Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Erika Aguirre: A Solar Disposition

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

Looking for a career change, Erika Aguirre found the right fit working in the solar energy industry. “I have a degree in communication and my area of specialty is marketing,” she explains. “Before I got into solar, I was working in the restaurant industry, doing marketing for the TGI Friday’s franchise. I was feeling ready for a career change, so I started looking around and saw a listing for a position with a solar company. I liked the idea of working in the renewable energy field and helping reduce humanity’s carbon footprint, so I applied. After interviewing with a team of experts in the company, I was hired. It was a totally new industry for me and I liked the challenge. I had to read and learn a lot about solar energy, and I really liked it and continue to find it rewarding.”

Today, as a customer experience manager at SolarUnion, Erika says her favorite part of her job is interacting with clients. “I love talking to customers and assisting them with any questions or help they need. I also enjoy growing my knowledge of the industry. The renewable energy field is so fascinating, and learning about it opens your mind to the possibilities for sustainable energy and a Greener planet.”

Outside of work, Erika spends her free time on a variety of pastimes. “I love going on hikes with my two chocolate labs, Lola and Lucas,” she details. “I also enjoy baking, which is something I learned from my grandma. She did all the cooking in my house when I was growing up, and she loved desserts and sweet treats, so she baked all the time.” Additionally, Erika describes herself as an avid reader. “I read everything from fiction books like the Harry Potter series to books about self-improvement and renewable energy.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Erika emphasizes the importance of responsive communication. “As a customer, few things are more frustrating than needing a question answered and not being able to get a response,” she explains. “Even if I don’t have the information that a customer needs at the moment, I still make it a point to respond and let them know I’m looking into it. That way, they know we aren’t ignoring them. They feel acknowledged and taken care of, and that goes a long way toward ensuring a good customer experience.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Erika has a two-fold answer. “First of all, I would do a lot of traveling. That’s one of my passions—I’ve traveled quite a bit in the past, including a few cross-country road trips throughout the United States. Second, I would buy a house on a beach. My dogs and I love the water, so I think that would make for a great lifestyle.”

ASK ME ANYTHING!

Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked for a small television channel in Peru. I was in the university working on getting my communication degree and one of my professors told me about the job. I started out as a camera director and then became a producer, which I liked better. I produced two or three shows there.

Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Manual of the Warrior of Light” by Paulo Coelho.

Q: What was your first pet?
A: A dog named Princess.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Somewhere with a beach—probably the Maldives or Bora Bora.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Get a hot cup of tea and a blanket, sit with my dogs, and watch a movie.