In this episode, we sit down with Tara Smith, General Manager and co-owner of Mr. Furnace / Furnasman New Homes, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, trades, and what it really means to “do it right.”

Tara shares her journey from handing out brochures at home shows as a kid to leading one of Manitoba’s most established HVAC companies. With decades of experience across accounting, HR, operations, and national board leadership, she brings a rare people-first perspective to an industry that often doesn’t get much attention—until something stops working.

We talk about:

• What homeowners actually want (hint: it’s not bigger equipment, it’s comfort)
• Common HVAC myths, placement mistakes, and indoor air quality blind spots
• What’s changing fastest in HVAC, from heat pumps to refrigerant regulations
• Why “dangerously educated” customers are becoming more common
• The realities of running a multi-generational family business—and the rules that make it work
• Why trades need young people (and women) more than ever
• Tara’s message to women entering a male-dominated industry: stop assimilating, start owning your strengths
• Leadership lessons from coaching kids, serving on national boards, and fixing mistakes the right way

This episode is both practical and personal—full of real-world insights for homeowners, builders, and anyone interested in leadership, trades, or building a business that puts people first.

Whether you’re planning a new build, running a family business, or just curious how your home actually works, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.