Nicole Kreft
Nicole Kreft (Thomas) is an accomplished Executive Account Manager based in Alvin, Texas, with over 15 years of experience in the industrial tank cleaning and petrochemical services industry. Currently with PBI International, LLC, she is recognized for her ability to build strong, long-term client relationships while leading complex operational projects across major refinery sites. Nicole’s career began in accounting, where she developed a sharp financial foundation before expanding into cost controls, project management, and full-scale operations. Her comprehensive, ground-up understanding of the industry allows her to seamlessly bridge financial strategy with field execution.
Throughout her career, Nicole has managed large-scale tank cleaning operations for major clients including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Pemex, overseeing everything from budgeting and procurement to safety compliance and crew leadership. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she has successfully led cross-functional teams, optimized workflows, and driven cost-saving initiatives while maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Her expertise spans P&L management, forecasting, vendor negotiations, and operational efficiency, making her a trusted partner in high-stakes industrial environments where precision and reliability are critical.
As a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Nicole takes immense pride in the reputation she has built through hard work, resilience, and deep industry knowledge. She is widely respected for her ability to lead with confidence, earn trust in the field, and deliver consistent results. Passionate about mentorship and continuous growth, Nicole credits much of her success to learning from seasoned industry professionals and applying those lessons to every stage of her career. Today, she continues to set a standard for excellence while paving the way for greater representation and leadership diversity in industrial operations.
• Foundational Leadership - Health and Safety Council
• Salvation Army - Regular donations and volunteer work
What do you attribute your success to?
What I’m most proud of is building a respected career in a male-dominated industry and earning my place through hard work and persistence. Early on, I understood that respect wasn’t given it had to be earned. It took time to prove that I’m capable, knowledgeable, and committed, but I did just that. Today, my name is well known in the tank cleaning industry, and I take great pride in the reputation I’ve built.
My path wasn’t traditional. I graduated high school and became a mother at a young age, and I’m grateful I was able to stay home with my children during their early years. Later, I attended community college for accounting, though I didn’t complete my degree. Instead, I entered the workforce and learned through hands-on experience and mentorship. I sought out opportunities to grow spending time with industry veterans who had decades of experience and were willing to share their knowledge. Through those relationships and real-world learning, I developed a deep understanding of tank cleaning and industrial storage.
I’ve built my career without formal credentials, relying instead on determination, continuous learning, and the guidance of those who came before me. That journey and where it’s brought me is something I’m truly proud of.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Two individuals who had a profound impact on my early career are Paul Borg and Mike LaBerge both highly respected and well known in the industry. Paul built a global reputation in the tank industry and holds several patents for specialized equipment and machinery, while Mike brought decades of hands-on expertise. Though both are now retired, they took me under their wing early on and played a pivotal role in shaping my knowledge and confidence.
I made it a priority to learn from anyone willing to share their experience. I spent time with seasoned professionals many with 30 or 40 years in the field often over something as simple as lunch, absorbing everything I could about tank cleaning and industrial storage.
The most valuable lesson I took from those experiences is this: lean into anyone who is willing to teach you something. There is always more to learn, and growth comes from being open to it. That willingness to learn from others is what truly allows you to succeed and move forward in your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: stand tall, be confident, and own your place. You belong here just as much as anyone else, and there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Be open to learning from those around you. Seek out people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is so much to learn, and real growth comes from embracing those opportunities. The more you invest in learning from others in the field, the more you’ll build the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to succeed and move forward in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our industry right now is the workforce. There’s a shortage of skilled, experienced people, and not enough younger professionals coming in to replace those who are retiring. It creates a gap in knowledge and experience that can be hard to fill. At the same time, it’s also a huge opportunity especially for people who are willing to learn, work hard, and grow within the field.
Another challenge is keeping up with evolving safety standards, environmental regulations, and advancing technology. The industry is constantly changing, and companies have to stay proactive to remain compliant and competitive. But again, that creates opportunity for those who are adaptable and open to learning new processes, equipment, and best practices.
Overall, while there are definitely challenges, I see more opportunity than anything else. For those willing to put in the effort, learn from others, and stay flexible, there’s a lot of room to build a strong and successful career in this industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life start with my faith. I put God at the center of everything I do and give Him the glory for the blessings in my life both personally and professionally. That foundation keeps me grounded, focused, and grateful.
I also place a high value on honesty and transparency. I believe clear, open communication with coworkers, clients, and everyone I work with is essential to building trust and achieving long-term success.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy playing a variety of musical instruments, and I’m a member of our church handbell choir. Music and service are both important parts of how I stay connected and give back.
Giving back is something that’s very personal to me. The Salvation Army holds a special place in my heart because of the impact it had on my father’s life during his battle with addiction. Though he’s no longer with us, the support they provided meant so much to our family. Because of that, I make it a priority to support them whenever I can.