The throng of talent behind this woman-owned and operated family business is breaking the glass ceiling and they have all the tools and technical acumen it takes to install a new one.
The growing presence of women in HVAC is a positive force for the industry—from contributing to a more inclusive workplace culture to bringing unique perspectives to troubleshooting and problem solving. Companies that encourage diversity are often more flexible and supporting, offering benefits like training opportunities and family friendly policies.
“We have more women across our business today than we have ever had both in customer-facing roles and office-based positions,” says Claire Ferrara, president of Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. “Today about 25 percent of our workforce identifies as female and we hope to grow as a place where not only more women find satisfying work, but more people who have not seen themselves in the trades find a place for themselves.” Over the past ten years, the company has seen women take on roles in parts and purchasing, sales, and as maintenance and installation technicians—like Tovah.
"I’ve seen so many times how important and rewarding it is to not only do the job correctly, but also help someone feel comfortable." —Tovah, Installation Technician
As a single mom with limited resources, Tovah’s journey into the industry began out of necessity— her sister-in-law brought HVAC to her attention. “I had to look up what HVAC was but after Googling it I figured, why not? Why couldn’t I do that?” she says. Now in her role as a sheet metal installer at Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, she’s the one customers turn to when they need a reliable expert to identify and solve ductwork issues.
“Sometimes I’ll have a customer who has no idea how their system works. The entire process makes them super anxious—it can be exhausting, but having a little patience and talking them through it really helps,” she continues. “I think this is one way being a woman gives me an advantage.”
Whether she’s training apprentices in sheet metal or calmly guiding a customer through their HVAC system, Tovah’s approach is rooted in empathy—something she holds onto, even as her technical skills grow. “I’ve seen so many times how important and rewarding it is to not only do the job correctly, but also help someone feel comfortable.”
Claire is passionate about creating a culture where women can find career fulfillment while nurturing a life that thrives beyond the workplace. With a business to run and a baby on the way, Claire considers balance as an all-encompassing gauge of her well-being. “My measure of balance has become more about how I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. If I’m not feeling my best in any category, it’s a sign that I might need to shift where I’m spending my time,” she says.
"We have more women across our business today than we have ever had both in customer-facing roles and office-based positions." —Claire, President
Together, Tovah and Claire embody the growing influence of women in the HVAC industry, illustrating that dedication, empathy, and a holistic approach to life are key to breaking barriers.