Gary Buchanan

Gary Buchanan has been playing an important role at Saddle Creek Logistics Services for more than 18 years. He started as a temporary warehouse associate, became a truck driver and is now Lead Yard Driver at Saddle Creek’s largest facility in Lakeland, Fla.

“In 2002, I was looking for a family-oriented company when I heard about Saddle Creek. I had been a driver for quite a few years, and I wanted to take a break from the road,” he remembers. “I decided to join the warehouse team, and I had the opportunity to work on several grocery accounts until I was ready to go back to driving again.”

Today, Gary is one of the drivers responsible for positioning empty trailers at the 568 truck doors at the 2.3 million-square-foot campus.

“I make sure empty trailers are available to be filled and full trailers are available for drivers to take them to their final destination, mostly to supermarkets,” Gary explains. “I move 65 to 85 trailers a day, and I drive about 14,000 miles every year. That’s like driving back and forth from Florida to California three times! My mission here is to keep things flowing properly despite the heavy traffic we have on campus.”

Gary had the opportunity to meet Mr. David Lyons, Saddle Creek’s founder, before he passed away and likes to share stories and lessons he learned from him.

“Mr. Lyons started Saddle Creek’s open-door policy, which is still in place today. Anyone could walk into his office and feel comfortable to have an honest conversation with him,” he remembers. “He would always listen to the associates, share his thoughts, and try to make things better for us. Saddle Creek’s company culture and values are his greatest legacy.”

Gary is enthusiastic about Saddle Creek’s growth. He remembers when many of the buildings did not exist.

“I found my home base at Saddle Creek, and I plan on retiring here. I like to look back and see how much we’ve grown. When I first started, the company was very small. We had only 28 drivers. We’re now over 135, we’ve more than doubled the number of associates, and built new buildings and new locations. I’m proud to be part of all of these accomplishments.”

Besides working Monday through Friday, Gary supports Saddle Creek’s Wreaths Across America initiatives and has been a volunteer to the Polk County school board for 25 years, among other initiatives to help the community.

Saddle Creek is a growing logistics company where you can experience a dynamic environment, increase your skills and advance your career. Just like Gary, you can take on a new challenge and broaden your horizons. If you’re talented, dedicated and committed to excellence, check our current opportunities. We would love to be part of your career journey.