Circle of Excellence 2021 Recipients
Since 2016, the Circle of Excellence awards have recognized and highlighted GLS employees who have made a significant contribution to the company and go above and beyond for our customers. Our 2021 winners and a guest have been invited for an all-expense paid trip in 2022 to enjoy the Circle of Excellence event held at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa.
Linehaul Driver
"I like having a routine, which is hard to find in the transportation industry."
In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I have worked for GLS for 22 years as a Linehaul Driver. I started working for the company when it was known as Max 24 LTL and I have watched it grow from an overnight service between Ontario and Quebec into an international carrier.
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
My day starts at 7:00 pm in Sherbrooke, Quebec. I head to the Montreal terminal to drop freight and reload. From there, I go to Kingston, Ontario to switch trailers with an Ontario driver and return to the Sherbrooke terminal, approximately 889 KMs and a 12 hour night later.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like having a routine, which is hard to find in the transportation industry.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
I found the banquet and awards ceremony enjoyable. It was eye-opening to see how many different types of careers are involved with the company. The cruise was pretty amazing too. It’s hard to choose just one moment.
Is there a fun fact you would like to share?
I enjoy a "Happy Gilmore" round of golf now and again. Because I'm just out to have fun, I sometimes surprise myself with my score!
Linehaul Driver
"I don’t feel like I’m going to work, I feel at home!"
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
I do my pre-departure checks, connect my double-trailer, and hit the road for Dorval. Once I reach my destination, I disconnect my double-trailer and connect another that is heading to Rivière-du-Loup and Mont-Joli. Once back in Quebec City, I drop-off the keys for my colleague to continue the route to Mont-Joli.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Hitting the road, being free to make my own choices and decisions, interacting with people, driving the trucks to transport the double-trailers… I love it!!
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
Working for GLS is a real pleasure! It is a serious company with passionate people and a family atmosphere! Simply put, I don’t feel like I’m going to work, I feel at home!
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
After the gala, we went to the hotel’s piano bar. I was sitting and talking with a few other recipients when suddenly, to my left, a man sat down next to me… Rick Barnes! I lost track of how long I spoke with him. What a genuine man! It was a memorable moment!!
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I love to travel and meet people. I enjoy having dinner with my friends and spending time with my family. I like to drive around in my car, go alpine skiing in the winter, go for walks, and ride my bike in the summer. I enjoy building Lego and a little bit of reading too!
Accounts Receivable Manager
"I really like the sense of belonging to a team. I think we make a difference and I feel valued."
In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I was hired in 2008 as a replacement in Purchasing. I was then relocated to accounts receivable as a Cash Account Agent. After several years as a Collector, I wanted to explore the company and ended up with the Payroll team. However, accounts receivable was my passion, so I returned to continue my journey. I was then promoted to Team Lead, followed by Supervisor and now accounts receivable Manager.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really like the sense of belonging to a team. I think we make a difference and I feel valued. My supervisor and GLS recognize my work and my employees seem to appreciate me. I like to learn new things, even after 14 years with the company. I also like problem solving and working hard to ensure accounts are paid.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
I see GLS as a growing company that is open to the world. I’m proud of the journey GLS has been through over the last 14 years and of where we are now. GLS also has several recognition programs for its employees, regardless of the position.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
This whole experience is one I’ll never forget. The gala, the appreciation videos, Rick and Antony’s speeches, Mary-Ellen’s devotion, how the people at the hotel treated us, the cruise… Everything was amazing! We are very grateful.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
Now that my kids have grown up, we enjoy our little outdoor paradise by the water where we hunt and fish. I also have a hobby: I have fun making diaper cakes for new mothers! I’ve always loved babies, so it keeps me connected to the baby stuff!
Operations Manager – Laval
"What I enjoy the most about my job is the people on my team as well as the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment I have at the end of each day."
In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I started in 2015 as a Dispatcher for the bank operations. I held that position for 9 months before being promoted to Bank Operations Coordinator. Three years later, I was given the opportunity to become the Operations Supervisor in Blainville where I was for 3 years. Following the terminal's move, I became Operations Manager in Laval.
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
My days are busy and always different. I make sure that our operations run smoothly and that the terminal performs well. I try to provide the best working environment for our employees and partners, while also ensuring we keep our delivery promises to our customers.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people on my team as well as the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment I have at the end of each day.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
The company’s values are in line with mine. Our leaders are good people who care about their employees. We are also an essential service provider to our local communities and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I’m a simple man. I like to hang out with my friends and enjoy the little moments in life. I like to travel, play golf and eat good food. I am also really into sports. I play goalie for the St-Gabriel-de-Brandon Wolves in the senior elite field hockey league.
Customer Experience Analyst and Claims Specialist
"GLS is a company that pushes us to do better, whether it’s through training or mentoring programs."
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
I process customer claims for lost or damaged parcels. I respond to emails sent to our department. I also make route changes for our terminals at the request of managers and check our unidentified parcels to find who they might belong to.
In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
I owe my success to the people who believed in me and challenged me to help me improve. I like to learn how to do a little bit of everything and better understand our operations.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
GLS is a company that pushes us to do better, whether it’s through training or mentoring programs. The company recognizes us for our work and provides opportunities to grow. We feel very appreciated for our work.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
Seeing the emotions in the videos and on the winners’ faces during the gala. It was at that moment that I realized just how much of a family GLS truly is. It’s not just another company.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I have been a soccer player since I was 3 years old. I play 3 to 4 times a week. I love getting together with my family and friends.
BI Analyst
"Being part of such a dedicated team is truly rewarding."
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
A normal day starts with making sure that all applications are working. I then do a lot of data analysis or develop new applications depending on what needs to be prioritized. Finally, I talk to a few internal customers to understand their needs or answer their questions.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Every time we develop a new application, we learn about GLS’ strengths and weaknesses. When a customer gives me feedback and says “Thanks to your tool, we were able to …,” that is the greatest feeling.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
GLS is a great company that offers a lot of opportunities for personal improvement. It allows me to pass on my knowledge and experience in order to help the company and its employees grow. With my ability to provide information to those who need it, I feel valued every day.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
I really enjoyed the testimonies presented for each Circle of Excellence recipient. Being part of such a dedicated team is truly rewarding.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I love to play softball in the summer and keep in shape by playing hockey in the winter. I love fishing and the outdoors. As many of my colleagues may have noticed in video conferences, I also have a huge movie collection!
Procurement Advisor
"It is a great company with great values. I deeply believe in its growth over the years."
In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I started my career in Customer Experience 11 years ago. I was with that great team for almost six years before I had the opportunity to work with the Sales department as a Customer Integration Agent, while I continued working in Customer Experience. I finally joined the Purchasing team four years ago. I love what I do and I sincerely think I have found my place with the great team I now work with.
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
I order supplies necessary for our day-to-day operations. I am involved in the purchasing of vehicles for our fleet. Also, at the moment, we are working on the installation of our new GLS signs.
In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
I persevere and do not give up. I always chase my goals. I care about what I do and I care about doing it right. To me, it’s important to be there for the people who look to me for their business needs. They are my customers. The customer service girl in me will always be a part of me.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
It is a great company with great values. I deeply believe in its growth over the years.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I have two grown boys and I am the stepmom of two others. Life at home is never boring. We love to spend time with our family. My husband and I also love to invite our family and friends over to spend some quality time together.
Manager of Contractor Relations
"I have always felt appreciated for my hard work by the management team and I feel that the company allows a lot of room for growth."
In a few sentences, describe a day in your position.
I wake up early and spend time with our Independent Contractors at one of our Quebec or Ontario terminals. I share information and keep them up to date on any GLS procedures. We then work on upcoming projects to improve the Independent Contractor experience. When requested, I spend time analyzing their operation costs and do whatever it takes to assist all of GLS’ 800+ ICs.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy assisting our associates that haven’t always had much support in the past. I enjoy learning from them and sharing information. I enjoy sharing information with the terminal managers and working as a team to resolve any issues. The social aspect is the best part of my job.
In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
Several components have contributed to my success, but mostly the respect and trust I have been shown from upper management. I also had two great HR managers when I first started who gave me the autonomy to take my career where I wanted to. They allowed me to grow and build relationships with the drivers and management team.
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
I have always felt appreciated for my hard work by the management team and I feel that the company allows a lot of room for growth. GLS is also very team oriented.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
I really loved watching the videos prepared for me during the awards event, but the yacht was the highlight for me. The red carpet was rolled out and we were treated like royalty! Socializing with my coworkers outside of work was also a lot of fun.
Driver
"We are very respected and our superiors listen to us."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have been with GLS for 17 years now. I love driving a truck around the city and I really enjoy backing up in company yards. I like challenges (small yards, places where there is not much room, etc.)!
In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
I always give it my all. I am there when I am needed and I make myself available. I love my job. I also owe my success to Robert, the dispatcher, who makes my job that much easier. It is greatly appreciated!
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
In the beginning, it was a family-run business and today it is a global company. We are very respected and our superiors listen to us. We are also very well paid.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
The award ceremony in Florida was very moving. It was also fun to see our bosses outside of work. It was a very nice token of appreciation.
Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
My wife (of 47 years) and I really enjoy driving. We travel all over Quebec. My favourite hobby is building Legos. I like to build and rebuild big Lego cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, trucks, and everything in between!).
Director of Marketing – Montreal
"The team at GLS is truly a family. There is a sense of pride as soon as you walk through any door, whether that is at our Head Office or any one of our terminals."
In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I came to GLS 6 years ago as a Sales Coordinator and never could have imagined the Marketing career I would have ahead of me. From Dicom to GLS, the journey has been challenging, but so rewarding! I am so proud of what we have accomplished and all that is to come as GLS continues to grow across Canada.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best part of my job is bringing our brand to life across Canada. I am so lucky as I get to work with every department across our organization in Canada while I also collaborate with and learn from all the Marketing teams that make up GLS in over 40 countries.
In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
My success can be attributed to the fact that GLS has given me the opportunity to continue to learn and develop my skills. We work as a team, which has allowed me to learn so much about the transportation industry as well. My colleagues and our leaders played a big role in my professional growth over the years!
Why are you proud to work for GLS?
The team at GLS is truly a family. There is a sense of pride as soon as you walk through any door, whether that is at our Head Office or any one of our terminals. I love that our new brand really showcases this and demonstrates who we are as a company.
What was the highlight of this year’s Circle of Excellence?
For me, the highlight was spending time with my colleagues from across our network. It was fun to get to know people you wouldn't necessarily collaborate with on a day-to-day basis.
