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 Eric Gabriel, Diesel Mechanic Lead at Alaska Marine Lines in Seattle, Washington. 
Name: Eric Gabriel
Company: Alaska Marine Lines
Title: Diesel Mechanic Lead
Location: Seattle
On the Job Since: 2009
Superpower: Problem solving from all angles
Hometown: Edgewood, WA
Favorite Movie: Star Wars
Bucket List Destination: Japan
For Fun: Camping, bike riding, and spending time with family
How and when did you start working for Alaska Marine Lines?
I started as a vendor working on the generators when I worked for Pape Machinery. I started at AML in 2009. I’ve worked in the generator shop and the “bull shop” (forklift shop) and was lead for both until the job was split into two.
What is a typical day like for you?
I start early by trying to prioritize the work for the day. I try to make sure the machines most in need by others are fixed first. I work with my team to make sure our fleet of 56 Svetrucks and a smaller fleet of electric warehouse forklifts and various other support equipment stay up and running, while also fielding calls from Alaska on their repair questions. I mentor newer mechanics and try to pass along the knowledge I have from my many years of experience.
What has been most challenging in your career?
Working with an international company and their customer service support challenges, including language barriers and time differences.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Developing new tools specific to our fleet to expedite repairs and creating repair procedures that aren’t listed in the manuals.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in a military family and moved around a lot, including living in Germany, Florida, Texas, and Washington. I had to change schools a lot as a kid which was hard, and my extended family was spread out across the U.S. as well. I always enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked and had a little shop area where I took apart lawnmowers in the back shed.
I joined the Navy out of high school and really traveled the world, and maybe got into a little bit of trouble here and there, all in good fun. I married my wife after the Navy and enjoyed her more traditional family all in one area, with lots of relatives around. I built our house myself after work and on the weekends in 10 months, and we still live there today. We have three amazing grown daughters, two of which are now married, and we have two incredible grandsons, ages 1 and 3, that live very close. We get to spend a lot of time together.
What was your first job?
I worked at a landscaping company in high school, and still do a lot of yardwork to this day!
What would surprise most people about you?
I am a decent Elvis impersonator and once serenaded an entire aircraft carrier over the ship’s communications system with “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” A technician working on the system somehow connected communication systems for the whole ship, when they are usually separated, and they let me get through the whole song before they let me know!
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Traveling and camping with friends and family, bike riding, hanging out with the grandsons, and doing projects at home.
What do you like best about your job?
The people that I’ve gotten to know during my time at AML. They are amazing people that are a pleasure to work alongside, and I’m proud to have them on my team.
Topics from this blog: Lynden Lynden Employees Everyday Heroes AML Featured