Carrie Lindow, president: Chem Trach Alaska, Inc.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: View from the Top - Company overview

Carrie Lindow was born and raised in Anchorage. An only child, she was raised by a father who she says "embodies the definition of an entrepreneur" and a mother who "believes in always asking 'why.'" She left the state for college, attending the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship.

After school, she returned to Alaska because of the opportunities that she saw available for young people in the state, including the ability for young professionals to quickly make an impact in their profession and community. Once back, she continued her education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, obtaining master's degrees in business and project management.

Founded by Sig Jokiel in 1973, ChemTrack began as a construction company, and with the 1985 addition of Chuck Ronan, the company evolved to become an environmental services and engineering business as well. Lindow joined the company in 2002 and became a partner in 2008. In May 2010, she became the majority owner.

Lindow is president of the Anchorage-based ChemTrack Alaska, Inc., a GSA prequalified Alaskan Woman Owned Small Business that specializes in construction, environmental engineering, and remediation services.

WORKING STRATEGIES: We have worked hard to get into our current work arena. We've had to cycle through down years as well as prepare for high volume seasons all while keeping a focus on remaining an authentic company that has purpose and cares for our people as well as our environment.

We overcame hurdles like slow work seasons by watching trends, looking for new markets to enter, researching, and then taking action when we see a good long-term fit that aligns with our core competencies.

INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN: In the spring of 2012 ChemTrack designed and built an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation-approved bioswale system at the Delta Western gas station in Haines. The gas station had become a contaminated site after a subsurface fuel line leak was discovered in 2009. The...