Pink Vans and Progress: Rachel Helft's Bold Rebranding Journey
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Tune in to this inspiring episode of Power Women of the Trades where hosts Cassie Pound and Heather Bargender-Wavra engage in a stimulating dialogue with guest Rachel Helft, owner of Argent Heating and Cooling. In this episode, discover how Rachel navigated her unexpected journey from private practice in mental health to becoming a trailblazer in the HVAC industry. The conversation reveals her innovative approach to rebranding, with her company's pink vehicles symbolizing empowerment, and her commitment to change the male-dominated image of the trades. Rachel shares her story of entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family, overcoming personal and professional challenges after stepping into the male-centric world of HVAC.

Rachel's candid discussion with Cassie and Heather sheds light on the evolving role of women in leadership positions within trades, highlighting the importance of advocacy, adaptability, and community outreach. The episode dives into how businesses like Rachel's are fostering environments for women technicians and managers, while also creating initiatives to inspire young girls towards careers in trades. Reflecting on her personal experience, Rachel recalls her father's entrepreneurial legacy and the significant influence it had on her decision to embrace entrepreneurship, despite having no background in the industry.

The episode touches on broader topics such as mental health, the significance of discussing mental health issues within trades, and the pressures entrepreneurs face in maintaining successful facades. Rachel's story is a testament to how women can break barriers in traditionally male roles, supported by community and industry advocacy. The conversation is vibrant with anecdotes about culture shift, profitability focus, and technical advancements like the Rilla system, aiming to secure and empower her team. With this episode, listeners are encouraged to connect with Rachel for further insights and inspiration, exploring how her bold decisions and determination have catalyzed change in the industry.

0:00 - Introduction to Power Women of the Trades with Rachel Helft.

0:23 - Special thanks to our sponsors.

0:56 - Cassie’s experience with losing a salesperson.

1:32 - Rachel’s decision to use pink for company rebranding.

2:45 - Industry insights with Rachel on women in trades.

4:01 - Challenges faced in male-dominated trades fields.

6:17 - Emphasis on profitability over rapid growth.

8:10 - Community outreach and encouraging young girls.

9:15 - Mental health discussions and future episode focus.

11:09 - Rachel's entrepreneurial journey and family influence.

13:22 - Rachel's personal milestones and overcoming challenges.

15:47 - Ongoing business strategies and vision for inclusivity.

17:03 - Conclusion and contact details for further networking.

Meet Your Hosts:

Cassie Pound) is the co-owner of Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Heather Bargender-Wavra)) has a broad expertise in the construction sector, focusing on specialized accounting and strategic business areas like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Reach out to her to see how she can support your business's growth and efficiency.

Special thanks to our sponsors for making the show possible:

[WorkWithYourHandz](https://www.workwithyourhandz.com ⁠))

Relentless Digital))Kee Hart Marketing)Forrest Perry Marketing)

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This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast)