News

A Milestone in Leadership 

At Scotlynn, leadership is defined by discipline, humility, and a commitment to its people.    In a recent leadership recognition, Scotlynn President, Ryan Carter, was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Business Hall of Fame, alongside fellow honorees David Hoffmann, Jerri Hoffmann, and Rebecca Maddox. This distinction represents one of the highest honors in the regional business community, reserved for leaders who have demonstrated long term excellence, principled leadership and a meaningful impact on both industry and community.  

From Early Work Ethic to Building a Business 

Ryan’s introduction to business began early on, shaped by a strong work ethic and a determination to stay ahead. “I got my start in business at a fairly young age,” said Ryan Carter, President of Scotlynn. “In high school, I was always working, whether it was tree care, special events, driving a truck, or even operating a crane. I worked more than all of my friends.” After attending the University of Kentucky, Ryan began his career in third-party logistics in Cincinnati, where he met Scott Biddle. “Three years later, we landed in Fort Myers, started our own business together, and the rest is history.”

Building Something Bigger  

One of Ryan’s most significant accomplishments is the establishment of Scotlynn’s U.S. operations in Florida. What began with a small, dedicated team, several of whom remain with Scotlynn today, grew through years of relentless effort and commitment. Since its early days, the operation has scaled substantially, creating meaningful opportunities for others, something Ryan considers the most fulfilling aspect of the journey. Today, Scotlynn serves thousands of customers and employs hundreds of team members across the United States, with offices in Greenville, Tampa, Indianapolis, and Fort Myers, as well as large-scale operations in Canada, based in Vittoria and Brantford. 

A People-First Philosophy 

At the core of Ryan’s leadership philosophy is a belief in surrounding oneself with the right people. “One piece of advice I’d give future entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with great people, both personally and professionally. You need people who buy into the vision, match your effort, and keep you grounded.” This mindset has shaped Scotlynn’s culture from the beginning and continues to guide the organization’s recruitment and retention efforts today, including onsite fitness and wellness so people can feel their best.  

The Impact of Junior Achievement 

Ryan’s connection to Junior Achievement dates to his own childhood, where early exposure to financial education left a lasting impression. “I remember a mentor from Junior Achievement coming into my school and talking about finances, and it completely opened my eyes. It made me realize there was more out there when it comes to business, how money works, and how to plan for the future.” That experience continues to shape his belief in the organization’s mission today. “Junior Achievement fills a void that a lot of kids have but don’t always recognize. It opens their eyes and creates aspirations to accomplish big things.”