2024 Top Women in HVAC: Holly Paeper
Holly Paeper
What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?
I entered the HVACR industry over 8 years ago. There are two things that attracted me to the industry — first, the opportunity to work in an industry that has such a large opportunity to positively impact the planet. Second, the Trane brand. I had heard great things about the kind of company this is — and haven’t been disappointed. At the end of the day, we all want to make an impact and do interesting work. I’m surrounded by people at Trane who bring an unlimited fountain of energy, every day, to solve grand challenges and impact future generations. It’s awesome. What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR? The most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR is the opportunity to be an industry transformer and a change maker. As business people, we all choose where to work and what to spend our time on. It’s really rewarding to be part of a company and an industry that can have lasting impact.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
I have had many moments that I’m proud of. The most recent is the day I started as the president of the Commercial HVAC business at Trane Technologies. I feel privileged to lead a talented and dedicated organization to decarbonize the built environment. As the first woman president in this business’ 111-year history, I am excited to lead our business to continue to add unmatched value to customers. And, to set up the business for another century of success.
What challenges do women face in this profession? Can you give a personal example?
We don’t have enough women in this industry. The largest challenge is that I still see so many rooms that don’t have diversity that represents the communities we operate in. It’s hard to be the “only” in the room — and it still happens too much in our industry. The good news is that it is improving, and I’m proud of the role Trane Technologies continues to play to create a culture of inclusion and to be a role model in the industry.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
We can increase the number of women in HVACR by talking more about the huge impact talent can make on the world in this industry. Most of us are driven to make an impact, to make our work matter. This is an industry where that opportunity is very real.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
I work hard to spend time in our field offices, our manufacturing facilities, and with our customers. Going to where the real work is done is an important way for me to stay connected to the opportunities to create value for our customers and our people. When I’m not traveling to one of our locations, I spend time in meetings, coaching talent, and knocking down roadblocks for my very talented leadership team.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
Championing the role that a 10x mindset can have on our industry — we have significant opportunities in front of us. Fifteen percent of GHG is attributed to the heating and cooling of buildings. How do we, as an industry, continue to bring creativity, innovation, and bold thinking to solve grand challenges like this? Trane Technologies is certainly focused on this — how can I inspire others to bring the same bold thinking? Imagine if everyone in the industry was thinking and solving at this scale.
What advice do you have for women who are considering a career in HVACR?
Don’t hesitate. You have a huge opportunity to make an impact. And to have a rewarding career, whether that reward comes from impact, financial, learning opportunity, or otherwise.
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