Support’s Closer Thrives at Helping Stores and Teammates

Every successful team has someone who can be counted on when the pressure is highest. In sports, that person might be the closer who seals a victory in the final inning. In business, it’s the individual trusted to bring critical projects to completion. In Paladin Data Corporation Support, that role belongs to Gabe Aguilera.

As a key member of Paladin Support, Gabe is responsible for overseeing the closing shift and ensuring support cases are resolved so client stores are prepared for the next business day. His role goes far beyond simply being one of the last team members online each evening. He is often the person trusted to handle some of the most critical technical issues, including server swaps that enable stores to replace hardware and return to full operation before opening the following morning.

“I’m kind of the designated server swap guy because I’m the closer,” Gabe says. “I just know how to do server swaps and I’ve probably done more than anybody since I’ve gotten here. I just happen to know how to fix a lot of niche issues related to server swaps.”

That specialized expertise has made Gabe a go-to resource for both clients and coworkers. Since joining Paladin in 2024, he has become much more than a dependable support technician. His growing experience and willingness to help others have positioned him as an informal leader and trusted backup for his squad.

“When I first started, it was pretty simple—answer the phones and close some cases,” Gabe explains. “Nowadays, it has grown to be more leadership. I like it. I’ve been having more and more fun just being a big help to the team. I’m mentoring the new guys and teaching them the ropes.”

Helping others succeed comes naturally to Gabe. Before joining Paladin, he built much of his career in retail sales and leadership roles, developing the communication and problem-solving skills that serve him well in technical support today. He also spent time at Oregon Freeze Dry, an industry leader in freeze-dried pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and food products, including the well-known Mountain House brand popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

His move to Paladin marked a return to customer-focused support work—and a return to familiar territory. Raised in Sweet Home, Oregon, Gabe was already connected to the Central Oregon community when he learned about Paladin through friends Maddy and Andrew Martinelli, both Paladin employees who encouraged him to apply. The recommendation proved to be a perfect fit.

Today, Gabe finds the greatest reward in helping both customers and teammates navigate challenges and find solutions.

“I feel like I play an important role training up the new folks,” he says. “Support is sometimes not the easiest thing to do. It’s fulfilling helping out stores and fixing issues that are causing problems. I’m definitely having fun with it.”

That combination of technical expertise, reliability, and leadership has earned Gabe the respect of his peers and managers alike.

“Gabe is a dependable and experienced member of the Paladin team, consistently providing reliable technical support and independently managing the closing shift with minimal supervision,” says Squad 1 Lead Eric Nelson. “His steady performance and commitment provide coverage the entire team can count on.”

Whether he’s handling a complex server swap, mentoring a new team member, or making sure stores are ready for the next day’s business, Gabe plays a vital role in Paladin’s success. His commitment to helping customers and supporting his team exemplifies the values that keep Paladin performing at its best.