Everyday Hero Profile: Gayle Adams

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 Gayle Adams, Senior Payroll Specialist at Lynden in Seattle, Washington.



Name: Gayle Adams

Company: Lynden Inc.

On the Job Since: 1986

Title: Senior Payroll Specialist

Superpower: Customer Service

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Favorite Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun

Bucket List Destination: New Zealand

For Fun: Walking on nature trails and the beach, photography, wine tasting, gardening and going to sporting events.

How and when did you start working for Lynden? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
My neighbor Kitty Samuel (former VP/Controller) mentioned to me that Lynden Inc. had a position open for a part-time filing clerk, which was perfect while attending college in 1986. Almost 35 years later, I have had experience in all the accounting department processes so I have been able to support most of the Lynden companies with various projects and responsibilities. I have been processing payroll for Lynden Logistics, Lynden Puerto Rico and Lynden Air Cargo for 25 years and Lynden Transport now for 10 years so I feel like I actually work for those companies specifically.

What is a typical day like for you?
Processing payroll is pretty much a set schedule and consistent deadlines, so I always know what to expect when I start my workday. Today I mostly gather, audit and review payroll records for payment processing. In addition, I provide documentation for various projects and data reporting.

What has been most challenging in your career?
I’ve been through multiple payroll, timekeeping and accounting implementations and upgrades, so learning how to use new software is always a challenge. Lynden has been really good at keeping up with the latest technology so that it has made our jobs so much easier and efficient.

What are you most proud of in your career?
How I am easily able to adapt to changes and additional responsibilities in my job.

Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I was born in Vancouver B.C., and moved to Prince Rupert B.C., back to Vancouver, then finally settled in the Seattle area when I was 10. I have a younger sister, half brother and sister. From age 12 to 17 I was on a drill team, and we got to travel to a lot of the western states. After high school, I met my late husband and raised three wonderful children (two daughters and a son) which kept us quite busy.

What was your first job?
McDonalds. Hosting birthday parties was the highlight of my job there.

What would surprise most people about you?
Recently I have been going for rides/trips on a motorcycle. I can be very subdued and not much of a risk taker, so this would probably surprise people the most.

How do you spend your time outside of work?
Due to isolation and working from home, I have been tackling small DIY projects and a lot of re-organizing around the house. In the warmer months I try to spend as much time outdoors, going for walks, small road trips, gardening and going to my son’s baseball games.

What do you like best about your job?
Definitely all of the great people I work with.