Evie Sibert
What caused you to/when did you to enter the HVACR industry?
I had been working in a sales/business development role at a company outside of HVAC. My heart wasn’t in sales because I was really missing the creative aspect.
I started looking for marketing positions in my area and stumbled upon a position at LSB, ClimateMaster’s parent company at the time. The position wasn’t a fit, but little did I know the interviewer gave my resume to Tony Landers, then director of marketing at ClimateMaster. Tony called me back in for what I thought was a second interview, but it was for a marketing manager position, and that is where my career in HVAC marketing began.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
Definitely the people. You can’t beat the people in the HVAC industry. I’ve made many lifelong friends throughout my career in HVAC. The relationships I have built in this industry have been very rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
This is a tough one because I’ve had so many proud moments in my career. At the top of my list was when I recognized the potential in an employee and brought him onto our team from an entry level position. It was rewarding to watch him grow into a successful manager and become an integral player in the HVAC industry. He is still in the HVAC industry.
But, I have to mention my proudest personal moment. It is because of HVAC that I found my love for the sport of golf. As a marketing manager at Whalen, I was tasked with planning golf tournaments. I wasn’t content with just driving the beer cart or driving around taking photos, so my boss encouraged me to play. On my third golf tournament with Whalen, I hit a hole in one at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia amongst 23 male golfers. I was the first to hit a hole in one in the tournament’s history, let alone the first woman.
What challenges do women face in this profession? Can you give a personal example?
Let me preface that both men and women face challenges in any profession. How we respond to those challenges is what determines the outcome.
For women in this industry, we are often branded as receptionists or admins. I feel that we can be overlooked because it is assumed that we may not know the technical side of the industry.
All I can say is, do not judge a book by its cover. 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.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
It is essential that when we find a strong female employee, we mentor her for a role that fits her interests. I will say that the HVAC industry has come a long way since I began my career in 2009. In my early years, I could count the number of influential women on one hand. Today, there is a plethora of outstanding females who make the HVAC industry more diverse and successful.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
I lead the marketing department at Addison which includes our advertising, PR, promotions, communications, and training programs. I work very closely with our sales teamto promote Addison products within the commercial sales channels. Side note, I’ll never give up my role as fashion consultant to ensure we have the best-dressed team
in HVAC.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
I have been very fortunate to work for great leaders who have invested in me and helped develop my career.
My current leader, Ross Miglio, president of Addison, has taught me the importance of inspiring others and recognizing their accomplishments. I would like to mentor and develop others, just as he has done for me. As far as my bucket list item, that is between me and my dog Monkey. We dream big.
What advice do you have for females who are considering entering the HVACR field?
Be yourself. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Remember, we are all human. Last but not least, have fun! Your career is what you make of it. The sky is the limit.
