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 Jennifer Auguston, Systems Engineer III at Lynden, Inc. in Seattle, Washington. 
Name: Jennifer Auguston
Company: Lynden Inc., IT
Title: Systems Engineer III
On the Job Since: 1987
Superpower: Loyalty
Home State: Oregon
Favorite Music: 80s heavy metal
Bucket List Destination: Fishing somewhere with British author and TV host Jeremy Wade
For Fun: Collecting perfume, watching kids’ sports, playing with my dogs and crafting
How and when did you start working for Lynden Incorporated? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
I started working for Lynden in 1987. I have been in the IT department, formally known as Data Processing, my entire career. I heard about Lynden needing a microfilmer from our family friend Nancy Wittenberg (past Lynden Vice President of IT) and was looking for a new job that paid more than minimum wage. I borrowed a 10-key machine from her, sat down with a phone book, and practiced entering 7-digit numbers. Luckily, there were 7-digit numbers on forms that I had to enter for the test, so I passed and got hired. Being in IT means I have worked or done projects with all the Lynden companies.
What is a typical day like for you?
During a typical day, I am busy supporting the Infrastructure for our IT department. This includes keeping the hardware and some software up and operational for our users. I work to fix things that aren’t working or for general quick requests. There can be a lot of pressure when things aren’t working as expected. I also work on more complex projects and to get new technology implemented.
What has been most challenging in your career?
Learning and implementing new technology.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am proud that I have been able to take on any challenge that’s been asked of me over the years. I am also proud that I work hard to do the best I can at every task and challenge. I feel that I am providing quality work to support our customers.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I am the oldest of three sisters. We were just average kids growing up. During the summers we would spend a good amount of time at my grandparents’ farm in Oregon making mud pies, changing irrigation sprinklers, chasing cows, riding horses, harvesting fruits and vegetables, and fishing in the pond. I only caught turtles and catfish, but it was still a lot of fun. To this day, I can’t buy a cantaloupe without thinking about my Grandpa Frank. He taught me how to pick out a ripe one.
What was your first job?
My first real paying job was at Taco Time on Alki (in West Seattle). The summers were very busy, and the winters were dead. I then got a job as a waitress at The Kenney in West Seattle where we offered the residents a choice of two different entrees.
What would surprise people most about you?
I own over 300 bottles of perfume. I would like to make my own someday.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Most of my time outside of work is spent on typical everyday things. I try to add fun things in as much as I can. One thing that has changed recently is I am trying to make a trip to Utah every other month to see my aging parents.
What do you like best about your job?
There are multiple things I like about my job, but one of the most rewarding is traveling to our different operating companies and working on-site for projects. When the job is complete, it is a different kind of satisfaction than sitting behind a desk. This also gives me a chance to meet other employees face-to-face. There is a reason that multiple Everyday Heroes mention the people as one of the best things about the job.
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