Brooke Greenwood
What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?
As part of my degree program’s requirements, I completed a summer internship in the heating development group at Carrier. The unique and challenging projects; the complexity, details, and innovation that went into the products; and the people I worked with all opened me to the possibility of a career in HVACR, specifically at Carrier. I sought a full-time position after graduating and continue to enjoy the people and work 20 years later.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
As an original equipment manufacturer, there is significant focus on the next generation of products that are better for people and the planet; improve the distributor, dealer, and homeowner experiences; and are easier than ever for our technicians to install and service. Projects I have had the privilege of leading are live in the field, being put into practice daily, and it is an incredibly fulfilling full circle moment. From inception to implementation, I know I am making lives and livelihoods better with my contributions.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
By far, I am the proudest of leading an incredible gas furnace team that relaunched our entire platform to focus on easing installation and serviceability challenges for our technicians. Together, we introduced new technology: near field communication (NFC). With the tap of a phone to the furnace control board, technicians can modify installation settings and pull diagnostic information all without power to the unit, making setup and servicing faster and easier than ever. NFC was incorporated into our existing Service Tech App as a one-stop-shop for technicians in the field.
What challenges do women face in this profession?
Manufacturing and other industrial professions are widely considered to be male-dominated. That’s why we have Top Women in HVACR awards, right? — to uplift the women making a difference in an industry not traditionally considered for them. If I’ve learned anything over my 20 years in HVACR, it’s that women must be confident in the value they bring. It is not uncommon to be a minority in the room, and while it might be more comfortable to avoid speaking up or interjecting, our experiences and insight are invaluable. We have earned our seat in that meeting, just like everyone else, and I encourage every one of you to be confident enough to apply your expertise.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
Getting more women in HVACR starts with education. There are a myriad of functions and careers in the industry outside of the traditional installing, servicing, and engineering roles commonly associated with manufacturing and trade. We need creatives, writers, web managers, sales, finance, event planners, customer care, logistics, partnerships, data managers, product managers, HR, social media managers, accounting, you name it — we likely have a team for it. Wherever your passion lies, there is a need in the industry, and I encourage you to apply. I found a home in HVACR, and you can too.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
As the director of service, my team is focused on being the voice of our customers as the industry faces another round of major changes in 2025: the lowering of GWP requirements for refrigerant. We are hard at work validating the installation and servicing of new designs that use Puron Advance (Carrier’s primary replacement for R-410A), creating new installation and service manuals, and developing robust training for the upcoming launches.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
One of my bucket list items is coming to fruition: I get to lead a large-scale event in the near future. I’ll be hosting our National Service Managers Meeting, where we’ll train and collaborate with our customers in preparation for the 2025 regulatory changes. I am incredibly excited to take on this challenge and continue building my resume as a top woman in HVACR.
What words of advice do you have for females who are considering entering the HVACR field?
Go for it and know your value; be confident. Not just for HVACR but in all walks of life and industries; be confident. Have the confidence to know you belong, you bring value to the table, the only ceiling is the one you set for yourself, and go for it.
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