Celebrating Leadership, Integrity, and Impact in the Trades
It’s an incredible honor and deeply humbling, for CertainPath Executive Business Coach Miki Stone to be recognized among the Top 30 Influential Women at the 2025 Women in HVAC Conference. This award celebrates women who are reshaping the landscape of the trades, from HVAC and plumbing contractors to electrical and roofing contractors.
For Miki, this recognition represents far more than a personal achievement.
“It’s a reflection of the progress our industry is making,” she shares. “I’ve devoted my career to growing residential HVAC businesses and helping team members achieve their potential. Seeing more women step into leadership and ownership roles is inspiring and deeply rewarding.”
Breaking Barriers in the Home Services Industry
Miki’s journey through the HVAC business has been marked by resilience and perseverance. She’s faced challenges familiar to many women in male-dominated fields from being excluded from leadership discussions to having her expertise questioned.
“Over time, I learned to overcome these challenges by focusing on consistency, results, and relationships,” she explains. “I listened carefully, communicated clearly, and demonstrated expertise through action rather than argument.”
That steadfast approach, combined with mentorship and the support of allies, helped her establish credibility based on impact and integrity. Today, Miki helps HVAC contractors, plumbing contractors, and electrical contractors across North America strengthen their operations, empower their teams, and drive sustainable growth.
Defining Moments and Meaningful Milestones
Throughout her career, Miki has achieved numerous milestones that have helped shape her leadership philosophy. From earning the BBB Torch Award for Ethics to reaching her first $1-million revenue month and being named a Top American Dealer in HVAC sales, each accomplishment has deepened her understanding of what success truly means.
“Each milestone was meaningful not because of the recognition itself, but because of what I learned,” Miki says. “Integrity builds lasting success, and teamwork drives big goals. Leadership isn’t about personal accomplishment—it’s about creating an environment where others can grow and succeed.”
Building a Culture Where Women Thrive
Miki believes the future of home improvement contractors and the trades as a whole depends on fostering workplaces that encourage inclusion, respect, and opportunity.
“Creating a culture where women can thrive starts with intentionality,” she explains. “Provide mentorship, professional development, visibility, and flexibility. Highlight women in your marketing, promote from within, and ensure there’s a clear path for growth.”
She emphasizes the importance of listening to the women already in your company, asking what support would make the biggest difference, and taking action based on that feedback. From HVAC business software and contractor management services to training programs and coaching, tools that empower women strengthen entire organizations.
Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Trades
When asked about the best advice she’s ever received, Miki’s response is simple but powerful:
“Have a clear vision and don’t give up.”
That clarity of purpose has guided her through ambitious goals, challenges, and breakthroughs, both as a trades business coach and as a woman committed to shaping the next generation of leaders in the home services industry.
About CertainPath
At CertainPath, Miki works with HVAC businesses, plumbing companies, and electrical contractors to help them reach new levels of performance and profitability through business coaching for trades, operational systems, and leadership development. This recognition underscores the impact of women who are not only breaking barriers but building bridges and helping others see the trades as a place where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrive side by side.
Read more about the Top Influential Women in HVAC on page 23 of Empowered 2025.
