In our June Women In PHCP spotlight, we invite you to meet Jojo Rodriguez, HVAC technician for Regan Heating and Air Conditioning!

PHCPPros: What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

Rodriguez: I am a professional Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service technician. Being in this trade allows me to provide preventative maintenance and respond to service calls when residential and commercial units are not cooling and/or heating properly.

PHCPPros: Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

Rodriguez: It was nine years ago — a contractor friend of my mother’s asked if I would like to learn how to install a furnace. I was looking for a career change, so I immediately said yes. After I helped install my first furnace, I never looked back.

PHCPPros: What are some of your career highlights? 

Rodriguez: The peak of my career would be the continuous feedback I’ve received from customers. It’s an incredible feeling when my work is admired and customers request that I come back the following year.

PHCPPros: What are your experiences with women mentors or mentees?

Rodriguez: I unfortunately don’t have any women mentors. That’s my only hope in doing this interview — to inspire women of all ages. We need you in this industry. Take the leap!

I have only had the pleasure of mentoring a 17-year-old. I enjoyed being able to teach someone who is just now interested and taking her first steps into the field. Teaching from not only what I have learned, but also from my own mistakes. I feel having this opportunity to mentor helped not only her, but myself as well.

PHCPPros: What advice would you give to women entering this industry?

Rodriguez: Stay focused, stay persistent. Observe and absorb all the knowledge you can. Remember, everyone does things differently. Grasp it all and create your way.

PHCPPros: How can the industry better recruit and retain women? 

Rodriguez: I would say having conventions to get the word out. Showing women that it is not as hard as people make it out to be. Another way would be to have “show and tell” at schools and/or boys’ and girls’ club. Grabbing kids' interest when they are young is a perfect start. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I would have had the guidance to start this career sooner.

PHCPPros: What does it mean to receive this honor? 

Rodriguez: Receiving this honor is a privilege. I wholeheartedly love every second of my career. This is truly a blessing. Thank you for this grand opportunity.