The HVAC Industry is poised for massive growth within the next decade. The increasing demand for environmentally conscious solutions is pushing for more sustainable energy sources and the current HVAC market is championing sustainability by increasingly adopting tech integration. Among the pioneering forces in the industry, Climatisation HVAC stands as a beacon of progress.
Meet the dynamic woman, Yesy Hernandez, the Owner and Founder of Climatisation HVAC, who has invested her repertoire of expertise in finding unique solutions to complex problems, with a mission to deliver top-tier heating and cooling services to clients throughout the most prestigious neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
We sat with Yesy to discuss her diverse life experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and her vision for securing a sustainable future.
How was your journey as an entrepreneur to get to where you are today?
Sometimes it feels like I’ve always run Climatisation HVAC, but it took me time to get to where I am today. I started my career in insurance, which helped me develop my people skills—but my true calling was in engineering. My mentor “Alfred” runs a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business, and watching him inspired me. His problem-solving approach resonated with me, so when it came time to get my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), I went for it. These experiences, and the people in my life, helped me become a leading entrepreneur in the HVAC space.
Could you give a brief overview of your company? How has it evolved and made an impact over time?
My business has grown immensely these past few years, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I think it’s important to pace yourself—to take the time to identify your target clientele, touch base with your team regularly, and understand what sets you apart. These are some of the things I did at Climatisation HVAC that I believe set me up for success. My company offers sustainable HVAC solutions to residential and commercial customers in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Green technologies play an important role in what we do, and we proudly serve high-net-worth homeowners and luxury brands including Gucci, Moncler, and Chanel.
What, in your view, are the most successful attributes of successful leaders today?
In my view, a successful leader should be excited about the work they’re doing—and clear on how they’re doing it. For instance, if I claim to offer ecoconscious, innovative solutions, I need to have the knowledge, experience, and skillset to back it up. Leaders today need to understand what they’re doing and walk the talk, so to speak. From my company to my clients, I recognize that everyone I work with is an individual with their own challenges, preferences, and goals. I try to recognize this and inspire confidence in a way that celebrates people’s uniqueness.
What do you consider the biggest hindrance to growth for women entrepreneurs today? What are the biggest challenges you have encountered?
I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge how challenging it was—at least starting out—to lead a team as a woman in a male-dominated trade. I think the biggest hindrance happens at the start of a woman entrepreneur’s career or venture. Because when a person is new to an industry or role, people tend to look for reasons to cast doubt. I think I’ve proven myself over the years, but having a thick skin was certainly a challenge early on. I no longer feel like I have to prove myself all the time, and a big part of that comes from staying confident even in the face of adversity.
What effective strategies have you implemented to achieve success?
Continuous learning and ongoing training may sound like buzzwords—and they are—but these concepts are also key strategies that have helped my business succeed. I like to make sure my team and I know exactly what to prepare for in the future, even if we feel good about where we’re at in the present. One of the best ways to prevent problems is to address them when they’re small, and keeping an open dialogue has played a vital role in achieving this. The same thing applies to clients. Frequent check-ins and clear communication have helped Climatisation HVAC solve problems, foster trust, and ultimately thrive and grow.
Being an innovator yourself, how do you foster a culture of innovation? What do you think it takes to build a great team?
A common misconception is that everyone needs to have the same skills. People can always grow, but we can only naturally excel at so much. With that in mind, building a team with complementary strengths is invaluable. In HVAC and in team building, the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts. That isn’t to say those individual parts aren’t important, but it’s the end result that matters most.
How do you plan for the long-term future of your business?
I think regulatory changes are pushing companies in the right direction, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Moving forward, I’d like to continue to grow my company and eventually serve clients throughout California. I feel good about scaling, but my goal is to do so mindfully over time. For now, Climatisation HVAC will continue to work in LA and the surrounding area. And of course, we’ll do so with the latest, most energy-efficient HVAC solutions around!
What is your advice for burgeoning women entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders?
My advice is to seek support when things feel overwhelming. You don’t need to claim defeat, and you certainly don’t want to give up, but talking to friends, family, or even a trusted professional can go a long way in keeping perspective. I would recommend leaning on your support system when entrepreneurship feels overwhelming. In time, you’ll be on the other side.
Sometimes it feels like I’ve always run Climatisation HVAC, but it took me time to get to where I am today.
