Celebrating Doug Martens Retirement

A Legacy of Dedication and Impact

For just the second time in Clickstop’s 20-year history, we have the incredible privilege of celebrating the retirement of one of our own! On February 3, 2025, Doug Martens will retire after just over seven years of outstanding service to Clickstop—a milestone worth celebrating and reflecting on.

Doug’s journey with Clickstop began in 2018 when he joined the Freight team in search of a better work-life balance. As Doug recalls, “I followed some previous co-workers to Clickstop because I was looking for a better work/life balance. With the core values and the open, friendly atmosphere, Clickstop was a place I knew I could call home.” And what a home he made here!

Despite having no prior experience in freight, Doug hit the ground running, diving into seminars and webinars to build his expertise. “When I started with Clickstop, I had no experience in freight and import,” he shared. “Clickstop sent me to several seminars and webinars with Expeditors to provide the groundwork needed.” His growth and adaptability soon made him an invaluable part of the team, getting involved in pivotal projects like the implementation of ShipHawk TMS and the multilocation project, which established our second distribution center.

A Commitment to Growth & Adaptability

Doug’s story is a testament to Clickstop’s commitment to investing in its people. From the tools and training provided to the teamwork and camaraderie shared, Doug credits much of his success to the supportive environment at Clickstop. “Work smarter, not harder,” he advises. “Working hard is good, but you should always look for new and better ways to do things so that the company continues to grow. As employee-owners, we all make an impact every day, and those impacts will make a difference.”

His dedication to growth and his focus on responsibility and sustainability have left a lasting mark on the company. Doug’s manager, Allen DeHeck, describes him as “a person with high responsibility, which has helped him be incredibly reliable and impactful. He has tremendous knowledge within the scope of work the Freight team is responsible for and cares deeply about our ability to achieve our brand promise and be a reliable teammate.”

Doug’s tenure at Clickstop was marked by an ever-changing freight landscape, including the challenges of container delays, price spikes during COVID, and strikes at ports and railways. Stephanie Mayer on the Purchasing Team highlights his ability to navigate these hurdles:“Doug excelled at communication and collaboration. Whenever there was an issue in freight and supply chain that could impact the business or customers, Doug made sure we were informed in a concise and timely manner. His leadership helped us succeed through some of the toughest challenges.”

The Personal Impact

Doug’s impact extends far beyond his professional contributions. He’s known for his positivity, his unwavering friendship, and, of course, his legendary baking skills. Here are just a couple of his teammates’ thoughts on Doug’s retirement:

“I don’t know Clickstop without Doug in it! We both started at Clickstop at the beginning of 2018, and Doug has been a constant friend through all the professional and personal changes over the years. Doug’s upbeat personality is infectious—if you hear someone whistling or singing a tune in the office, it’s probably him. He also makes the most amazing brownies and cakes. He made three birthday cakes for our kids over the years—a Baby Shark cake, a Dino cake, and a Watermelon cake. Doug always went above and beyond!”
– Stephanie Mayer, Purchasing Team

“Congratulations on your retirement! I’ll especially miss our morning GIFs that always brought a SMILE to my face, and of course, those delicious, sweet treats you make. You’ve made every day a little brighter, and that’s something I won’t forget.”
– Jean Droste, Finance Team

Cherished Memories

Beyond his professional contributions, Doug’s presence brought joy and warmth to Clickstop. Holiday parties, Christmas wars, and the occasional batch of baked goods from Doug made every day a little brighter. “Doug does his job well,” says Leslie Lowdermilk from the Purchasing Team. “But it goes so much deeper than that. He reads and learns and keeps up with current events. He establishes relationships with others in the industry and uses them to keep on top of what is happening in the world of freight. Yet, the reason I will miss Doug the most is because he is a friend who treats me like family.”

Even outside of work, Doug’s talents made an impression. Dan Roehr from the Shared Marketing Team shared: “Doug likes to bake and had a side job doing cakes for special events. I asked him to make a cake for my dad’s 80th birthday party, and the cake was amazing. Doug made a John Deere tractor, and it looked so good my dad was grinning from ear to ear when he saw it.”

It’s that enthusiasm for his work and his teammates, that led to Doug receiving one of our core trait awards just 18 months into his tenure with us. His can-do attitude will leave a mark on each of us and the business.

Looking Ahead

During his time at Clickstop, Doug was able to take a Freedom Retreat (or partially paid sabbatical) that allowed him to get a taste of retirement. Now, he looks forward to traveling with his wife and enjoying the freedom to explore new places. “The main excitement here is that my wife and I will be able to enjoy our retired years traveling and seeing the things we did not have time for while raising a family and building a life,” Doug shared. “We will be able to pick up and go whenever the mood hits us.”

Doug’s impact at Clickstop has been immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow. As Allen DeHeck notes, “Doug leaves behind a legacy of staying curious and being opportunistic. His peers have witnessed his level of responsibility and have learned to count on Doug and the Freight team to help take care of our customers and provide the best service we can.”

A Fond Farewell

Doug’s impact at Clickstop has been notable, and his legacy will inspire those who follow. As Allen DeHeck notes, “Doug leaves behind a legacy of staying curious and being opportunistic. His peers have witnessed his level of responsibility and have learned to count on Doug and the Freight team to help take care of our customers and provide the best service we can.”

Stephanie Mayer sums it up beautifully: “Doug, I’m going to miss you and selfishly wish you’d be here longer. But I know you are just a phone call away. Enjoy the traveling and relaxation with Susan—you both deserve it!”

Doug’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for Clickstop. While we will miss his knowledge, leadership, and friendship, we are thrilled to celebrate this next chapter of his life. Thank you, Doug, for your incredible dedication, your embodiment of Clickstop’s core values, and the joy you brought to our team. You’ve left Clickstop a better place, and your legacy will continue to shape us for years to come.

Congratulations on your retirement, Doug!