Making Space for Women to Grow and Succeed in the HVAC Trade

At Service Logic, creating opportunities for employees to thrive isn’t just a goal — it’s a reality being shaped every day by people like Gwen Smothers, Accounting Processes and Business Systems Manager at Piedmont Service Group, a Service Logic Company.

With a career that started in accounting and evolved into business systems, leadership and mentorship, Gwen is a co-founder and co-leader of Service Logic’s Women in HVAC Peer Group, a growing community that brings together women from across the organization to share ideas, best practices and opportunities for professional development.

We sat down with Gwen to learn more about her journey, how she’s helping empower the next generation of women in HVAC and what makes her excited about the future.

What first attracted you to the HVAC industry?

Gwen: Honestly, I knew nothing about HVAC at the beginning of my career. It was the people who drew me in. Before joining Piedmont Service Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, I was working as an accountant for a call center that was going bankrupt, so it was time to find another job. I applied for an accounting position at Piedmont and immediately clicked with the CFO and the Accounting manager. It just felt like the right fit. 

Can you share some of the challenges or misconceptions you faced early on as a woman in the HVAC industry?

Gwen: I started in accounting, and about 15 years in, I was asked to help two newly acquired companies in Charlotte get onboarded to our operating system. That’s when I met the senior management team at Service Logic and transitioned into a business systems role with Piedmont Service Group. I began learning not only how the systems and financials worked but also how operations impacted those numbers.  

That being said, not coming from a technical background and being the only woman in the room sometimes made it difficult for me to be taken seriously. I knew the financial side, but I had to learn the operational side over time. 

Another challenge was perception. As a woman, being confident and direct has occasionally been misinterpreted as being too aggressive. But I’ve had incredible mentors and managers along the way who helped me navigate those situations — people who would offer honest feedback or suggest different ways to communicate depending on the audience, and that guidance has been invaluable. 

What inspired you to create the Women in HVAC Peer Group at Service Logic?

Gwen: It actually started with a conversation I had with Greg Crumpton, our VP of Safety and Industry Liaison. I had been telling him about a national women’s HVAC group I’m involved with and how I mentor a young woman in Michigan. I’ve met with my mentee for years and have been able to help her grow her business by sharing insights from my experience at Piedmont. 

One day, Greg called me and said, “Gwen, I have an idea. I want you to start a Women in HVAC Peer Group at Service Logic.” I honestly didn’t expect that, but I said yes and ran with it. I partnered with Elizabeth Barber [from our Strategic Accounts division], Ali McGee [a peer from Piedmont Service Group] and Alana Marino [from our AEM Building Solutions business] , and the four of us launched the group together. 

What does the peer group look like today? 

Gwen: We started with about 50 participants in our first meeting, and have had as many as 150 people join. We meet monthly on Zoom, and the group is open to everyone — not just women. We try to bring in guest speakers from the HVAC industry, highlight different career paths within HVAC and facilitate open discussions about leadership, communication and personal growth. 

The group includes people from all kinds of roles — technicians, customer service, accounting, operations, administration, and sales — so we focus on content that’s broadly relevant, whether it’s about professional development or industry trends. It’s all about connection, learning and showcasing the talent we have across Service Logic. 

What are the goals of the Women in HVAC Peer Group?

Gwen: In the group, we have four main pillars that guide how we run the group: 

1. Visibility: Increase the presence of women across all roles, from field technicians to leadership.
2. Empowerment: Provide mentorship, peer support and opportunities for leadership development.
3. Voice: Encourage open dialogue and ensure women have a seat at the table.
4. Community: Build stronger connections and collaboration across the organization.

How does Service Logic foster a more inclusive environment for women? 

Gwen: I think creating the peer group was a big first step. Service Logic has supported us with in-person peer group conferences — we’ve had two so far. Each time, about 50 people gather in a different city for a full day of learning and development, which has been really impactful.

They also highlight women in the field on social media, whether it’s new hires or showcasing what someone has accomplished in their role. And I think we’ll see even more of that moving forward, especially as the industry works to attract more talent.

There’s a real shortage of female technicians in HVAC, and I think part of the solution is encouraging young women to explore the field. We’re starting to break the old stereotype that HVAC is only for men — it’s just not true. Service Logic is helping to change that perception and make it clear that there is a place for women in this industry.

Can you share a story or moment that illustrates the peer group’s value?

Gwen: One that stands out to me is when we invited Chloe Glynn, a Maintenance Sales Representative at Midwest Mechanical, to speak to the group. She has a strong presence on LinkedIn, and I had been following her for a while. I reached out to ask if she’d share her journey in HVAC, and she agreed.

The discussion was rich with questions, people asking how she handled different situations in her career. It really showed how powerful it is when passionate people share their stories — it inspires others and brings our community even closer together. That meeting turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever had. 

What would you say to a young woman considering a career in the HVAC trade?

Gwen: The first thing I’d say is: The industry needs you. Not just because there’s a demand for trade professionals, but also because women bring so many valuable skills to the table — problem-solving, insight, creative thinking, attention to detail and more. 

I’d also tell them that if you enjoy working with your hands and don’t want to do the same task every day, this field might be perfect for you. No two days are alike for a technician. And beyond the field, there are roles in administration, customer service, sales and accounting — you name it. No matter where you land, you get to be part of an industry that’s constantly evolving. And you get to help shape it for the next generation.

What makes you passionate about the HVAC trade? 

Gwen: It’s the people. HVAC is all about the people. A great company is built on passion — and I don’t know too many people in this industry who aren’t passionate about it. They always want to learn more and do better. It’s what makes leading this peer group so enjoyable. 

I just feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have had a wonderful career. I’ve been lucky to work with great mentors and managers who shared their knowledge and helped me grow. Back in 1999, when I started here, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me I’d be doing any of this. But the journey has been amazing. And I’m just so grateful to be part of it. 

Want to see how Service Logic continues to invest in its employees? Explore The EDGE, our in-house talent development program designed to foster growth, leadership and long-term career success.