lynden LTI Inc. Lynden Employees Everyday Heroes Featured