Angela Sherman
What is your connection to Georgia Tech?
I entered Georgia Tech with the dream of being in technical sales. The dream started in the 1960s with my father. He was an owner in a large consulting engineering firm. To gain more practical experience he became a design engineer for a company involved with many NASA projects, and eventually transitioned to a designer with manufacturers of air distribution. One of the things you normally do not think about is the comfort of the space you are in until it is too hot, too cold, or too drafty. With multiple patents to my father’s name, he ultimately involved himself with the companies that sold his products around the world. My exposure to these companies – small, family-owned, technical, and successful influenced my path. I entered Georgia Tech knowing that someday I wanted to be one of these owners. How I got there was still to be determined, but I found my way. Years later after being in the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) industry, working for giants like Carrier Corporation, Honeywell, and Marley Cooling Towers, I was finally able to pursue my dream. This all led to an invitation to serve on the Advisory Board. It was a combination of my unique construction experience on major projects around the world providing HVAC expertise and being a female owner in a male-dominated business. All my dreams are realized because of the opportunity to attend and graduate with a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech.
What is your current professional role? Please list a few notable career accomplishments.
Building on my answer above, I am currently the President/CEO of S & S HVAC Equipment in Houston – a premier manufacturer representative in Houston and in the U.S. Our product lines are all engineering driven – Marley Cooling Towers provide heat transfer media for all large HVAC buildings, medical facilities, colleges, etc. Patterson-Kelley Boilers are the hot water side of heat transfer and Patterson Pumps are the method to flow the fluids. We sell additional related products as well. For those unaware – Marley is the oldest and largest cooling tower company in the world, and I am the only female primary owner, of only two women owner Marley Cooling Tower representatives.
Why are you passionate about WoW?
As a woman-owned company in the construction arena, I want to support other females to overcome hurdles in their lives and careers and show them there is no limit to what you can do. Life is a personal balance between what you are driven to do and finding a way to get there, in a style that you are comfortable with. There are no right or wrong answers, or directions to go, just a personal journey with you as the author of the narrative.
What are your hobbies and passions?
Besides my company (which is my second child), spending time with my husband and daughter (who is also a successful and driven lady in her late 20s), traveling, photography, cooking, wine and just making new friends on the journey of life.
What is your favorite quote?
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me?” -Ayn Rand (Author)
What advice would you give a young female engineer?
Sole search for what is important to you, and only you, deep in your inner being. Once you have an idea, which may be foggy at first, figure out how to make that dream come true. Do not get frustrated with the obstacles and barriers - they only make you stronger. Always remember - you will make it to the finish line - even if the finish line changes along the way.
In addition - research and ask questions of those that you see in the position that reflects the dream of your future.