Santibanez is a forklift expert, dedicating 43 years of her career to the industry. She first joined the TLNW team back in 1977. After seven years, Santibanez transitioned elsewhere within the forklift industry. 28 years later, fate brought her back to the TLNW family where she has been since 2014, working out of the Clackamas, Oregon office. “I grew up with five brothers,” said Santibanez. “We always talked shop around the house, so it was a pretty easy decision to get a job within this industry.”
As a Parts Specialist, she spends most of her day on the phone helping customers find the materials they need to keep their fleet moving. She has made many connections over the years. “When you’re in the forklift business you meet everyone,” said Santibanez. “I have made great friends over the years, it’s been a great experience.”
Santibanez has modeled her life after her father, the person who has inspired her the most. Her dad served as a Columbia River Pilot for the majority of his lifetime. “My dad was a hard worker that loved to laugh and have a good time,” said Santibanez. “He always made sure everyone was taken care of. He loved getting to know people, which rubbed off on me and the way I interact with people.”
After a long, successful career in the forklift industry, Santibanez made the decision to retire at the end of August. While she looks to the future she plans to take things one day at a time, enjoying her family and pursuing hobbies. “My husband and I are moving to Saint George, Utah,” she said. “We’re going to be closer to family. I have a new grand baby that I haven’t met yet, so it will be nice not living so far away.”
In her free time she likes to partake in car shows around the country. She and her husband have accumulated a couple of classic cars over the years. “I love my hotrods,” said Santibanez. “We have a ’61 Chevy Camaro and a ’51 Chevy truck that we love to take to car shows. We’ll be spending a lot of time continuing to do that during my retirement.”
As Santibanez is looking towards the future, she is leaving some big shoes to fill as she enters retirement. “I’m thankful that I’m healthy and able to retire,” she said. “Some people have to work their whole lives. I’m happy I can spend time enjoying the things I love most. I’m going to miss it here and the people I have met along the way.”
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication over the years, Pam! We wish you the best of luck on your well-deserved retirement!