A powerful reflection on leadership shaped by mentors and personal resilience. Discover how one woman navigated a male-dominated HVAC industry, overcame self-doubt, and learned that true leadership transcends titles—it's defined by impact, integrity, and unwavering commitment to team success.
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Titles don't matter. We are all human. Treat everyone with respect, don't worry about what others think, and keep doing what you know you're supposed to do.
Sabrina Fox · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Sabrina
Sabrina Fox is an accomplished HVAC professional and Senior Estimator at John Q. Bullard and Associates, bringing more than 13 years of industry experience and a career built on resilience, continuous learning, and embracing new opportunities.
Sabrina began her HVAC career in 2012 at Faulkner Haynes and Associates, accepting a receptionist position through a temporary staffing agency during a challenging economic period. What began as an entry-level opportunity became the foundation for a rewarding career. Eager to learn and willing to step in wherever needed, she gained experience in accounting, sales, service operations, warehouse management, administration, and customer relations.
In 2017, Sabrina transitioned fully into parts and service, strengthening customer and contractor relationships while developing the industry knowledge that eventually led her into management. Following a major merger in 2024, she became Area Manager of Aftermarket Parts, overseeing operations throughout South Carolina and the Raleigh, North Carolina market.
Throughout her leadership career, Sabrina has focused on developing people and creating an environment where team members feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow. She believes great leadership is built on listening, trust, integrity, empathy, and helping others recognize their potential.
Today, Sabrina brings the experience gained throughout her career to her role as Inside Sales and Senior Estimator. Her journey from receptionist to sales, management, and estimating reflects her belief that every position offers an opportunity to learn and that success does not always follow a straight path.
Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys baking sourdough bread, canning and gardening, spending time with her animals, and traveling with her husband. She credits her success to resilience, meaningful mentorship, lessons learned along the way, and her faith that every step has purpose. Her commitment to growth and empowering others has earned her recognition as an Influential Woman for 2026 representing Raleigh, North Carolina.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sabrina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my past experiences, the challenges I have overcome, and the lessons I have learned throughout my career. The way I was treated in previous management experiences helped shape the kind of leader I strive to be today. Those experiences taught me the importance of empathy, respect, and supporting others. I also believe that God has played a significant role in guiding my journey and helping me become the person I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to trust my instincts and follow my gut. My husband has always encouraged me to listen to that inner voice, and every time I have, it has guided me in the right direction. Trusting myself has helped me make decisions with confidence and navigate challenges throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to take the opportunity and fully commit to it. Step in with confidence, do not give up, and believe in your ability to succeed. There are many women who are building successful careers in this field, and you have the ability to achieve whatever you set your mind to.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field is that it has traditionally been male-dominated. However, more women are entering the industry and creating new opportunities for growth. There are many different paths available, from field technician roles to administrative positions, sales support, learning mechanical drawings, and leadership opportunities such as managing parts operations. The industry offers many ways to develop skills and build a rewarding career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are honesty, empathy, and helping others grow. I believe that as a leader, my responsibility is to guide people in the right direction and support their development. If the people I lead are not growing, then I feel I have not done my job. I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Sabrina
My Leadership Journey
How Mentorship and Resilience Shaped My Leadership Journey in a Male-Dominated Industry
Throughout my career, I have worked across several industries—from Walmart and forklift operations to the HVAC industry, where I work today. For many years, I changed jobs every couple of years, constantly learning, growing, and searching for opportunities to challenge myself.
I did not have many women in my life to teach me about leadership in the workplace. Instead, I was fortunate to have several strong men who helped shape the leader I have become.
The Men Who Shaped My Leadership
The first was my father. He taught me that not every battle is worth fighting and that wisdom often comes from knowing when to push forward and when to let things go. As a passionate person, this lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.
The second is my husband. We worked together for several years, and with more than a decade of management and leadership experience, he became one of my greatest mentors. For over thirteen years, he has been my partner, my sounding board, and my biggest supporter. We have spent countless nights discussing workplace challenges and leadership decisions, and his guidance has been invaluable.
The third person is my former boss, Jason Chavis. Jason believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow professionally. He remains a trusted friend and mentor whose advice I still value today.
These men hold a special place in my life because they gave me confidence, perspective, and unwavering support.
Leadership Can Be Lonely at Times
As you grow into leadership roles, the people you once vented to often become the people looking to you for answers. Learning to navigate that transition is one of the most difficult adjustments a leader can face.
For years, I held myself back. I watched others move forward while I remained silent, worried about what others thought and hesitant to speak up. Eventually, I realized that if I allowed fear to control my decisions, I would never reach my full potential.
I made a choice to stand on my own two feet, take ownership of my future, and create meaningful change—not only for myself but also for those around me.
Too often, talented individuals—especially women—are overlooked for promotions and recognition despite consistently exceeding expectations. Working in HVAC, a traditionally male-dominated industry, has taught me that resilience, confidence, and determination are essential qualities for success.
Leadership Is Not Defined by a Position
What I eventually discovered was that I had been leading long before I was ever given a leadership title. Leadership is not defined by a position; it is defined by actions, influence, and a commitment to helping others succeed. To me, leadership means continuous growth, learning from those around you, and building success together as a team.
I am direct, and that directness comes from years of learning to advocate for myself and for others. Along the way, I have faced setbacks, been underestimated, overlooked, and challenged both personally and professionally. But every experience—every struggle, every judgment, every obstacle—helped shape the person I am today. I chose to use those experiences as fuel for growth rather than as excuses to stand still.
My journey has not been easy. I have made mistakes, faced adversity, and had to rebuild at times. Yet every challenge has strengthened my character and enhanced my ability to lead.
Today, I lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. I have navigated professional growth without a clear roadmap, learning to turn challenges into opportunities and obstacles into momentum.
What sets me apart is my leadership style: one rooted in confidence, independence, and a people-first mindset. In a demanding industry, I remain focused on supporting my team, listening to those around me, and leading with integrity. My path has been built through determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to growth—and I am still learning every day.
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