Advocacy, Women in HVACR, and the Future of Contracting with Colleen Keyworth | Good Contractor Podcast

This week, John Talman and Luke Hansen sit down with Colleen Keyworth, marketing director at Online-Access, international advocate, and past president of Women in HVACR. From getting fired at her family's plumbing and heating business to becoming a global voice for contractors, Colleen shares her unexpected journey into sales, leadership, and advocacy. Whether you're a contractor, business owner, or advocate for the industry, this conversation is packed with laughter, perspective, and actionable lessons.

Key Takeaways:

• The Value of Odd Jobs: Early struggles taught Colleen the importance of structure and the hidden value of a steady 9-to-5.

• Social Media's Double-Edge: While it expands reach, social media has also made contractors more short-term focused and "fickle."

• Advocacy Matters: Younger contractors must step into state-level associations where codes and regulations are shaped—or risk having decisions made without them.

• Global Perspective: Women's trade organizations not only help recruit talent but also boost retention and create essential peer support worldwide.

• Visibility Drives Change: Showcasing women in leadership and technical roles is key to inspiring the next generation in the trades.