High-Profile: Women In. Construction 2026 | Page 9

March 2026 Women in Construction 9

High-Profile recently talked with Sara Clancy, CEO and president of American Plumbing & Heating, about what she’ s learned in her leadership position at the firm, and her advice for up and coming leaders in the industry.

High-Profile: You’ re now leading American Plumbing & Heating in an industry that still doesn’ t have many women at the top. Can you share what got you here, and were there moments when you had to really bet on yourself?

Sara Clancy: American Plumbing has always been a part of my life. My sisters and I grew up watching our father, Joe Clancy, build the company from a small team into the organization it is today. We saw the dedication, and pride he took in building something that supported families – including our own. However, I didn’ t initially envision myself in the trades; my background was in social services, focusing on community support.

When my father began succession planning and asked me to join, I wasn’ t sure where I’ d fit. Saying“ yes” was a chance to truly bet on myself. While I lacked technical trade experience, I brought critical skills: communication, problem-solving, and people-centered thinking. My confidence grew through listening and collaborating. Today, stepping into the CEO role

Sara Clancy

is about more than continuing a legacy; it’ s about honoring the people who built it.

Sometimes betting on yourself isn’ t dramatic. It’ s simply saying yes – and then growing into the responsibility.

HP: What surprised you most about rising into executive leadership in the trades?

SC: What surprised me most was that leadership in the trades is about people— not just pipes and projects. From the outside, the industry looks technical and transactional. At the executive level, however, it’ s about culture, trust, and mentorship. It’ s about empowering the office and field teams to build something families can depend on for decades.

I was also struck by the lack of women in construction leadership. While that reality is noticeable, it’ s been encouraging to see more women entering the workforce recently. Diverse perspectives make the industry stronger, and we must continue creating pathways for women to lead.

HP: In stepping into this role, did you feel a responsibility beyond the business itself?

SC: I feel a deep responsibility to the industry and the next generation. Representation matters; when you don’ t see someone who looks like you in leadership, it’ s easy to assume there isn’ t space for you. By stepping into this role, I’ m expanding what leadership in the trades can look like. I also want to elevate the profession itself. This is a skilled, essential, and respected industry, and I want our company to reflect that professionalism.

HP: What are you doing now, as CEO, that you wish existed when you were earlier in your career?

SC: As CEO, I’ m prioritizing a workplace that reflects the modern world. This starts with diversifying hiring practices and ensuring opportunities are accessible to women and minorities who may not have traditionally seen themselves here. Talent

exists everywhere; leaders must remove the barriers.

I’ m also focused on balance. The trades have historically demanded long hours with little room for personal life. We are incorporating clearer scheduling and policies that recognize employees as whole people. Earlier in my career, I didn’ t always see leadership models that held space for both ambition and well-being. I want our team to know they don’ t have to choose between the two.

HP: If a young woman is reading this and thinking about a career in construction or mechanical work, what would you tell her?

SC: First, you absolutely belong here. The trades offer a powerful, tangible impact; there is immense fulfillment in pointing to something you built or repaired. Second, don’ t wait until you feel 100 % ready. Confidence grows through action, not before it. If you’ re curious, take the class or apply for the apprenticeship. Finally, your perspective is an asset. This industry needs innovation, empathy, and technical excellence. The trades are not a“ fallback” option; they are a dynamic career path offering financial stability and real impact. If you are willing to work hard and stay curious, there is space for you to lead— maybe even sooner than you think.

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