Holly Montrose: A Change Maker Leading Through Curiosity, Courage, and Connection

My career journey has been one filled with pivots, transformations, learning and mentorship. I started my career as an engineering technician after graduating college with a degree in Chemistry. I thought I could change the world. However, in that role, I spent a lot of time in a lab, and I soon realized that while I loved the problem-solving aspect, the lab environment lacked the human connection I craved. I discovered that my real purpose was rooted in people, learning, and leadership. So, I made a change and stumbled into the HVAC industry.  

Over the course of my career, I worked in technical sales, becoming a Regional Sales Manager where I had the opportunity to lead and further experience how powerful authentic connections in business can build great working relationships with customers. I found that I loved providing the best solutions for customers and collaborating with others to educate, understand and help. I realized that working with people to inspire change and leave a lasting impact is what has made my career meaningful and kept, and still keeps, me motivated.

Eventually, my family and I relocated across the country and I stepped away from the industry for a few years. In that time, I realized that I missed HVAC and its impact. It drives our creature comforts and critical applications impacting everyone and everything, from hospitals to education and hospitality. I missed being a part of it and the work I was doing, so I jumped at the opportunity to rejoin the industry in 2021. Today, in my current role as the Vice President – HVACR Channel Sales, Drive Products, I am happy to be in a position where I can help drive change and continue to impact this space through continuous learning, mentorship and creativity. 

But I didn’t get to this position without great mentors and what I call my personal ‘board of directors.’ Throughout my career, I was encouraged by mentors to explore, grow, and take on technical challenges. I’m also so thankful to have had mentors provide me opportunities to really stretch my legs and show people what I'm capable of. I’ve sough out others, outside of the HVACR industry, to give me advice, be a sounding board, and help guide me. This is something I would recommend to others – be curious, network and find your own ‘board of directors’ that will help you find your purpose.  Having this hugely influenced my career development and that being done for me, gives me the courage to do the same for others. 

Mentorship is a cornerstone of how I lead. I take time to share what I’ve learned—about resilience, non-linear success, and staying curious to propel you forward in your career. I encourage others to embrace the messy parts of growth and to build their own ‘personal board of directors,’ just as I have. My leadership is grounded in relationships, trust, and humility. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe in asking the right questions, uplifting others, and creating space for everyone to thrive.

Therefore, I can confidently say that my driving purpose as a change maker is to leave everything better than you found it. Whether it’s a process, a team, or a mindset, I aim to elevate it. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces—especially for women in HVACR—where people are encouraged not just to show up but to speak up and lead. I believe diversity of thought and creativity are essential for innovation, and I actively mentor others to help them find their voice and value. Being a female VP in this industry also allows me the opportunity to mentor others. Something I am proud of is that I get to mentoring both young men and women. For them to see my value as leader is something I am proud of. My hope is that by encouraging them and providing them opportunities and guidance, they will find their purpose as well.

Connect with Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-montrose/ 

Read more in the Empowering Women's Digital Magazine: https://empoweringwomen.mydigitalpublication.com/volume-9/page-10