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It's time for another Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing employee spotlight. We love the people we work with, so we always enjoy getting the opportunity to introduce them to you , if you haven't already had the pleasure of meeting them already!

This month we are spotlighting one of our newest maintenance technicians, Cecilia Smith. As a maintenance technician, Cecilia is a specialist in air conditioner repair. Out in the field every day, she makes sure all our customers' air conditioning and furnace systems are running in tip-top shape.

A Career, Not a Job

Before joining the Chapman team, Cecilia had a passion for the HVAC trade. She went to trade school at AC/C Tech here in Indianapolis to pursue her career in the industry.

Her interest in working in the HVAC trade started young when she realized she greatly enjoyed getting dirty and working with her hands. Cecilia said it even gives her a little wave of euphoria when she works.

I just get this feeling of excitement doing what I do, Cecilia said. The customer doesn't know how to solve their problem. So, having the ability to help them fix it and solve the problem feels really good.

However, after graduating she joined an HVAC company but wasn't very happy.

My last job was just a job. I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. I wanted a better opportunity.

She soon learned about a new opportunity here at Chapman. After seeing her certification and credentials, we were excited to welcome her aboard!

Now three months in, Cecilia is still technically in training but thriving as a maintenance tech. She works on site with an assistant trainer, who she says is more there for moral support than anything. Do you think she is confident in her abilities, or what?

On Wednesdays and Fridays, she even gets to spend time in our classroom expanding her knowledge of AC and furnaces to achieve more certification and grow her HVAC career to new heights.

She also says she feels right at home among Chapman's tight-knit community.

Working at Chapman isn't just a job , it's a career.

HVAC Trailblazer

In a way, Cecilia is a bit of a trailblazer. Although there is a growing number of women joining the industry every year, HVAC is often seen as a male-dominated industry.

Cecilia was never deterred, and is not only happy and comfortable as a woman in HVAC but is certain she has chosen the best career for herself.

It's funny, you get different responses with different customers as a woman tech, mostly great, Cecilia said. Customers are very kind and the trainers at Chapman have been very helpful in educating me and allowing me to work independently and have lots of one-on-one with customers.

In a lot of ways, being a woman really helps me out!

Cecilia said she would encourage any woman with any interest in learning the HVAC trade to follow their heart. Even if you don't end up loving it, she said, you will walk away a more knowledgeable person.

About Cecilia

Cecilia is a born and raised Hoosier. Born in Shelbyville, her family moved to Greenwood when she was 12. She went to high school at Whiteland.

When she isn't working, Cecilia can usually be found spending with her 2-year old son and her family. On weekends, she usually goes to Greensburg to enjoy time at her parents or sister's house.

Looking for home heating and air conditioning services? Contact Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing today. If your current air conditioner system is causing you grief and you need local air conditioner repair, give us a call too! We will send Cecilia or another one of our maintenance techs out to help solve your problem.