Being recognized as one of the Top 30 Influential Women in HVAC is more than a professional milestone for Sonya Fryar; it’s a moment of reflection and purpose.
“To be recognized as one of the Top 30 Influential Women in HVAC means a lot, it’s both personal and professional validation of your impact in an industry that has traditionally been male dominated,” Sonya shares. “It’s proof that hard work, authenticity, and heart really can make a difference. It reminds me of the people who poured into me and motivates me to keep paying that forward.”
This award celebrates women who are redefining success across the trades; HVAC contractors, plumbing contractors, electrical contractors, and home improvement contractors, and Sonya’s journey reflects the spirit of leadership, resilience, and service that continues to shape the future of the home services industry.
Finding Her Voice in a Male-Dominated Field
Like many women in the trades, Sonya faced challenges early in her career simply being heard.
“In a field that’s traditionally male-dominated, I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove my credibility, not just with what I knew, but with how I showed up every single day.”
Instead of trying to blend in, Sonya learned to lead by standing out, bringing authenticity, confidence, and empathy to every interaction.
“I found that emotional intelligence, communication, and people-first leadership are some of the most powerful tools you can bring to this trade,” she explains. “Over time, I realized that my voice and perspective bring real value to the table.”
Her experience highlights a growing shift within HVAC companies and contractor management services, where empathy and collaboration are now recognized as key drivers of both customer experience and business growth.
A Defining Moment: From Doing to Leading
For Sonya, one of the most defining moments in her career was the shift from doing the work to leading people through it.
“Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers,” she recalls. “Then I realized real leadership is about lifting others up, helping them find their own answers, giving them confidence, and creating a space where people feel safe to grow.”
This transformation helped her evolve from managing tasks to leading with vision and trust, an approach that continues to inspire her teams and shape the next generation of HVAC technicians and service professionals.
How Companies Can Attract and Retain More Women in the Trades
Sonya believes the future of the HVAC business, plumbing business, and electrical industry depends on companies’ ability to create inclusive environments where women can thrive.
She outlines three key areas every contractor should focus on:
- Culture
“Build a workplace that values respect and teamwork over ego. Make sure women’s voices are heard and their ideas are acted on. You can’t recruit your way into inclusion, you have to live it every day.”
- Career Path
Clear advancement opportunities are essential.
“Many women in the trades are driven by purpose and progress, not just a paycheck. When they know there’s room to advance, into leadership, training, or ownership; they stay and they invest back into the company.”
- Flexibility & Support
“Balance matters. Offering scheduling flexibility, mentorship programs, and a supportive network goes a long way. When you create a company culture where women feel respected, developed, and heard, you don’t just attract more women, you build a stronger, more loyal team overall.”
These insights mirror CertainPath’s mission to help contractors, HVAC companies, and electrical businesses strengthen their teams through coaching, systems, and contractor management software that empowers people to grow.
The Best Career Advice: Protect Your Mindset
Sonya credits one piece of advice from her mentor, Gus Antos at Milestone Home Services, for shaping her leadership mindset:
“Turn off the news; junk in, junk out.”
This wisdom reminds her that focus and positivity are powerful assets in leadership.
“What you feed your mind shapes your outlook, your energy, and your results,” she says. “I’ve learned to replace the noise with things that fuel me; podcasts, books, mentors, and conversations that build me up instead of burn me out.”
In an industry that relies on resilience and attitude as much as skill, that clarity has helped Sonya stay grounded, energized, and effective qualities that make her a standout leader among today’s trades business coaches and home services professionals.
Celebrating Progress, Inspiring the Future
Being named one of the Top 30 Influential Women in HVAC is not just about recognition, it’s about representation. It’s about showing that leadership in the trades can look different, sound different, and be powered by compassion just as much as capability.
Sonya Fryar continues to pave the way for women across the HVAC industry, proving that authenticity and purpose are as critical to success as technical expertise. Through her leadership and example, she’s helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone in the trades.
Read more about the Top Influential Women in HVAC on page 23 of Empowered 2025.
