Tracey Lewin to Retire After 37 Amazing Years with Allen Lund Company

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - When an individual spends more than half of their life working, growing, and developing with a single company, it becomes a part of who they are. And if that individual is Tracey Lewin, she becomes an essential and vital part of it as well. It is difficult to fully capture what her 37 years with Allen Lund Company (ALC) have meant, but to Tracey, they are an integral part of her life; defined by a deep love for her team and a desire to see more companies like ALC thrive at the top of the logistics world.

As Tracey, Vice President of Sales and Operations, prepares to retire on December 31, 2025, I asked her what she hopes her legacy will be within Allen Lund Company and the fresh produce industry, and what advice she would offer the next generation of leaders.

“When I think of legacy, I think of Allen Lund himself. I struggle to think about myself in that context,” Tracey reflected. “I hope others can see themselves creating a career path the same way I did; entry level to Vice President; by putting in the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears, never giving up or taking the easy road, always finding a way to say yes, and delivering on your word. The moment you doubt your abilities is the moment you have to lean in even harder. When you do, I promise your grit and courage will take you far.”

Tracey added that she is particularly proud to have built her career as a woman in the 3PL industry at a time when few women were represented, to have advanced to the Vice President level, and to have helped create opportunities for other women eager to grow in this fast-paced and evolving field. She emphasized that the industry has room for many more voices and encouraged women to step forward.

Allen’s heart, honesty, and grace had a lasting impact on Tracey, beginning with her interview with the man himself.

“When I arrived for my job interview with Allen in January 1989, I had my résumé in hand, filled with all kinds of odd-job experiences; none of which directly translated to anything at ALC,” Tracey recalled. “He took one look at it and promptly tossed it over his shoulder. Leaning forward, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘I don’t care what’s on that piece of paper. I just want to know about YOU.’ In that moment, I knew he and his company were going to be something special.”

That experience stayed with her throughout her career, reinforcing the value of genuine connection over words on paper. “I love that this story was included in the book Be Good, so many more people can experience Allen’s way with people, the way I did all those years ago. He never knew a stranger.”

Over nearly four decades with ALC, Tracey gleaned countless lessons, though narrowing down the moments that defined her career is no easy task.

“The things that impacted me most as a leader are centered on communication; being a good listener and responding with compassion and value,” Tracey said. “I’ve always believed that being a heart-centered leader is key to success at any level. When you lead with your heart, you naturally influence others, and influence is fundamental to effective leadership. People tend to follow those who positively influence them.”

That heart-centered leadership also supported a team driven to thrive in an industry where no two days were ever the same.

“Every challenge brought unique circumstances that required creative thinking, quick action, and trusting my instincts,” Tracey shared. “Delivering bad news alongside well-prepared solutions—and doing so with honesty, integrity, and genuine concern—often results in a grateful customer whose trust and loyalty multiply. That cycle is incredibly gratifying and helps define your ‘why.’”

Being part of Allen Lund Company also meant being shaped by its family-owned, relationship-driven culture.

“Starting with the company when it was still a true mom-and-pop operation cemented the Lund core values and the Lund Way of doing business in me,” Tracey explained. “It was a natural fit, coming from a family with similar values. I learned early how to read people, and I learned from Allen that hiring for culture and personality—rather than just skills—creates stronger teams. Skills can be developed. What you gain are long-term employees who want to grow and create their own success.”

Tracey concluded by sharing that customer relationships aren’t much different from employee relationships. Both require honesty, integrity, and heart. Allen always said, “Your word is your bond.”

And it truly is.

A huge congratulations to Tracey, and an even more heartfelt thank you for paving the way for those who will follow and providing a beacon of strength and heart.