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% of HVACR workers are female, but that number is beginning to rise. One young woman, Greer Gonzalez, is breaking barriers and stereotypes 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: Greer 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, Greer 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, Greer 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 driven by a love for hands-on work, Greer holds 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.