2024 Top Women in HVAC: Mary Jo Hann
Kelsey Fuller
What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?
I joined Munch’s Supply in spring 2015. They were looking for subject matter experts in key areas after the business was purchased by a private equity group. I had been working in the direct selling industry (businesses like Pampered Chef, lia sophia, etc.). When I interviewed for the position with Munch, I was surprised at the number of similarities (dealer trips, dealer meetings, monthly promotions, websites, branding, etc.). Although the industry and product line were completely different from what I had been used to, I was excited for the opportunity to once again run a full-service marketing department.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
When I started in HVACR almost 10 years ago, the approach to marketing was still very antiquated. It has been exciting to bring a 21st-century approach (branding, print, web, social, events, etc.) to the marketing that we do and see the resulting levels of adoption and growth from customers, employees, and vendors.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
I’ve been doing this for a while, so that’s a tough one. In looking back, I would say it was navigating the business during the COVID pandemic. It seems like the rules changed every day, and we were making it up as we went along — how we communicated, how we operated day-to-day, even how we worked together as a team. While it was a terrible time, I think it brought out the best in many. My team really pulled together, and ultimately, we came out stronger than before.
What challenges do women face in this profession? Can you give a personal example?
It is still a very male-dominated industry. Over the last 10 years, it has been great to see an increase in the number of women entering and growing in our businesses. The majority of my team is currently female. It’s great to see more women in leadership roles in what can be considered a more technical industry.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
This is a great industry. We need to keep spreading the word. Features (like this) with such wide readership are a huge help. I think that mentorship and participation in national organizations also provide a camaraderie that many women don’t find in the day-to-day.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
No two days are ever the same. Leading a team that does marketing for more than a dozen HVAC companies encourages variety. In one day, we can move from brainstorming a marketing strategy to event planning to branding a new initiative to launching a website or creating employee messaging.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
Ten years ago, I entered an industry that I really knew little about. Since then, the business has grown more than 9x. What started as a small marketing team trying to build one brand has grown to be a full-service agency working on more than 20 brands. That’s pretty amazing. As I look forward, my hope is to expand my role to Chief Marketing Officer.
What advice do you have for women who are considering a career in HVACR?
Be confident in what you know. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and always be true to who you are.
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