For as long as he can remember, Scott Biddle has had a passion for farming and transportation. By the time he founded Scotlynn in 1993, he had acquired an extraordinary depth of knowledge and understanding about what it takes to ensure that fresh produce makes it from farm to fork safely, reliably and efficiently.
Today, major agricultural enterprises across North America rely on Scotlynn for state-of-the-art transportation that is time-sensitive, temperature-controlled and high-quality. As CEO, Scott works to apply the latest technology to streamline operations and places a strong emphasis on creating a dynamic team of skilled, motivated workers.
Recently he shared his secrets for success in this vital industry.
Q: When did you first know that agricultural logistics was your passion and future career?
Scott Biddle: I knew it from the time I first began to think about what I wanted to do with my life — in elementary school. I was always passionate about transportation and trucks, and from a young age I’ve always been around them. So I never really thought about doing anything else.
Q: How are you applying the latest technology to add efficiency to your operations?
Scott Biddle: We’re continuously looking at technology to automate different things within our business and make ourselves more efficient. The industry continuously gets more competitive, and we have to continuously look at ways to be ahead of the curve as far as technology and keeping up with the competition. We always want to be on the leading edge of that and not on the bleeding edge.
In every different aspect of our business, from our trucks, the efficiencies of fuel to automation within logistics and the strength of our communications, there’s so many different ways technology is adding efficiency.
On the farming side we use technology as a tool for motivation and enhancing our produce planting, picking, and packing efficiencies. Technology plays a massive role, especially in today’s world.
Q: What was the biggest hurdle you faced in growing Scotlynn from a small, regional company into a major nationwide presence in the industry?
Scott Biddle: I would say the biggest hurdle as you grow is trying to keep those values from a small company to a large company that still has the same vision and passion. Creating too many layers within your business sometimes frustrates and complicates the culture. So, I would say that’s the biggest hurdle is making sure it still feels tight-knit and genuine.
Q: How is Scotlynn involved in the local community?
Scott Biddle: In every city that we’re located in, we strive to be very involved in the community in many aspects. We have a lot of people that work for us in those communities, and we encourage them to bring forward what they like to support and are passionate about. We have Community Outreach Committees in all of our locations that organize volunteer and charitable contribution opportunities to get everyone involved in giving back. Our teams know what’s going on within the communities and put in so much volunteer time because they want to; so yeah, we’re very involved.
Q: What are the key principles of business that you follow?
Scott Biddle: For key principles, I would say number one: Always be honest with your customers and employees. And second, make sure that everyone understands your vision.
Q: How do you define a successful business leader?
Scott Biddle: A successful business leader is someone who is always listening and always trying to earn the job that they have, always trying to just earn the position that they have within the business. Most important, a successful leader is continuously trying to be a better leader.
