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 Kara Peterson, Office Manager at Alaska West Express in Tacoma, Washington. 
Name: Kara Peterson
Company: Alaska West Express
Location: Tacoma
Title: Office Manager
On the Job Since: 2004
Superpower: The voice of calm
Hometown: Seattle
Favorite Movie: Steel Magnolias
Bucket List Destination: The Master’s Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia.
For Fun: Traveling to warm places with my husband to enjoy not only the sunshine, but to golf, hang at the beach or pool, and enjoy a wonderful meal with loved ones.
How and when did you start working for Alaska West Express? Have you worked for or done projects with other Lynden companies?
I was introduced to Lynden by Diana Lasher, a former employee. Diana was a fellow mom at our kid’s elementary school. She referred me to Kirk Schweikart at the Lynden Air Freight Seattle field office as they were looking for a customer service representative. During my 10 years there we had such a great group of people in that office lead by John Kaloper. After the loss of my father in 2013, I was in need of a new focus and challenge when Alaska West Express posted a compliance/customer service opening. I had always heard nothing but good things about Scott Hicks, so I threw my hat in the ring.
What is a typical day like for you?
Nonstop! Because we are a small office, I wear multiple hats from helping drivers with their needs from tablet issues, uniforms, supplies, compliance, etc. I handle customer service for vendors that provide service for our building to our customers via telephone and emails to managing daily clerical operation of the office.
What has been most challenging in your career?
After many years, we recently switched locations in Tacoma which meant we were separated from our drivers and equipment. Neil looked tirelessly for a new location, and we finally found a facility that would work for all of our needs. The major challenge before us was we had to completely gut the building from top to bottom. Neil and I became general contractors on top of our daily duties. I am very proud of how it all turned out, and we invite everyone to stop by and see us.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am very proud to be part of the Alaska West Express family knowing that we all work together to continue as a successful company.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
My parents were awesome people that raised five great kids that all start with the letter "K". My Dad was raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and came to America at age 18 on a student visa and fell in love with this country. My Mom was born and raised here in Seattle, and to say my folks were raised completely different from one another is an understatement. We got the best of both worlds; there was always music playing, lots of cooking and eating good food, entertaining, and the house was always full of laughter. My Mom was Polish, and was quite the joker. We took family vacations and had family visiting from Rio on a yearly basis. Today the five of us still do the same with our families and each other. We all have the love of travel just like our parents.
What was your first job?
Before I could drive, I went door to door selling Christmas cards that were pre-printed with your own personal greeting.
What would surprise most people about you?
In high school I worked as a courtesy clerk at Albertson's grocery store. While there, my boss introduced me to my future husband, his younger brother, Tim. Fast forward to today, this September Tim and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We will be crossing off my other bucket list item of going to Boston and New York.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am a golden retriever mom to my fourth golden Ruby Rae. We love our daily two to three- mile walks. I love to cook and entertain in our home with friends and family. My husband Tim and I are avid sports fans with our true love of our UW Dawgs! My most favorite thing is being Mimi to my granddaughter Brooklyn and grandson Kaden.
What do you like best about your job?
My people! I can rely on them for anything, even in the middle of the night if needed.
Topics from this blog: Lynden Alaska West Express Lynden Employees Lynden Logistics Everyday Heroes Featured