2025 Top Women in HVAC: Leilani Orr
Leilani Orr
How and when did you enter the HVACR industry?
Skilled trades have been a part of my life for generations — through my grandparents, parents, spouse, and now adult children. The impact of the trades on the careers and lives of my family and community has been significant, so I was born into it. In 2005, I stepped into a support role alongside my husband to help launch our HVACR company. Over time, I've seen how gaining real skills and learning how to build and solve problems can create purpose and opportunity in people’s lives. Most recently, in 2025, I entered a new chapter in this space by launching the GRIT Foundation — a federally recognized 501(c)3 — with co-founders Bryan Orr and Ruchir Shah, to inspire tradespeople to share their knowledge with students across the country by hosting hands-on experiences for youth to be exposed to the skilled trades in a fun and exciting way.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
It’s hard to choose just one. But seeing students (and so many girls) show up to a GRIT Camp, often timid and unsure — then leave six hours later having built something from a blueprint using real skills like carpentry, brazing, soldering, plumbing, and electrical — is incredibly rewarding. Guided by experienced tradespeople, they walk away more confident, inspired, and curious. Watching that transformation in such a short time is powerful.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
Without a doubt, launching the GRIT Foundation. It’s been an incredible journey. Not only handling the operational side, but also partnering with contractors across the country who share our vision and want to be part of something bigger. Seeing that alignment and excitement has made this one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
We keep showing up and inviting them. We teach our daughters hands-on skills early. We stop labeling work roles in the home and other spaces as male or female. And we focus less on proving ourselves as women, and more on simply doing excellent work. That’s how we build respect and reshape the culture — by participating fully and confidently. We’re in this together.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
There’s still so much I want to learn. Tradespeople constantly inspire me with their problem-solving skills and ability to step into complex situations and find solutions. I want to bring that mindset into everything I do. One dream is to co-author a book with my husband, Bryan Orr, about mindset, exploring what it takes to thrive in this industry, both through its challenges and its rewards.
What advice do you have for women who are considering entering the HVACR field?
You absolutely can do this. But you have to want it. If you want it, start. There’s no limit to the opportunities ahead of you.
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