Suzy Preite
Suzy Preite has built a remarkable career in the building automation and service management industry, with nearly 30 years of experience across hospitality, plumbing, commercial HVAC, and building automation controls. As Service Manager at Albireo Energy, she leads a service team of 18, balancing customer service, field operations, sales support, and administrative oversight. Her leadership style emphasizes technician support, process improvement, and building strong, respectful relationships while actively working to elevate women’s voices in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Suzy's career path reflects a deep commitment to hands-on learning and continuous growth. She began as a PBX operator at a local San Diego casino and advanced through roles in plumbing and project coordination in Las Vegas before transitioning into commercial HVAC and building automation. Through targeted coursework at San Diego Miramar College and UC San Diego Extension, she strengthened her business and technical foundation, ultimately rising into leadership without a traditional four-year degree. Her focus on learning, adaptability, and problem-solving has enabled her to thrive in a constantly evolving industry.
Beyond her role, Suzy is passionate about mentorship and community engagement. She is actively involved with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) , supporting mentorship and scholarship initiatives while helping guide the next generation of construction and engineering professionals. Her career is grounded in a people-first philosophy, prioritizing her team, colleagues, and customers and a commitment to making the workplace productive, positive, and impactful across the San Diego community.
• Notary Public
• San Diego Miramar College
• National Association of Women in Construction
• San Diego Building Engineer Association
• San Diego Humane Society
• World Wildlife Fund
• NAWIC Mentorship Program
• NAWIC Scholarship Program
• Cherie's Closet (professional clothing for women in need)
• Rady's Children's Hospital fundraising
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to genuinely loving what I do and choosing to show up with a positive mindset, even when things are challenging. I always look for the silver lining and approach change with as much enthusiasm as I can, because I believe your attitude sets the tone for everything around you.
My career path wasn’t traditional. I didn’t have a four-year degree, so I built my experience through hands-on work and real-world learning. It may have taken a little longer, but that “scenic route” gave me a deeper understanding of the industry and shaped the way I lead today.
Working in a male-dominated field, I’ve learned to bring my own strengths to the table. As the only woman on my local leadership team, I believe my perspective adds value especially when it comes to empathy, communication, and understanding people.
At the end of the day, I’m here for the long haul. As long as I continue to love what I do and feel I’m making an impact, I’ll keep showing up and giving it everything I’ve got.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: some days you’re the dog, and some days you’re the hydrant. In a service-driven world, that really resonates. Every day won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.
Another piece of advice I’ve carried with me is simple: show up, do your best, and don’t let setbacks define you. I focus on giving my best effort every day, and if it’s not enough for someone, I know I gave it everything I had. That mindset keeps me grounded and moving forward.
I’ve learned the most from my mistakes. They’ve shaped my growth and helped me get to where I am today. We’re all human and we’re going to make mistakes but it’s how you respond that matters. You learn, adjust, and keep going.
At the end of the day, it’s about resilience. Don’t let challenges or criticism hold you back. Show up, give it your all, dust yourself off when needed, and keep pushing forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t let being a woman hold you back. Your voice matters so make sure it’s heard. And if it’s not, speak up even louder!
This is still a male-dominated field, and there may be moments where you feel overlooked or underestimated. I’ve experienced that myself, early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room and had to work harder to be taken seriously. Those moments were tough, but they also pushed me to prove to myself and others that I knew what I was doing.
It takes confidence and resilience, but you belong in this industry just as much as anyone else. Don’t let discouragement get in your way, use it as motivation.
Now, in a leadership role, I’m proud to be in a position where my voice is heard and respected, and I’m passionate about helping other women get there too. Stay confident, stand your ground, and keep pushing forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is keeping up with how quickly things evolve, but I see that as an opportunity to continuously grow. Throughout my career, I’ve learned to stay adaptable, trust my experience, and lead with confidence, even in moments where I had to prove myself.
That growth has allowed me to not only advance in my own career, but also to support and develop others along the way. I’m passionate about creating opportunities, building strong teams, and helping people realize their potential.
For me, the real opportunity is using everything I’ve learned to make a lasting impact, both within my team and across the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are respect, loyalty, integrity, and being heard. Respect is foundational. I believe everyone deserves to be taken seriously and valued for what they bring to the table. Having a voice and being able to share ideas openly is important to me, and I strive to create an environment where others feel the same.
Loyalty is another core value. I believe in showing up for my team, supporting them, and building trust over time. I’m the kind of leader who will “fix your crown” without telling the world it was crooked. I believe in lifting others up, recognizing wins openly, and addressing challenges privately.
Integrity guides everything I do. I stand behind my work, my decisions, and the people around me. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a culture where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.