Why did Greer Gonzalez choose HVAC over a career in graphic design?

Gonzalez earned an associate degree in graphic design but found her true calling in hands-on work. She was influenced by a multi-generational family connection to the trades and a desire for the sense of accomplishment that comes from physical, skilled labor.

What is the current state of women in the HVAC industry?

Women currently make up only about 2% of the HVACR workforce, making it one of the most male-dominated skilled trades. However, the number is beginning to rise as awareness of labor shortages increases and more outreach efforts target underrepresented groups.

What advice does Greer Gonzalez offer to young women considering a career in the trades?

Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of embracing accomplishment, building independence, and not being afraid to ask questions. She highlights that the trades offer meaningful, well-compensated work and that women can thrive in the field with the right mindset and support.

Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-...

Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-Dominated Field: What It Means to Be a Young Female Tech in HVAC

This episode of Straight Outta Crumpton features Greer Gonzalez, a 21-year-old service technician at Carolina Chillers in Charleston, SC, who traded graphic design for HVAC. Host Greg Crumpton explores her motivations, the influence of family legacy, and the challenges of entering one of the most male-dominated skilled trades. Gonzalez also offers advice for young women considering careers in the trades.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Engineering & Construction teams put it to work with Partner & Channel Enablement.

Promoted content from Straight Outta Crumpton on MarketScale.

By Vince Holland · September 30, 2025, 11:00 AM UTCCarolina ChillersGreer GonzalezGreg CrumptonSkilled Trades Shortage

Key takeaways

Women represent only 2% of the HVACR workforce, but that number is slowly growing as more young women like Greer Gonzalez enter the field.

Gonzalez transitioned from a graphic design background to HVAC service work, driven by family legacy and a passion for hands-on labor.

Four months into her role, she is already eyeing leadership opportunities and encouraging other young women to consider skilled trade careers.

As America ramps up its focus on rebuilding infrastructure and domestic manufacturing, the skilled trades are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. With a national labor shortage in HVAC and related fields, companies are hungry for the next generation of technicians—and women are stepping into the space like never before. Only 2 percent of HVACR workers are female, but that number is beginning to rise. One young woman, Greer Gonzalez, is breaking barriers by trading design software for ductwork and joining the team at Carolina Chillers in Charleston, South Carolina.

What motivates a 21-year-old graphic design graduate to step into one of the most physically demanding and male-dominated professions in the country?

On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton sits down with Greer Gonzalez to explore her journey into the skilled trades, the impact of family legacy, and the fresh perspective she brings to the service van and beyond.

Main takeaways from the episode…

Pride in Purpose: Gonzalez shares the deep satisfaction that comes from a hard day’s work in HVAC, especially knowing she’s carrying forward her family’s legacy at Carolina Chillers.
Learning the Ropes: Four months into her role, Gonzalez talks about shadowing seasoned techs, exploring bigger systems like chillers, and setting her sights on leadership opportunities.
Empowering the Next Generation: As one of the few women in the field, Gonzalez offers advice for young women considering a career in the trades, emphasizing accomplishment, independence, and the importance of asking questions.

Greer Gonzalez is a service technician in the Preventive Maintenance Department at Carolina Chillers. Raised on a farm and fueled by a love for hands-on work, Gonzalez earned an associate degree in graphic design—but found her true calling in HVAC. A member of a multi-generational trades family, she’s forging her own path in service work—becoming the first in her family’s long tenure at Carolina Chillers to work in that department.

Article written by MarketScale.