Karin Selchert
Karin Selchert is the Executive Vice President of AC³E Energy Services, where she plays a central role in leading both operational and sales teams while driving strategic growth. In her position, she oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including building partnerships, developing long-term business strategies, and guiding her teams through complex problem-solving and decision-making processes. Known for her hands-on leadership style, Karin emphasizes communication, accountability, and empowering those around her to perform at their highest level.
Her professional philosophy is rooted in collaboration, active listening, and fostering environments where teams thrive collectively rather than relying on any single individual. Karin is also a strong advocate for increasing representation and empowerment of women in the trades, bringing a people-first approach to an industry traditionally dominated by men. She believes that combining technical expertise with strong leadership and empathy is key to building sustainable, high-performing organizations.
Karin’s career path reflects both versatility and determination. She began as a special education teacher before transitioning into the skilled trades, working as a plumber in the field and later as a consultant. Her hands-on experience training crews and apprentices laid the foundation for her leadership approach today. She eventually joined AC³E Energy Services, where she rose into executive leadership. In addition to her professional work, Karin contributes to industry development through advisory roles and has been recognized for her impact, including being featured in the inaugural issue of Move Over Bob Magazine.
• Plumbing Contractor
• Arizona State University- B.A. x 2
• Featured in Move Over Bob Magazine inaugural issue
• Move Over Bob
What do you attribute your success to?
You have to have grit. I think the ability to take what people say and hear them, take their words and just kind of move it aside and keep going and plowing forward. You've got to have drive, and you've got to want it. I routinely say, well, how bad do you want it? I'm not gonna let some guy tell me, or anybody for that matter, you can't do this. I'm like, I'll be the judge of that. And then using those stones as your fuel to keep going. I use a phrase that my mom used to say to me: how hard can it be? Boys do it. I used to kind of laugh at that, but now that I'm an adult, I say that a lot to myself. How hard could it be? Boys do it. And then I chuckle and keep going.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
How hard can it be? Boys do it. My mom used to say that to me, and I used to kind of laugh at it, but now that I'm an adult, I say that a lot to myself. How hard could it be? Boys do it. And then I chuckle and keep going. That phrase has become fuel for me to push through challenges and not let anyone tell me I can't do something.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I tell women frequently, we have the pendulum swings, right? After World War II, we saw the Rosie Riveter, but when the men came home from war, the pendulum swung back the other way, and now it's coming back, and that's important. We need these women. We need women in STEM. We need every person to provide their opinion and their observations, because everyone's brain works different. I find that when I'm in rooms where women are there, there's a lot more collaboration, and there's a lot less competition in the traditional sense of asserting oneself and dominance. Women tend to be more like, it's a team decision, and I think when you get that kind of culture in companies, they grow at a more rapid pace, because it helps everybody.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that women still make, I think it's like 81 cents to every dollar. That's still a big challenge, and I think getting men to see the disparity is difficult, because it doesn't directly impact them every day. Even though I'm paid well and treated as an equal at my company, I know that's not the same across all people. Additionally to that, where I think the positives are, is that there's more reception to women being in the room. Gone are the days that I used to get asked, oh, you're a real plumber. And I'm like, as opposed to what, a fake one? Like, I'm not Mario and Luigi. I don't ask men, are you a real project manager? Are you a real electrician? Of course I am. So I think that hurdle has been hopped a little, but I don't think it's gone. I think the more women we see, though, the more power behind us. You know, power in numbers, power and strength.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value representation and building things together with other women. I feel so strongly about this that's why I'm part of Move Over Bob. I want there to be a point when I get to look at my team and go, we are 50% women. That's my goal. If I could make Ace Energy Services be 50% women across the board, not just in office settings, but all the way down, top to bottom, 50%, I would feel like my life's work was good. I think that kind of passion and drive showcased to other women can be like, yeah, we can do this. I want to be able to leave that mark and provide that sort of relentless, endless passion and let them see that. For my personal life, I find love in doing what my kids like to do. I enjoy spending time with my family, supporting my boys in their sports activities, and staying active through snowboarding, swimming, and working with my hands.