There are numerous opportunities in this industry in which women would be a great fit, and companies need to hire for these various positions — from field technicians to salespeople to office operational staff.

I am most fulfilled when I am training, speaking, coaching, and helping other contractors thrive in their businesses. I absolutely love an opportunity to make an impact and help others experience the success and joy that I’ve found in the industry.

Over time, I proved myself as a valuable asset on the counter — not only to our customers but also to my teammates — and after that, many customers would call and only want to talk to me.

To increase the number of women in the industry, we have to gain more respect as an industry as a whole. When society stops looking down on blue collar workers and tradespeople and looks at this industry as another noble profession, we will start to gain more interest from all groups at all levels.

You need to learn the basics to become a master. Do your best at whatever you’re doing, even if you don’t always understand how your day-to-day efforts fit into the bigger picture, and you will be planting the seeds for future success.

I know many brilliant women engineers in HVAC. And even if you aren’t technical, you can bring something amazing to the team. Each of us have different strengths to contribute to our roles. Together, the technical experts and creative minds can collaborate to form an outstanding team.