Alana Ward
What caused you to/when did you enter the HVACR industry?
After college graduation, I decided to work temporarily in my dad’s HVAC business as the bookkeeper until I decided what my next career steps would be. A combination of uncertainty about those next steps and the events of 9/11 led me to staying. In 2002, I became the general manager and haven’t looked back since.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
The most rewarding aspects of working in the HVACR field is being able to solve comfort and efficiency issues for homeowners. I love to look back at a job upon completion and say, “Yeah! We did that!”
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
I can’t identify one moment. But what I’m most proud of is having taken a company that was failing and being able to right the ship. I recovered it financially and also have built a reputation for honesty and quality. And not only righting it, but doing so by being dedicated to ethical principles and high technical standards.
What challenges do women face in this profession? Can you give a personal example?
Sometimes we are overlooked or discounted simply because of our sex. I can’t give a specific example because I haven’t experienced a time when anyone was bold enough to directly say, “I’m not taking you seriously because you are female,” but I’m sure it’s happened. Oftentimes, there’s a vibe we get, where we just know our being female is the issue.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
We need to make ourselves known so others can learn of our successes. We need to market to women so they are aware this can be for them. We need to hire them and mentor them. We need to give woman a fair chance to succeed.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
I’m the leader, it’s my job to oversee the daily operations and ensure all team members are fulfilling their roles properly. I’m also there to help solve issues they haven’t been able to solve on their own. I’m fulfilling my role the best if I am working more on the weeks and months ahead of us, than on the next day or the next week. I am the bookkeeper and handle all things financial, as well as the marketing plan and planning all training. I also prepare all installation jobs, including sizing and ordering equipment and preparing the installers’ packets.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
To build an apprenticeship program that is successful and repeatable in the long term.
What advice do you have for women who are considering a career in HVACR?
Never stop striving to be the best. When you are a true professional and you are simply the best, you can’t be overlooked, regardless of your sex.
