Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda Larson is CEO of Florida Comfort Air Conditioning, where she leads business operations, strategic growth, marketing, technology, and organizational development. Her leadership is centered on building strong teams, creating effective systems, embracing innovation, and continually improving the customer and employee experience while preserving the values of a locally owned, family-operated company.
A strong believer in continuous learning, Larson approaches leadership with accountability, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt. She is particularly passionate about business growth, developing people, and encouraging women to confidently pursue opportunities and leadership roles within the skilled trades.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. My parents taught me early that you show up, work hard, and give your best effort, and those values have stayed with me throughout my life. My career has taken a path I never could have planned, and I’ve learned not to be intimidated by what I don’t know. I ask questions, find answers, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. I’m also fortunate to have a supportive family and a team of people who have grown alongside me.
To me, success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about never becoming too comfortable to keep learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best career advice I received was never actually spoken—it was demonstrated by my parents. They taught me through their example that your reputation is built by showing up, doing what you say you will do, and giving your best effort even when no one is watching. I learned that there is no substitute for hard work, reliability, and integrity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout every stage of my career and continue to influence the way I lead today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know or by being the only woman in the room. Ask questions, learn the business, and never stop developing your skills. You don’t have to know everything on day one, and you don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else. Work hard, know your value, and have the confidence to speak up. The skilled trades offer tremendous opportunities for women willing to learn, grow, and step into them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in HVAC is adapting to an industry that is changing quickly—from technology and workforce development to evolving customer expectations and market conditions. In Southwest Florida, we have also experienced the unique effects of major hurricanes, which accelerated replacement cycles and changed demand in our local market.
At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity. Technology, automation, data, and better business processes are allowing contractors to operate more efficiently and create a better experience for both customers and employees. I also believe one of our industry’s greatest opportunities is developing the next generation of skilled professionals and introducing more women to careers and leadership roles within the trades.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I have experienced assumptions about my role, but I view that less as something to overcome and more as an opportunity to let knowledge, leadership, and results speak for themselves.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, reliability, accountability, fairness, and loyalty are values I try to carry into both my professional and personal life. I believe in treating people with respect, doing what you say you are going to do, and taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned.
I also value understanding. Leadership has taught me that people don’t always need someone who immediately has the answer; sometimes they need someone willing to listen, understand the situation, and make a thoughtful decision.
Above all, family keeps everything in perspective. I am proud of what we are building professionally, but I never want success in business to come at the expense of being present for the people who matter most to me.
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