The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors’ National Association (PHCC) recently hosted the PHCCCONNECT2023 event from October 25 to 27 in Cleveland, where plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for a mix of learning, entertainment, and inspiration. The event boasted a lineup of over 20 educational sessions, compelling keynote presentations by luminaries such as coach Ken Carter, the real-life figure behind the 2005 film “Coach Carter,” and Connor Lokar from ITR Economics. Additionally, attendees had the chance to explore a trade show brimming with the latest innovations in the industry and much more.
One of the standout moments of the event was an engaging “Women in Industry” panel discussion featuring six accomplished tradeswomen who candidly shared their career challenges and experiences. The panelists included:
- Lara Beltz, the owner of Beltz Home Service Co. in Findlay, Ohio.
- Linda Hudek, the owner of LH Plumbing Services in Fairfield, Ohio.
- Jacquelyn Lindsey Wynn, a senior consultant at Lindsey Brothers Inc. in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
- Ashley Martin, the executive vice president of NIBCO Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana.
- Cassie Pound, co-owner of Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Glenpool, Oklahoma.
- Angie Snow, principal industry advisor at ServiceTitan.
The central focus of the roundtable discussion revolved around strategies for plumbing and HVAC leaders to attract more women to the trades. Susan Frew, co-owner and president of Sunshine Home Services in Denver, who moderated the event, noted the persistently low representation of women in the trades and highlighted the need for change. She shared that while progress has been slow, there has been an increase in female applicants for plumbing and HVAC technician positions in recent years.
Cassie Pound emphasized the importance of starting change at the grassroots level, urging companies to be proactive in shifting their workplace culture. She stressed the significance of altering office language and avoiding derogatory terms when referring to female colleagues, which can have a cascading effect on fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.
Angie Snow echoed Pound’s sentiments, underscoring the necessity of transforming company cultures to be more welcoming to women in an industry traditionally dominated by men. She shared her own experience of addressing backlash within her company when hiring its first female field worker and the need for such challenges to be overcome.
The participants unanimously stressed the importance of trade companies building strong relationships with local educational institutions. Linda Hudek highlighted that the effort to increase awareness about opportunities in the trades should begin at the elementary and middle school levels. She suggested that companies take an active role by visiting local schools, engaging with students, and demonstrating the practical aspects of their trades. This early engagement can help sustain interest in STEM-related fields like plumbing.
Lara Beltz emphasized the role of businesses in shaping the perception of the trades among students and advocated for actively promoting the idea that these careers are open to both men and women. She shared a personal story about her grandfather’s heating and cooling business and how she wasn’t encouraged to consider it as a viable career path when she was younger, which ultimately led to the business’s demise.
Jacquelyn Lindsey Wynn called for trades companies to host events that showcase the opportunities available in their industries. These events could appeal to individuals considering a career change, regardless of their previous educational backgrounds.
While advocating for women in the trades, Cassie Pound cautioned against being exclusionary. She stressed that the message should not isolate or marginalize male counterparts but should emphasize that success in the trade requires everyone’s contribution.
Ashley Martin further reinforced that increasing female representation in the trade industry is a shared responsibility for both men and women. She emphasized the importance of inclusive language in job descriptions and postings to attract a diverse talent pool.
In conclusion, despite ongoing challenges, women in the trades should remain confident in their abilities and contributions. Lara Beltz encouraged women to recognize their worth and not be deterred by any doubts or intimidation, emphasizing that they deserve a place at the table in the industry. The journey toward greater diversity and inclusivity in the plumbing and HVAC trades continues, driven by the dedication and insights shared by these trailblazing women.
