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 John Schwab, Driver at Lynden Transport in Anchorage, Alaska. 
Name: John Schwab
Company: Lynden Transport
Title: Driver
Location: Anchorage
On the Job Since: 1991
Superpower: Reliability
Hometown: Westland, MI
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Bucket List Destination: Italy
For Fun: Spending time with grandkids, mountain biking, gym, gardening
How and when did you start working for Lynden Transport?
When I graduated from high school in the 1980s, unemployment in Michigan was the highest in the nation. My dad worked for Ford, and they were laying people off. My best friend moved up to Alaska and invited me to join him, so I decided to try my luck up there. I met Fred Fick when we both worked at a small trucking company in Alaska. He went over to Lynden during the Valdez oil spill and told me they needed drivers. That’s how I started in 1991.
What is a typical day like for you?
My normal schedule is starting at 7:30 a.m. I show up and start hooking the trailers, then deliver to my regular customers.
What has been most challenging in your career?
We deal with icy roads and conditions for months on end that would shut most cities down. We don’t see asphalt for days and spend most of our time driving on ice. Two lane roads are narrowed to 1-1/2 lanes because snow is piled up so high. You work a long day in inclement weather, and it can really wear you out by the time you go home.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Getting this Everyday Hero award feels pretty good. I’ve been invited to go fishing in Alaska. That was an exciting experience. I have built positive customer relationships where I deliver to, and I’m proud of that. I’ve only missed four days of work in 34 years, so I’m also proud of my reliability as an employee.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in Westland, MI. We were a big family. I have four brothers. We were an average family living in a three-bedroom house. My mom passed away from breast cancer when I was 12, so my dad raised us and did the best he could.
I met my wife in Alaska, and we have two kids, a son who is 35 and a daughter, 34. Both live in Alaska. I really enjoy spending time with my grandkids. Eloise is 5, and Oliver is 15.
After retirement, I plan to move south to Tennessee to live near my brother and other family members.
What was your first job?
I worked as a dishwasher for the Spaghetti Company, a local restaurant in Michigan. I also had a paper route when I was in high school.
What would surprise most people about you?
I am a twin. My brother, Tom, lives in Tennessee. Growing up with a twin brother, plus three other brothers was pretty chaotic. Our house was like a controlled storm. I always wanted a sister. We were always pitted against each other: Who is faster, who is stronger, smarter? It drove me crazy. We ended up fighting a lot. I’m closer to my twin now that we are adults.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy mountain biking, watching UFC martial arts, and cooking. Gardening is another hobby, but with summers only four months long, it’s tough. During the winter, I go to the gym four or five times a week.
What do you like best about your job?
All the friendships I’ve made. There is a huge network of great people at Lynden. I am retiring on Oct. 1, which will be a tough adjustment because I will miss everyone.
Topics from this blog: Lynden Lynden Employees Lynden Transport Everyday Heroes Featured