Women In HVAC: Building Careers at Brady

At Brady, we’re taking Women in Construction Week as an opportunity to celebrate the hardworking women in the skilled trades who are breaking barriers and building rewarding careers. Today, we’re highlighting Mary Medlin and Christina Harris, two of our incredible HVAC service technicians in Raleigh who are proving that talent and determination—not gender—define success in this field.

Finding a Passion for HVAC

For Mary Medlin, the journey into HVAC started unexpectedly. She initially planned to pursue architectural science but switched to HVAC when her chosen course was canceled. What started as a backup plan quickly became her passion.

“I figured I could try HVAC, and if I didn’t like it, I could change. But I ended up really loving it,” Mary shared. She dove into SkillsUSA HVAC competitions, even winning first place at the 2023 North Carolina State SkillsUSA HVACR competition. Through her program at GTCC, she connected with Brady’s Director of Workforce Partnerships, Missy Akin, and saw a future in commercial HVAC rather than residential work.

For Christina Harris, HVAC wasn’t her first career, but it became the right one. She had been working a job that left her unfulfilled until a part-time position at a campground introduced her to plumbing and electrical repair.

“I liked digging up water pipes and getting dirty. Fixing something feels incredible,” she said. “I realized I liked that better than sitting inside a store selling things.” Encouraged by mentors, Christina made the leap into HVAC, finding Brady along the way.

Breaking Stereotypes and Building Confidence

Working in a traditionally male-dominated field comes with unique experiences, but both Mary and Christina have embraced the challenge. Mary shared that customers are often surprised to see a woman show up to work on their equipment, but the reaction is always positive.

“I’ve never had someone treat me badly for being a female,” she said. “It’s usually shock at first, then excitement.”

For Christina, being one of the few women in HVAC has helped her build confidence.

“It’s forcing me to carry myself with more confidence,” she said. “Seeing the surprise on customers’ faces makes me proud, and it makes me want to stand taller.”

At first, I didn’t want to ask for help. I didn’t want to be seen as someone who ‘couldn’t do it’, but I realized even senior techs use tools and techniques to make lifting easier. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Mary Medlin

Service Technician, Brady

Challenges and Growth

One of the biggest hurdles Mary and Christina have faced isn’t skill or knowledge—but physical strength. Some tasks require lifting heavy equipment, which can be more challenging.

Christina shared how coworkers had given her tips to make tasks more manageable. “I had to hold up a blower motor in the ceiling while installing it. I struggled at first, but then a tech told me to use a two-by-four to support it, and that made all the difference.”

Both women emphasize the importance of asking questions, learning from experienced techs, and finding ways to get the job done effectively.

Encouraging More Women to Join the Trades

What would help more women enter skilled trades like HVAC? Visibility.

Mary also agreed. “People just need to see it’s possible. There have to be pioneers in the beginning.”

She also emphasized the financial benefits of HVAC careers. “I finished school at 18 with zero debt and started earning a salary immediately. Many people go to college, take on debt, and then struggle to find a job in their field. In HVAC, you get paid to learn and start building your future early.”

I think just seeing other women doing it opens doors. I have girlfriends who love working on cars, but they’re hesitant to go into a shop because they feel looked down on. The more women we have in these roles, the more normal it becomes.

Christina Harris

Service Technician, Brady

Advice for Women Considering HVAC

For women thinking about pursuing a skilled trade, Mary and Christina have simple but powerful advice:

✔ Don’t be intimidated. “Just try it. Put your best foot forward and learn everything you can.”
✔ Effort matters. “Your coworkers—male or female—just want to see that you’re giving it your all.”
✔ You’re never alone. “There are mentors and techs who genuinely want to help the next generation succeed.”
✔ The trades need people. “We can’t find enough workers to fill open roles. This is a career with job security, good pay, and endless opportunities.”

As the industry faces a workforce shortage, skilled trades present a major opportunity—especially for women looking for a stable, hands-on career with growth potential.

Looking Ahead

Both Mary and Christina have big goals for the next five years.

“I want to be a well-rounded tech who can confidently tackle any job,” Mary said. “I also want to mentor the next generation, just like others have helped me.”

Christina echoed that sentiment. “I want to be the tech people call when they need something done. I want to keep learning, growing, and helping others find their way in the field.”

At Brady, we’re proud to support women in construction and skilled trades, and we’re committed to fostering a culture where everyone—regardless of gender—can succeed. Mary and Christina are just two examples of the many talented women making an impact in HVAC, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.