May 27, 2025
At Crystal Clean’s headquarters, you’ll find Sarah Nelson, our energetic and forward-thinking Training & Development Specialist. Known for her rocket ship emojis 🚀 and loud music playlists, Sarah brings passion and precision to every part of her day, starting at 4 a.m. sharp with two cups of coffee, a clean workspace, and a can-do attitude.
Sarah joined Crystal Clean three years ago, stepping into the environmental services industry for the first time after raising four children and building a career in private wealth management.
“It was a major change,” she said, “but the opportunity to create meaningful training and directly impact the safety and success of our people—it was exactly what I was looking for.”
Her typical day is anything but typical. Whether she’s troubleshooting Crystal Clean’s Learning Management System (CCU), answering field questions about learning systems, directing team members, developing content, working with vendors, or preparing CDL training, Sarah is at the center of ensuring the entire company keeps learning and moving forward.
“Sarah brings energy in everything she does and that’s truly inspiring,” said Ed Guglielmi, Divisional Vice President. “No matter the subject or task, she’s all in from start to finish and doesn’t let challenges or roadblocks stop her—she plows right through them. Sarah is always there for the branch employees to help solve not only training issues but is also happy to get involved with any problems they’re experiencing.”
For Sarah, training isn’t just about procedures, it’s about people.
“Our job is to help individuals grow into their roles and overcome challenges,” she explained. “Training doesn’t just impact an employee, it affects their team, their branch, their customers, and even the environment.”
What excites her most? Watching that growth firsthand.
“Seeing someone light up because they finally feel confident in their job—that’s my favorite part of the day.”
Sarah believes that safety starts with communication. Not just physical safety, but the ability to speak up, ask questions, and feel secure in doing so. That belief drives the training environment she builds every day.
One of the most memorable moments in her role came during the branch manager workshops.
“That was more than just a training—it was a turning point,” Sarah shared. “I witnessed the true power of relationships at Crystal Clean in action. Across branches, across regions, we came together to connect, collaborate, and grow. With countless years of industry knowledge in one room, the lessons shared and bonds built were immeasurable. We didn’t just learn from the content—we learned from each other. That’s the Crystal Clean way.”
“Sarah has a take-charge and gets-it-done attitude,” said Todd Rohde, Divisional Vice President. “She’s also known for her unique vocabulary. We are very fortunate to have her on our team.”
Sarah lives out the values of relationships and excellence with intention.
“I work with people from every part of the company, and it’s important that they feel heard and supported,” she shared. “Excellence means giving your absolute best—what’s excellent for you today may change tomorrow, but effort and intent matter most.”
She brings these values to life through participating on the 2023 MVP Committee, where she helps host powerful events focused on company values.
“That meeting brought people together. It made them feel welcomed, seen, and part of something bigger.”
She also hasn’t forgotten the day she pumped several thousand gallons from drums in the field, earning the customer’s trust so well, they almost thought she was taking over the route.
“That gave me a whole new appreciation for what our sales and service representatives do every day,” she said.
Sarah is proud of the impact she’s already had at Crystal Clean—most notably, launching the Drive Crystal 5 program, which led to a 26% reduction in our CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score in just six months. It’s a milestone that proves her work doesn’t just train, it transforms.
Looking ahead, she’s excited to see the company continue to embrace training, where employees aren’t just certified—they’re confident.
“We need more applicants than seats,” she said. “I want to see us become truly one team, one heartbeat—field and corporate united.”
Outside of work, Sarah’s life is full of energy and heart. She shares a home with her boyfriend Denis and is a proud mom to four kids between the ages of 16 and 20. Once a competitive car audio enthusiast, she even won 3rd place in a MECA bass competition—before her winning system was stolen, bringing her brief but booming career to a close.
She studied to be a trauma nurse, loves cleaning as a favorite pastime, and has a special fondness for reindeer, “Richards” a.k.a. alligators, and her all-time favorite animal: the hippo.
“They’re cute,” she says with a grin.
Sarah Nelson is proof that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about vision, empathy, and the drive to make others better. With her strategic mind and people-first approach, Sarah continues to shape the future of Crystal Clean, one training at a time.
