Employee Interviews

“What I like most about working at GLS is that we are a family!” exclaimed Isabelle Hayden, Team Leader, Dedicated Customer Experience, who joined GLS in 2004. Isabelle started off in the pick-up department and steadily climbed the ranks. She has worked in several departments, including freight and research.

In 2016, her determination and dedication paid off and she became team leader of an 11-strong team of customer service agents assigned to major accounts. Her main responsibilities include coaching, problem solving and achieving targets. “My team motivate me,” she added. “Each customer service agent receives a minimum of 200 emails a day. We share a great feeling of satisfaction when we have dealt with all the queries by the end of the day!”

GLS has helped Isabelle Hayden’s professional development via continuing education and work-life balance measures. “As I built up my career, I had two children. Since I live in the South Shore and the office was in Côte-Saint-Paul, GLS set me up with a home office for five years. I’m not just an employee number. I’m a member of the GLS family.”

Isabelle Hayden is proud of her career development and happy to continue on this path within the company. “GLS gave me the tools I needed for the role I have taken on. I feel that the company supports me and helps me climb higher so that I can make my dreams come true.”

For 32 years, René Lemaire has been running the roads as a truck driver, a job that began calling his name in the early 80s when he was working for Honeywell Controls. “The company had several trucks and even back then, I was envious of the drivers,” recalls the 56-year-old Saint-Jérôme native, whose first job was as a courier for an engineering firm.

The trucking enthusiast’s dream came true in 1985, when he joined GLS, a company that’s become like a family to him. He explains: “Whenever there’s a problem here, everyone helps each other out. Management listens to the employees, and you can always ask a more experienced co-worker for advice if you’re not sure about something.”

When he first started at GLS, René was assigned the Toronto route with another driver from Montréal. “We’d spend our weekends in Toronto. It was great—I was young and single!” he laughs. Nowadays, his route takes him to Port Hope, Ontario, half an hour from Oshawa, between 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. every night—a schedule that suits the night owl to a tee. “If there’s one thing I’m not, it’s an early bird! You need to be disciplined to work nights, but most of all, you can’t be afraid to be alone,” he explains.

When he’s not behind the wheel hauling merchandise, mostly for L’Oréal, René likes to go to antique car shows with his wife or tinker with his vintage 1986 Mustang convertible. But, every day, he treasures the opportunity to do a job he’s always wanted to do, for a company as highly respected as GLS. “I started driving trucks when I was 25 years old. I feel very lucky to still be here today,” he concludes.

“I love my job just as much now as the day I first started, and even more, if that’s possible!” exclaims Claude Julien, 55, a GLS truck driver since 1983. Claude first heard about the company from a family friend in Rouyn-Noranda, where he was spending Christmas with his relatives. “My uncle’s friend was a truck driver and he told me that GLS was looking for a driver for northern Ontario. A few days later, I was hired!” he says.

Just 21 years old at the time, Claude was a forerunner of sorts in a vast territory that had yet to be tapped by GLS. Himself a native of Chelmsford, a small town near Sudbury, Claude started driving routes in North Bay, Timmins, Sault-Sainte-Marie, and even Thunder Bay, delivering mainly to banks and credit unions.

After so many years on the road, there’s very little of Ontario that the truck driver hasn’t seen. In fact, he drives back and forth between Montréal and Ottawa twice each night. “If there’s a hockey game on, I like to listen to it on the radio. Otherwise, I listen to the traffic stations. I have no choice, with all the construction and road closures going on in Montréal!” says Claude, who admits that he’s gotten to know Montréal even better than Ottawa because of all the detours. One thing is certain: Patience and resourcefulness are essential qualities in this job. “A lot of drivers get very impatient when they get stuck in an accident. Not me. You always have to think about other people when you’re driving, and my mechanical skills come in handy whenever I run into a problem,” he points out.

Claude can cover up to 200,000 km each year in his truck, but that doesn’t stop him from road-tripping all over Canada in his spare time, to places like the Gaspé peninsula, the Laurentians, and New Brunswick. For 34 years now, GLS has satisfied his wanderlust, which Claude hopes to someday pass on to the younger generation. “GLS is like a big family to me,” he says. “I see myself doing this job for at least another ten years. I’ve become somewhat of a mentor. The young drivers who are just starting out feel comfortable walking up to me with their questions. I hope that they’ll eventually come to love this job as much as I do!”

Melissa joined GLS as a Sorter in 2010 and was promoted to Operations Manager in 2017. As an employee who is motivated and dedicated, Melissa has an excellent work ethic that has allowed her to build strong relationships with her colleagues and peers. Always ready to help and learn from others, Melissa is a key resource across all departments in the organization, she often travels to different GLS locations to provide advice and help improve operations.

What is your background at GLS?
I started at GLS in Brampton as a sorter and gradually moved up through dispatch, occupying many different positions. I then switched to GLS in Pickering in 2016 as a supervisor and was promoted to Operations Manager this year.

In your opinion, what has contributed to your success at GLS?
I am fortunate to have traveled, met and learned from many of the company’s employees across Canada. The relationships that have been built enable me to succeed each day. Many of our fellow employees have amazing ideas. We never have to be afraid to ask questions, it is amazing what we can learn from each other!

What makes you proud to work for GLS?
I have had the opportunity to move up the ladder within this organization! GLS is growing and knows how to grow its employees. It’s amazing to see how far we have come in 8 years and to see employees work hard and move up internally. This speaks volumes about GLS’s values!

From working as a Sorter in 2015, to Lead Hand in 2016, to Supervisor in 2017, and finally being promoted to Operations Manager in 2019 for the Hamilton terminal, Eric Brady has climbed the ranks here at GLS and he is not slowing down. He is an integral part of the team.

In your opinion, what do you think contributes to your success at GLS?
My peers, they are always willing to listen and assist in any way possible. My Regional Manager, Nic, who is always challenging me, which only furthers my knowledge about managing a terminal. My team in Hamilton has also been a massive contribution to my success.

What makes you proud to work for GLS?
Being able to provide excellent service to our customers and getting their products to them on time, while also assisting with the more challenging special requests. Each day is different and brings a new set of challenges. I take great pride in helping others and watching my team conquer each day with team work.

Are you excited to work under the GLS brand? Why.
I will miss the Dicom name, but I am very excited to see what the future holds under GLS. We have seen so many crucial and important changes in such a short time, it is nice to know we are working for a company that cares about our success.

Since September 2010, Suzanne happily greets everyone who enters GLS’s call center in Montreal. As the receptionist for this office, she is responsible for many tasks and continues to take on a variety of work to ensure the success of the company. She is the definition of excellent customer service and her positive energy keeps everyone around her smiling!

What do you enjoy the most about your job each day?
I enjoy helping clients when they are frustrated by finding a solution for them. Knowing the client is satisfied by the time we end the call is what Customer Service is all about. This makes me feel good!

In your opinion, what do you think contributes to your success at GLS?
A good working environment and team work!

Are you excited to work under the GLS brand? Why.
Absolutely! I am excited to see the company grow and prosper and to be a part of all of it.

What has been your career path at GLS?
I began my career humbly placing pickups 8 years ago in Customer Experience. I then moved on to tracing packages and worked my way up to the Dedicated Customer Experience team. I am now part of Sales and recently moved to Ontario to help build the Inside Sales team in Ontario.

What do you enjoy most about your job each day?
The people. I’ve been lucky enough to work in both provinces that we service and have made amazing friends across so many departments in so many cities. No matter where I am, it always feels like a second home.

In your opinion, what do you think contributes to your success at GLS?
Again, the people. We really do have incredible people working at GLS that have helped me both professionally and personally. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What makes you proud to work at GLS?
The growth! Seeing the company grow into what it is today from when I started in 2012. I’m so proud to be a part of it.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to collect sneakers! I grew up watching basketball and I think I used to pay more attention to what the players had on their feet than what they were actually doing.

What has been your career path at Dicom/GLS?
I started my career at Dicom, now GLS, as a PM Warehouse Employee at our Brampton facility. During my time working in Operations, I moved from Sorter to Forklift Operator to Team Lead before transiting to our IT department as a Technician covering on-site technical support for our Ontario terminals and customers. After being a Technician for over 2 years, I transitioned to our development team as that’s where my formal education was and I have been enjoying my time ever since.

What are your responsibilities at GLS?
I handle the development and maintenance of many web applications and APIs used across the organization, from internal solutions to customer-facing applications. The majority of my time has been dedicated towards the S4A internal portal, which is becoming an integral part of many departments throughout our company.

What do you enjoy most about your job each day?
I get to work with a great, hard-working and dedicated team who help me succeed every single day. I’m fortunate to be able to do something I thoroughly enjoy for a living. Software development has been a hobby of mine since the age of 12 and being able to build my career around that was always something that I strived for.

In your opinion, what do you think contributes to your success at GLS?
Definitely my team. Without the support and amazing work that they provide, I would not be able to perform my job at the level I currently do. GLS is full of extremely talented individuals who are simply a pleasure to work with.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m fortunate enough that my biggest hobby is also what I do for a living, developing! Besides spending far too many hours of the day coding, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my amazing family during my downtime.

What has been your career path at GLS?
Initially, I started working as a driver at Dicom/GLS on a temporary basis, replacing another driver who was on leave. Soon after, I joined the team of full-time city drivers. Since then, I have been delivering and picking up freight from our customers.

What do you enjoy most every day in your work?
What I love most of all about my job is simply getting into my truck, every day! I also love being in contact with others: driving through the city to see different customers.

What do you think contributes to your success at GLS?
There are great people who work in the company. They have a real passion for what they do and they truly want to succeed and always do better. This team allows me to achieve my career goals and have fun in my job.

What makes you proud to work at GLS?
This has been a great opportunity in my career. I am really proud that GLS took a chance on me. This opportunity taught me what I am capable of and what I can bring to the company.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I simply like to relax and enjoy spending time with my family - we often watch movies together!

In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I have worked for GLS for 25+ 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.

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!

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!

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!

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 so many 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 and of where we are now. GLS also has several recognition programs for its employees, regardless of the position.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I started my career in Customer Experience 15+ 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 changed to the Purchasing team in 2017. 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.

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 do you enjoy most about your job?
I have been with GLS for 20+ 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.

Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
My wife 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!).

In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I came to GLS in 2016 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.

David embarked on his GLS journey in 2018 and quickly became a highly esteemed colleague and Supervisor. His dedication, tireless efforts and strong work ethic have not gone unnoticed!

In a few sentences, describe your career path with GLS.
I started my career with GLS as a part-time Forklift Operator until I became a full time employee. I was then promoted to Supervisor!

In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
My work ethic and ability to solve problems.

Why are you proud to work for GLS?
I am proud to work for GLS because I feel valued at every level of the organization from my Manager to the President. GLS makes the time for their employees!

Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of work, I like to golf, read and hike.

Is there a fun fact you would like to share?
I can’t turn down an Italian dinner!

Over the course of almost 30+ years, Lyne has consistently demonstrated genuine dedication and unwavering support towards her team. Her reliability, discipline and meticulousness contribute every day to the success of our organization.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the variety of tasks the most. While I have a certain routine, the differentiated tasks never make it feel like a routine.

In your opinion, what contributes to your success at GLS?
My tenacity, my open-mindedness, and the fact that I always want to do more and learn more.

Why are you proud to work for GLS?
GLS is a family. Both clerks and senior management are available to help you if there is a problem, no matter what it is.

Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I am a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. In the summer, I go camping every weekend. I enjoy going fishing four seasons a year!

With over 10 years of experience with GLS, Aman's deep understanding of operations plays a pivotal role in the success of our Regina terminal. His commitment to excellence and his team continues to inspire and uplift those around him on a daily basis.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Our team is knowledgeable and a self-running, smooth machine!

Why are you proud to work for GLS?
GLS believes in its people and there will always be an opportunity to grow within our company.

Who are you outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?
I am involved in my community! For 11 years now, I volunteer as Secretary of the Cavalier Cricket Club. For the past 8 years, I have been volunteering as Game Day Ambassador of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a CFL team. I am also the Ambassador for REAL (Regina Exhibition Association Limited) for the last 5 years.

Is there a fun fact you would like to share?
I represented Regina’s cricket team in a provincial tournament!