Director’s Award 2025: Versatility in Action
Receiving the Director’s Award is a meaningful recognition that celebrates an employee who consistently demonstrates dedication, impact, and leadership. For this year’s recipient, Lindsay, the honor represents both gratitude and pride—along with deep appreciation for the people and company that make her work so fulfilling.
“Receiving the Director’s Award is an accomplishment I am extremely thankful and grateful for,” Lindsay shares. “To be recognized by our amazing director team for my hard work and dedication to TBGFS means the world to me. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to do what I love at a company and in an industry I am very passionate about.”
The People Behind the Milestone
Lindsay is quick to recognize the mentors, leaders, and colleagues who helped shape her journey at Trans-Border.
She credits Kelly Jackson and Jeff Millens for giving her the opportunity to bring her passion and expertise in marketing to TBGFS, noting that their guidance has had a profound impact on her personal and professional growth.
She also extends her thanks to Marty, Josh, Sumar, Brunilda, Dianne, and Damien for their continued support and for recognizing the important role marketing plays in growing and sustaining a successful business.
And finally, a very special acknowledgment goes to her sister, Ashley (Import Pricing & Routing Manager) for being her biggest supporter and starting the journey in a freight forwarding career.
“Getting to work with not only my sister, but my best friend, is something truly special. Thank you to TBGFS for allowing the Rutz sisters this rare opportunity!”
Elevating Marketing with Strategy
Reflecting on the past year, Lindsay says she is most proud of bringing a strategic approach to the marketing department.
“I am fortunate to work with amazing colleagues who deserve to be recognized and make what TBGFS does possible. Being able to promote their knowledge, skills, and hard work in a strategic way—while also strengthening the TBGFS brand—is why I love what I do.”
Growth Through Challenge
One of the biggest challenges Lindsay faced this year was learning how to manage and balance responsibilities not only within marketing, but also across other areas of the company she stepped in to support along the way.
“Juggling multiple responsibilities pushed me in new ways,” Lindsay shares. “But it ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally and made me a more versatile and resilient person.”
Defining Success at TBGFS
For Lindsay, success is measured by more than numbers alone.
“Success is both quantitative and qualitative. KPIs matter, but I also measure success by employee and customer satisfaction.”
She says hearing positive feedback from customers tells her TBGFS is exceeding expectations, and seeing her coworkers grow and enjoy what they do is the clearest sign that TBGFS is a place where people can succeed and feel proud of their contributions.
Looking Ahead
In the year ahead, Lindsay is most excited about deepening the alignment between sales and marketing.
“The two go hand-in-hand, and I’m excited to work with Damien and the sales team to push ourselves further and take these departments to the next level!”
When asked to sum up her year in one word, her answer captures it perfectly: Versatility.
Advice for Future Director’s Award Recipients
Lindsay offers practical and thoughtful advice for those hoping to earn this recognition in the future:
- Be early and get settled in so once the clock hits 7am/8am, you’ve already got a head start on your day
- Own the mistakes you make—they will happen, and that’s ok, but it’s all about how you deal with and handle the mistake after the fact that makes all the difference
- Ask questions, welcome feedback, and seek mentorship
“We have SO many incredible leaders to learn from—use that opportunity while you have it!”
The Road Forward
Looking five years ahead, Lindsay envisions expanding her impact both within TBGFS and across the logistics industry.
Her focus is on developing leadership skills, advancing the marketing department, contributing to the growth of marketing professionals in logistics, and building a team that supports the continued expansion of Trans-Border.
It’s a vision driven by passion, adaptability, and purpose—and one that truly embodies what the Director’s Award represents.
