Most people don’t think about their heating and cooling system until it stops working. I love getting the chance to change that by educating people about their systems, solving comfort challenges, and seeing the impact the right solutions can make in their lives.
We need to get girls excited about the trades when they’re young. There’s so much opportunity in HVACR — whether it’s being a technician, sales professional, system designer, or in manufacturing. Girls need to see women thriving in these roles and loving what they do.
It's an amazing career for those who are built for it, male or female. You are strong enough, capable enough, and smart enough to be the best technician possible.
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.
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.
My advice would be to go for it with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, as the opportunities are vast. Don’t be discouraged by being one of the few women in the room, but instead, make it an advantage by bringing your unique perspective to the table.
We can increase the number of women in HVACR by raising awareness through education and marketing, and by being champions for other women entering the trades. There’s so much opportunity in this industry —whether it’s in the office or out in the field — and we need to make sure women know they belong here.
Whether HVACR or another engineering-based field, I take pride in helping other women — colleagues, recent graduates, or students still in high school — step out of their comfort zones and find their places.
The successor to a business started by his father, Robert Engel, Sr., he has been a noted member of the HVAC community throughout the region. Engel grew up in the business, focused on supporting the success of area independent HVAC contractors.
