Dayna Hottle
What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?
I had no intention of joining the family business until I was in college. I needed a summer job and started working as a call taker in the office. At that time, we had just joined a best practice group and were making some drastic changes in the way we booked calls and dispatched our technicians. I loved how the work I did had an impact on our day-to-day operations. After college, I came back full time and have been here ever since. It’s now been over 20 years, and I love the work I get to do every day.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
There are so many things that are rewarding about this industry. But the thing I love to see the most is watching someone that we hired new to this industry grow up and create a career. Watching them buy their first new car or home, become a more skilled technician or installer, or grow into a leadership role. These are the things that give me the most sense of accomplishment and joy.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
I never met my grandpa, who was one of the original owners of C&C Heating and Air Conditioning. He had died before I was even born. My grandma said to me and my father a couple years ago that my grandpa would be so proud of C&C today. There was no greater compliment that I could receive than that.
What challenges do women face in this profession?
Because the home services are a male-dominated industry, it can feel like you need to be more like your male counterparts. But what I have learned is that my strengths and leadership qualities are different because I am a female and to lean into those.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
Education and exposure are key to reach this next generation of tradesmen and women. I think many don’t know the opportunities available to them in the trades. The more we can do as an industry to educate, the more women and men we can bring into the trades.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
I always attend our morning huddle, and we set our goals and budget for each day. From there, it varies on what my focus is for that day. It may be marketing, budgeting, recruiting, or just being there to support my staff.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
I have three things that I really want to accomplish in the coming years. As a company, we are working on putting together an apprentice program to bring people with no previous trades experience into the industry. Create a leadership training program to grow out leadership team within our organization. Finally, help mentor other women professionals within the HVACR industry.
What words of advice do you have for females who are considering entering the HVACR field?
Remember that opportunities are endless in the industry if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and find a network of women to mentor and support you in your career.
