Spotlight: Juan Aguirre

Member of the Month – April Spotlight: Juan Aguirre

As members of District Council 16 receive their dues refund checks this month—based on hours worked over 1,800—it’s a great time to recognize those who go above and beyond. Refund amounts vary depending on dues brackets and total hours worked, and this year, one member stood out above the rest.

Juan Aguirre worked more hours than any other member last year, earning him the well-deserved title of Member of the Month for April.

Juan joined the union right after graduating high school, inspired by his brother Ricardo, who introduced him to the opportunities the union provides. Both Juan and Ricardo entered the commercial paint apprenticeship before DC16 added the industrial program and before the state-certified apprenticeship expanded to five years. At the time, advancement was based purely on hours worked—and thanks to their strong work ethic and long hours, they completed their apprenticeship in just about three years.

Juan credits much of his early development to his instructor, Adol Duarte, whose industrial experience helped provide additional training beyond the standard commercial scope. One lesson that stuck with Juan and continues to guide him in the field is simple but critical: prep matters. Proper preparation is the foundation of every successful job, ensuring long-term performance and preventing failure.

Now working with Olsen Precast, Juan operates in a demanding industrial environment where safety is critical. The company conducts its own annual safety certifications, and despite the risks associated with industrial painting, they have maintained an excellent safety record. While this independent training can sometimes feel isolating, Juan and his coworkers take pride in the responsibility and discipline it requires.

When asked what he enjoys most about the job, Juan didn’t hesitate: “Hours, hours, hours.” His dedication to working as much as possible has allowed him to enjoy the rewards—purchasing a side-by-side, a boat, and jet skis. In fact, he jokes that he bought all his toys before even owning a truck, often convincing friends to help tow them so he could get out and enjoy his time off.

Though many projects may seem similar, one that stood out to Juan was the Clark County Water Plant, where the work took place more than 40 feet underground offering a very different perspective on what “working at height” can mean.

Juan defines high performance and high value as being versatile, understanding every aspect of the job and being ready to do whatever is needed. His goal is simple: to be the last person laid off because he brings the most value to the team.

That mindset shows in his reliability. Whether it’s helping another crew, stepping in when a project falls behind, or answering a last-minute call, Juan is always ready. He even recalls a time when his boss jokingly called him on his day off while he was in the mountains. Without hesitation, Juan replied that he was already dressed for work and turning around—ready to go wherever he was needed.

His commitment is unmatched. Juan missed only three days of work last year. Whether sick, scheduled off, or even on his birthday, he remains willing to show up. When his brother traveled to Mexico to visit family, Juan stayed behind—asking only for a FaceTime call so he could keep working and not miss out on hours.

For those considering joining the union, Juan’s advice is straightforward: choose the field with the most opportunity and commit fully to it.

Juan and his brother both hope to become more involved within the local and connect with more members when time allows. Until then, Juan continues to lead by example through hard work, reliability, and dedication.

This strong work ethic is exactly what earned Juan Aguirre the highest number of hours worked in Local 159—and why we are proud to recognize him as our Member of the Month for April.

Please join us in congratulating Juan Aguirre—a hardworking, skilled, and dependable member who truly represents what it means to go above and beyond.