A Leader for Female Entrepreneurs
As the female owner and president of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air, Mary Jean Anderson knows what it means to work hard for her success. A genuine example of the American dream, she has taken her success and turned it into opportunity for others. From the very beginning, Mary was a force to be reckoned with, earning the nickname “Cannonball” when she was just a child. For Mary, her energy and tenacity has been a key factor in her achievements.
While Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air is now a company with $30 million in annual revenue, Mary and her now ex-husband started their company 40 years ago. Eventually, Mary bought him out and became the sole owner of the company. This was a huge undertaking that would prove trying, but Mary had it in her to foster the growth the business needed to succeed. With a large dose of optimism and influential role models like her mother, Aunts Jo and Nellie, and the Girl Scouts, Mary had the tools she needed to persist and achieve her goal of having the “best plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company in San Diego”.
Finding herself in a primarily male-dominated industry, she knew it was going to be an uphill battle. She struck out on her own unique path, taking her perceived disadvantage and turning it into a strength that would define Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air. Branding the company with a feminine touch and Mary as the face turned out to be a great choice. Another defining factor of the business is their employees known for their “wow” spirit, skills, and knowledge. Something that the company takes great pride in and invests in is fostering employee growth. Mary is also passionate about improving the career opportunities within the plumbing, heating, and air industry and encouraging younger generations to pursue these often very lucrative and rewarding career paths. Last year, the company started the Anderson Career Builder Institute which pays students to learn and build their skills. Some of them will earn a full time position with the company upon completion.
Mary details her journey from dreamer to achiever in her new memoir, “Here Comes Cannonball! Reflections on the 40thAnniversary of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air”, which can be purchased on Amazon. In the book, she reflects on the personal challenges she has faced, her journey as an entrepreneur, and the many lessons she has learned along the way. With so much ahead for her and her company, she hopes to serve as inspiration to others and continue to pave the way for success in her industry.
www.andersonplumbingheatingandair.com
