History Major Goes Green-Tech

Women In Green Jobs Profile: Suzanne Teshera - Energy Efficiency Consultant

Real Women. Real Stories.

I am developing the Weatherization and Insulation program for an HVAC service and installation company in Austin, TX. I evaluate customers' homes and recommend appropriate energy efficiency measures such as adding insulation, sealing and/or replacing ducts, weatherization, and installing solar screens. I run the crew which implements most of those measures, and do the work myself. I research new products that will be beneficial to our customers or the business itself, and look for ways to make our business more "green." I also have the opportunity to educate homeowners about energy efficiency measures and green products. I stay current on local, state, and Federal energy efficiency rebates, tax credits, and other initiatives, and attend meetings with the city electrical utility. As part of our marketing team, I write content for our website and am learning to create brochures and other marketing/education pieces.

Question Everything! What you learned in school, how your company does things - those are just a place to start. Everything can be improved upon, and it's our job to do it.

As a homeowner I have always been very conservation-minded, and I chose to attend the ARRA-funded Energy Auditor/Weatherization course at Austin Community College knowing that if I could not find work in the field I would still benefit and could share what I learned with friends and family. When the program ended and I received my certification, I applied at several HVAC companies, and was offered opportunities to sell weatherization/insulation services door-to-door, or to work in an office. Shane Bryant of Smart Air Service had a completely different approach. He was looking for key personnel with whom to build a team. My BPI certification got me the interview with Shane, but I believe that my varied experiences in start-up companies, my writing, teaching, and organizing skills, and my Òcan-doÓ attitude are what actually got me the opportunity I have to work with Smart Air.

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