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 Will Richmond, Stevedore at Northland Services in Seattle, Washington. 
Name: Will Richmond
Company: Northland Services
Title: Stevedore
Location: Seattle
On the Job Since: 2007
Superpower: Proficiency
Hometown: Chicago
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Bucket List Destination: Pyramids in Egypt
For Fun: Cooking, travel and spending time with family
How and when did you start working for Northland Services/Lynden?
Eighteen years ago I was working as a bakery manager at Safeway and wanted to make a change. My brother-in-law knew a truck driver at Northland Services and asked if they were hiring. I had a two-hour interview with Larry Graham and was hired that day.
What is a typical day like for you?
I live in Renton, so work is only 20 minutes away. I start my day at 7 a.m. and work until about 3:30 p.m. During the busy summer season, work hours may be longer. I’ve been at my job a long time, so I train the new people coming in. I’m the prep trainer, meaning I train people how to band the freight on the flats then lash them onto the barge. It’s a safety-first environment. We handle a lot of steel and heavy equipment and tools. I show them how you can protect yourself and not get hurt. I make sure they wear hard hats and steel-toed boots and rain gear. We need to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. I’m known for the saying “Where there’s a Will, there’s a way,” which is a play on my name.
It’s a very physical job, and I use it as a workout. If you move a little faster, as long as you’re being safe, it’s a great way to stay in shape. When I first started working at Northland Services, I was a big guy. As a bakery manager I would have a fresh doughnut in the morning and make my own pizzas. When I started working here, I lost over 100 pounds.
What has been most challenging in your career?
Doing very physical work outdoors. Depending on weather conditions it can be challenging in cold, rainy, or extremely hot weather.
What are you most proud of in your career?
That at my age I still physically and mentally can do the job. I am really good at it, and I enjoy it. I’ve also worked in other departments over the years, including environmental projects with landscaping and stormwater, and in the container repair department, putting new decals on containers and helping out with welding.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up with two brothers and two sisters. Playing sports and family cookouts were things my siblings and I enjoyed doing together. I have a big family in Chicago. My parents moved us here to the Seattle area when I was a child. I have two adult children and spend a lot of my free time with my son.
What was your first job?
Working as a landscaper in Issaquah, WA.
What would surprise most people about you?
My age. People think I am much younger than I am.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
With my family. We enjoy trying new restaurants, cooking, watching movies, and weekend getaways. We also enjoy outdoor activities in the summer. My favorite trips have been to Disneyworld in Florida and to Hawaii. My son’s first birthday was celebrated in Honolulu. I’m a pretty good cook and like to make steak and pasta. My favorite restaurant is a Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse.
What do you like best about your job?
Training and motivating new co-workers.
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