Misty Haynes

Title: National Field Services Manager

Company you work for: A. O. Smith

Educational Experience: While working at A. O. Smith, Haynes obtained her Bachelor of Science in Management and Organizational Development. She is also a licensed facilitator in the HELIX methodology, a tool used to generate ideas and better understand problems. She completed the first Lean Project Manager training session that A. O. Smith offered to her and is now passing the knowledge she gained along to different business units for a variety of projects.

Industry Work Experience: National Field Services Manager – Responsible for overseeing our field support teams that provide product support to our internal and external customers across the country. Warranty Manager – Responsible for overseeing the warranty payment process to ensure customer claims were handled in a timely manner. National Accounts Manager – Responsible for overseeing the sourcing of water heater products for commercial customers that by law cannot go without hot water.

What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?

I am a third-generation Collier-Haynes woman to work for A. O. Smith — a legacy I’m proud to continue. It was no surprise that I also chose to enter the HVACR industry. I started my career on a temporary contract that was only supposed to last three months, but now it’s 24 years later and I’m still with A. O. Smith.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?

Having the opportunity to learn new skillsets and be able to share my learnings with those around me. In addition, working for a company that lives their values by providing clean, hot water to its customers.

Describe the proudest moment in your career.

One of my proudest moments was when I was invited to be one of the first regional leaders for the Women’s Resource Network in middle Tennessee. The Women’s Resource Network group was created to maximize A. O. Smith’s potential for profitable growth by further developing women’s talents and leadership qualities in a community of support.

What challenges do women face in this profession? Can you give a personal example?

Having the opportunities to be promoted and grow professionally.

How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?

By creating opportunities that expose women to the HVACR industry, such as networking and presenting, as well as being intentional around long-term goal planning.

What does your day-to-day job entail?

My current role involves frequent interaction with A. O. Smith’s legal and continuous improvement teams as we seek to streamline and optimize operations within the business. Recently, I took it upon myself to assess A. O. Smith’s service provider groups to create more efficiencies and better support customers. My team and I worked to align the field service employees with regional sales managers so that there is always support in the field — delivering a better customer experience and providing in-the-field employees with a healthier work-life balance.

What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?

I aspire to mentor young female professionals in the HVACR space. Especially the women that desire to advance professionally while carrying the load as single parents.

What advice do you have for prospective women who are considering entering the HVACR field?

Bring your whole self to work. Develop and increase business acumen. Build your network. Do not be afraid to try new things.