2025 Top Women in HVAC: Megan McIntosh
Megan McIntosh
A year later, after getting the big projects over the finish line, the company decided HVAC was more complex and costly than expected and pivoted back to framing. But by then, my partner, Matt Golden (whom I had hired to help run operations) and I already had a strong customer base. Our clients were surprised to learn we did not already own the company, so the decision was easy. We launched Mechanical Environments in March 2022, focusing on service and continuing to take care of the customers who trusted us from the start. We service a wide range of equipment, from residential units to commercial chillers.
How and when did you enter the HVACR industry?
I had a family member in the HVAC industry who spent about six months convincing me to make the change. Eventually, they succeeded, and I uprooted my life in Ohio and moved to Denver to join Geary Pacific. Huge thanks to Dennis and Carolyn Weber for giving me that nudge. Getting into HVAC has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
The best part of my job is knowing I’m helping my customers. Whether it’s restoring cooling in the middle of winter (yes, “no cooling” calls happen then, too) or during the peak of summer, I love knowing I’m helping a business keep its operations on track. Every service call is about making someone’s day a little better. HVAC isn’t just about equipment and systems — it’s about solving problems, easing stress, and providing comfort for both the people and the plants. That feeling of making a difference, sometimes in moments of real urgency, is what makes this work so rewarding.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
My proudest moment was when I installed my first full system completely on my own. It wasn’t just about getting the job done, it was about proving to myself that I had the skills, knowledge, and determination to see it through from start to finish. That day gave me a huge boost of confidence and reminded me that I’m capable of taking on challenges that once felt intimidating. It’s a milestone I’ll always carry with me in my HVAC journey.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
Representation matters. I get a lot of HVAC company flyers in the mail, and I can’t recall ever seeing a woman technician in any of them. Just imagine how many young girls we could reach simply by choosing marketing images that include women in the trades.
I love seeing more women in the trades sharing their work on social media. We are out there, and I believe you’ll be seeing a lot more of us in the future.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
I can’t say I have an HVACR bucket list, but I’m passionate about continuing to represent women in the trades and inspiring others to join. My goal is to help break down barriers, show what’s possible, and create a more inclusive industry where everyone feels welcome and empowered to succeed.
What advice do you have for women who are considering entering the HVACR field?
Nothing is stopping you except you. As women, we’re used to being told we can’t or shouldn’t do certain things. We’ve heard it our whole lives. But often, our toughest critic isn’t the outside world, it’s ourselves. Once we push past that self-doubt and find the confidence to try something that feels scary or impossible, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. There’s a place for everyone in the trades.
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