Johnson Controls Holds Inaugural Women in HVAC Event
MILWAUKEE– In 1974, Penny Yonan Padgett was asked by a friend to fill in for her as a receptionist at an HVAC company. Forty-four years later, she is still in the industry, having worked her way up to territory manager for YORK® and another manufacturing division of U.S. Air Conditioning Distributors. “I was one of the pioneers,” said Yonan Padgett. “HVAC is my life and my passion.”
Lisa Connors started her career as a mechanical engineer in the electrical field, but after learning about her father-in-law’s business in refrigeration, she decided HVAC was her true calling. Connors is now a project manager for ACCO Engineered Systems. “My job can be high stress, but it is very rewarding,” said Connors. “It’s a tough field in general and can be even tougher for women.”