NICOLE HALEY, HALEY COMFORT SYSTEMS
CEO Profile
CEO Profile: Nicole Haley Taking an in-depth look at Haley's career path, progression, and achievements Tell us about your career path to becoming Marketing Manager at Haley Comfort Systems. I began my career journey in the customer service field. One of my initial roles during high school was at Haley Comfort Systems, where I welcomed customers and baked cookies! Throughout my high school and college years, I gained further customer service experience through waitressing and bartending. I attended St. Mary’s University, earning a degree in History/Social Science along with a minor in General Business. During a semester-long internship at a business law firm in Washington D.C., I acquired a wealth of knowledge about business and time management. After graduating in 2013, I joined the family business as a Branch Manager at our Hastings location. In just three years, we managed to triple the revenue at that site before selling it to consolidate into a single location in Rochester, MN. Once in Rochester, I transitioned to a more specialized role focused on sales and marketing management, while also contributing to the design and development of our current store! What experiences have had a significant impact in shaping you as a leader? Being thrust into a branch manager role immediately after college meant I had to jump in with both feet! I was responsible for managing every facet of our business from a remote location. As a young woman stepping in as the boss's daughter, I felt the need to work twice as hard to earn my place. I built a strong bond and mutual respect with my colleagues at our Hastings store, who taught me that anyone can become a leader if they possess passion and determination. This experience boosted my confidence as I transitioned into the larger Rochester market. During my time in Rochester, I have faced new challenges that pushed me to further hone my leadership skills. The diverse dynamics of a larger market and employee base required strategic thinking and adaptability. I engaged deeply with our team, learning all aspects of our business to contribute ideas for growth and improvement. What changes in trends and needs within the construction industry have you seen? The constant shift in style trends is always so fun to watch. One moment, gold is seen as undesirable, with everyone eager to remove it from their homes; the next, it becomes the trendiest element in the design industry. The fireplace industry has experienced significant changes in usability concerning heat output. Many individuals have chosen to utilize technology that regulates the heat from their fireplaces, while others have opted for an entirely different alternative, such as electric fireplaces. The HVAC industry has seen a significant shift towards more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for heating and cooling homes, reflecting a strong demand for such options. The past few years have seen a significant emphasis
on air source heat pumps, along with the desire for more hybrid systems that provide the flexibility to heat using either gas or electricity within the same setup. How has Haley Comfort Systems evolved since its beginning to meet those changes to the industry? Haley’s has always aimed to be an industry leader. Our focus is on continuous learning and training from the top down. When new technologies or ideas emerge in the HVAC, fireplace, or lighting industry, we are among the first to adopt them. Although some customers prefer to stick with the familiar, we strive to equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to present all potential solutions. We believe that consumers in our community are avid fact-finders, and we want to create an environment where they can learn alongside us. Over the past couple years, we have begun inviting external speakers to educate homeowners on various topics. These complimentary seminars have been extremely successful in enhancing homeowners' knowledge. As you look ahead to the future, what do you see as the outlook for the construction industry as well as for Haley Comfort Systems? Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of both the construction industry and Haley Comfort Systems. The growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency presents exciting opportunities for innovation and expansion. At Haley’s, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, continuously enhancing our services to better meet the needs of our customers and contribute positively to the environment. I am excited to lead our talented team as we navigate this dynamic landscape, confident that our dedication and forward-thinking approach will pave the way for continued success. To read more about Haley Comfort Systems, visit www.haleycomfort.com
14 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2025
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