October 27, 2025
Some wins are seen on the road, and others are made behind the scenes, laying the foundation for safety, compliance, and long-term success. That’s where Esmeralda Esparza, Transportation Safety Specialist I, has been making an impact.
Esmeralda’s journey with Crystal Clean began in 2007 at the Chicago North branch, where she started as a Branch Clerical. After 2 years, she advanced into compliance-focused roles, eventually earning her place on the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) DOT team. This pivotal moment in her career came with the support of Branch Manager Bob Skelton, who encouraged her to pursue new opportunities even if it meant leaving the branch. His belief in her potential helped open the door to her next chapter.
“Esy was quite a catch when she joined the team at Chicago North,” Bob shared. “She immediately made strong relationships with the staff and was a quick study when it came to learning the Crystal Clean way and systems. She worked hard and was very reliable. She truly was an asset to the crew in our quest to grow the branch. Although I was sad to see her go, I was proud of her achievements. I consider it an honor to have worked with her.”
Esmeralda’s path is a strong example of what’s possible through grit, clarity, and a drive to improve the system rather than just follow it.
Today, Esmeralda plays a central role in strengthening Crystal Clean’s driver safety culture, leading efforts to roll out programs that help every driver understand not only how to be safe but why it matters.
“We can’t expect drivers to do their job safely if we don’t give them the right information and tools,” she said. “That means being transparent, communicating clearly, and making sure they’re truly supported in the field.”
Whether she’s navigating DOT regulations, troubleshooting issues, or fielding urgent compliance questions, Esmeralda stays focused on one thing: keeping our branches, our customers, and our drivers safe. She’s especially proud of helping to launch the Motive system, including dashcams and electronic logging devices (ELDs), tools that are now helping shape a more proactive, informed, and safety-first culture on the road.
“Dashcams protect our drivers, provide coaching opportunities, and give managers visibility,” Esmeralda explained. “They’ve already helped prove innocence in accidents and support safer behavior. Over time, we want safety behind the wheel to become second nature, something that’s just part of how we operate.”
And while safety scores don’t improve overnight, progress is already showing. “We’re seeing real changes in how people think and act about safety,” she added. “It’s slow, but it’s steady. The culture is shifting, and that means we’re headed in the right direction.”
Esmeralda brings honesty, accountability, and empathy to her work every day. From supporting new drivers to guiding her teammates through the details of compliance, she focuses on helping others see the bigger picture.
“There are a lot of moving parts in this work, especially when starting a new vendor or launching a new program,” she said. “It’s important that the whole team understands how it all connects, and that we’re working together to get there.”
A defining moment in her career came during a federal DOT audit in 2012, where she spent three intense days making sure Crystal Clean’s field operations were in full compliance. It opened her eyes to just how critical her role is and how much DOT compliance truly supports the business as a whole.
“That audit changed the way I looked at my job,” she said. “It showed me just how high the stakes are, and how essential it is that we do things right.”
Esmeralda also encourages others to take ownership of their learning and development:
“Ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. Use your resources. You don’t have to know everything, you just have to be curious and willing to learn.”
She’s also a big believer in maintaining perspective.
“The work will be here tomorrow. Take care of yourself and find that balance. That’s how we keep doing this for the long haul.”
As part of a growing EHS team, Esmeralda finds joy in supporting others and making sure everyone is aligned.
“We’re a newer team, so it’s really important that we’re on the same page. I’ve worked with some of these folks for over 15 years. We get the job done, but we also joke, we laugh, and we have fun. That makes a big difference.”
She credits Crystal Clean with giving her the opportunity to explore many sides of EHS, from driver qualification and environmental permitting to transporter reporting and now technology implementation. “There’s no shortage of work here. If you’re interested, speak up and ask. You’ll learn it.”
Outside of work, Esmeralda’s creativity shines through her many interests. She enjoys gardening, photography, and spending time with her husband, their three-year-old British fox red Lab, Stella, and their two cats, Cat and Jet. Together, they also care for chickens and bees. Along the way, Esmeralda has picked up a few unique skills, including how to safely handle a butterfly knife.
She loves to travel, preferring to live like a local with just a touch of luxury.
“I’m always chasing new experiences. And a little bit of nice living… because YOLO.”
Now an empty nester, Esmeralda takes pride in watching her son build his career as a licensed barber.
Looking to the future, Esmeralda hopes to see continued growth in Crystal Clean’s safety culture, investment in updated technology, and more recognition for safe driving. Most of all, she wants to see a companywide commitment to improving what’s already working and building trust between corporate and the field.
“We need the field to know we’re here for them. That’s how we grow, together.”
Michelle Walper, Senior Manager of Corporate Risk, DOT, and Sustainability, reflected on Esmeralda’s journey and contributions to the team:
“It’s been great to watch Esy grow over the years. The journey hasn’t always been linear, but she’s taken every challenge in stride and adapted along the way. She’s passionate about what she does and about Crystal Clean, and I’m looking forward to seeing where her path leads next.”
Esmeralda Esparza is part of what makes Crystal Clean’s safety culture stronger every day. Her focus on people, process, and purpose is helping pave the way for a safer, more connected future, and that’s a win for everyone.
