Employee Spotlight – Nicole Aguilar

March 25, 2026

At Patriot’s Phoenix branch, Nicole Aguilar plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. As Dispatch Manager, Nicole coordinates schedules, manages inventory, and ensures that every job is properly staffed and prepared. With nearly six years in the environmental services industry and five years with Patriot, she has worked her way up through multiple roles and understands first-hand what it takes to support a team in the field.

Nicole started her career with Patriot as a field technician, giving her firsthand experience of the demanding work our field teams handle every day. From there, she moved into the roles of Lead Technician, Foreman, and Emergency Response Supervisor, before stepping into her current role as Dispatch Manager. Having worked her way up in so many different positions, Nicole has a deep appreciation for the work each team member does and what it takes to support them.

A typical day for Nicole starts early with coffee and a focus on preparation. She makes sure crews have everything they need before heading out the door. That includes confirming they have the right supplies, enough personnel for the job, and all the required information to complete their work safely and efficiently. She also keeps a close eye on inventory, making sure chemicals, PPE, and other equipment are fully stocked and compliant. Regular walkthroughs of the warehouse help ensure everything is organized and ready for the next job.

Nicole believes her success comes from taking initiative and treating people fairly. As the oldest sibling in her family, she says she naturally stepped into leadership early in life. That mindset carries into her work today. She focuses on making sure responsibilities are shared evenly and that everyone on the team feels supported.

For Nicole, the team at the Phoenix branch is one of the best parts of the job. She describes the group as hardworking and always willing to help each other out, no matter the situation. That sense of teamwork is critical in an industry where every job can bring new challenges.

One memorable experience during her time with Patriot was attending On-site training in Bakersfield, where she was trained in how to use new equipment. The training was not only valuable from a technical standpoint but also gave her the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other branches and see how truly big of a team she is a part of.

Nicole credits Patriot with supporting her career growth by giving her opportunities to move into new roles and learn different aspects of the business. That trust and encouragement helped her continue developing professionally while staying close to the work she enjoys.

When offering advice to new employees, Nicole is honest about the realities of the job. There will be difficult days, she says, but the good days make the hard ones worthwhile. Maintaining a healthy work life balance and taking advantage of the quieter moments to reset can be just as valuable as working hard when the job demands it.

Safety is also a top priority for Nicole. The work our field reps perform can be dangerous, and she believes it is essential that every team member looks out for one another. Having a crew that trusts each other and works together safely is key to getting the job done right.

Nicole’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Area Manager Tobi Moore shared her appreciation for the impact she continues to have at the Phoenix branch:

“I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Nicole’s exceptional work and dedication. Her contributions have not only met but exceeded expectations, and her professionalism has made a noticeable impact on our team’s success. Nicole’s ability to maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations and deliver consistently high-quality results sets a strong example for others. It’s clear that she approaches her work with both passion and precision, and that commitment inspires those around her. Nicole has played a key role strengthening client relationships and improving team efficiency, and her contributions are deeply valued. Thank you to Nicole for your hard work, dedication, and the positive energy you bring to our workplace.”

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys gardening and visiting local nurseries to add new plants to her collection, especially cacti and flowers. She also enjoys spending time with her family. Nicole and her husband, who owns an automotive shop, often work on cars together. They have two children, a 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter and enjoy attending conventions and spending time together whenever they can.

Looking ahead, Nicole hopes to see Patriot continue expanding into areas such as biohazard decontaminations, helping the company grow while providing important services to communities.

Nicole’s dedication, hands on experience, and commitment to supporting her team make her an important part of the Patriot Phoenix operation. Through organization, initiative, and a strong focus on teamwork, she helps ensure that every job starts with the preparation needed to succeed.