Rheem Leaders on Why More Women Should Work in the Trades

Working in the trades offers meaningful opportunity and rewarding career paths. For women, it can also mean building success in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Today, women make up only about 4.3% of the trade workforce. And while that number is small, it’s growing. In fact, it’s a 77.3% increase compared to the 2.7% of women in the trades in 2015.

We talked to three leaders at Rheem about their experiences in the trades, their advice for women in the field, and why more should pursue careers in our ever-changing industry.

Learning from HVAC Industry Legend Karen Meyers

Karen Meyers, Rheem vice president of government affairs and winner ACHR The News’ HVAC All-Stars Awards 2025 HVAC Industry Legend award, has spent more than 40 years in the trades—all of them at Rheem.

“I initially joined Rheem simply because I was looking for a great company to join, but I quickly found the company, and industry, to be interesting. After all, everyone needs our products,” she says. “Every home or business must have water heating, and space cooling and/or heating. Our products are essential to everyday life and comfort, and to be a small part of that industry, is something I am really proud of.”

When Karen started her career, she was the only non-exempt female in the building. “That definitely had its challenges,” she says, but it also motivated her to work hard and succeed. “I wanted to know more about manufacturing and our products, so I logged a lot of miles walking the manufacturing floors of our Rheem locations. I spent many hours talking to the technicians in our labs, and I rode along with contractors and observed product installations.”

And in an industry where change is the only constant, the desire to learn and ability to be flexible is more important than ever.

“The pace of change is greater now than I have ever seen. How you do your work, how you interact with others, how our products are designed, our go-to-market strategies and processes—they are all evolving. Embrace it!” Karen says. “Our products are essential for every human. Being part of an industry that provides those products is extremely gratifying, whether you are working in sales, product, customer service, government affairs, or any other aspect of a company. Knowing that the company you work for, the products your company designs, build, and sells will make life better for everyone—well, that’s important work.”

Shaping the Future of the Trades with Angie Gomez

Like many women entering the trades, Angie Gomez, vice president & general manager, RPD | Rheem Parts Division, faced a similar challenge: simply being in a space where fewer women historically worked. But for Angie, it wasn’t a deterrent. It was motivation.

“I was blessed to have found mentors, men and women, who invested in my growth, encouraged me to take on bigger responsibilities, and recognized my work based on results,” she says. “The more I showed what I could do, the more opportunities opened.”

This year, Angie was named one of 13 women shaping the future of the plumbing, heating, cooling, and piping industry by PHCP Pros.

“What I enjoy most about my job is that no two days ever look the same. Every morning brings new challenges to solve and fresh opportunities to make an impact. That variety keeps me energized and constantly learning,” Angie says. “Ultimately, adapting and evolving comes down to being proactive: learning continuously, listening to our customers, staying ahead of technological changes, and understanding the broader market forces that shape our industry.”

Efficiency, sustainability, connectivity, convenience—when we understand the impact of those expectations, Angie says, we’re better prepared to adapt the way we work and innovate.

“If you’re a woman considering a career in the trades, my elevator pitch is simple: Don’t be discouraged. You absolutely belong here!” she says. “Your strength, your perspective, and your skills bring value that this industry needs. And the most important thing? Stay authentically you. You don’t have to change who you are to fit in. Your authenticity is your superpower. The opportunities are real, the growth is endless, and there’s a place for you in this field.”

Being Bold with Stacey Gearhart

Like Karen and Angie, Stacey Gearhart, vice president & general manager, Commercial Water and Pool, thinks working in the trades is the best job.

“I love working on products and solutions that are the basic necessities of life. What we provide to people goes well beyond wants—we provide solutions that people need every day. And I’ve always been excited to be a part of that,” she says.

“I get to see every part of the market through the eyes of our customers, from product innovation to quality to customer service. What I love the most about my job is being able to grow our business through partnerships in the trades. It’s extremely rewarding to hear from a plumber or contractor that they are loyal to Rheem because of our products or our support.”

The biggest challenge in Stacey’s 12-year career has been overcoming people’s initial perceptions of her role and responsibilities. “Because it’s uncommon to see women in the trades, especially in leadership roles, it tends to throw people off the first time I meet them,” she says. “But you can’t let it intimidate you.”

“Be confident, be bold, be creative, be willing to lead. There is just so much opportunity for women in the trades, and the more we step out and lead, the more the trades will benefit from what we bring to the table,” Stacey says. “Like any other industry, diversity in thought is critical to advancement. The trades need that now more than ever.”

The trades are evolving—and so are the opportunities within them. As leaders like Karen, Angie and Stacey demonstrate, there’s meaningful work to be done, room to grow, and real impact to be made. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, there has never been a better time to explore what’s possible. If you’re ready to build something that matters, discover how you can make your mark at Rheem by visiting Rheem.com/careers.