Celebrating Women in Trades: Andrea Griego’s Journey
Every business has a story behind it, and a big part of ours starts with Andrea Griego. Her path in the trades wasn’t planned, but it’s one she committed to and built over time through hard work and consistency.
Recently, Andrea was featured in The Paper as part of their Women’s History Month series, highlighting women in Albuquerque who are making an impact in their industries. As a co-founder of First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling, it’s something I’m proud to see.
The article shares her journey in the trades, from starting at a young age to helping build First Rate, along with the values that continue to shape how we operate today.
From Dispatcher to Co-Founder
Andrea didn’t originally plan to build a career in the trades. At 18, she was attending college with plans to become a teacher while working to support herself. A dispatcher job at a plumbing and HVAC company changed that path.
What started as a way to earn income quickly turned into a long-term career. Within two years, she had moved into management, gaining experience and learning the industry from the ground up.
That early experience played a big role in shaping how she leads today.
Why First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling Was Built Differently
As Andrea stepped into leadership roles, she began to notice areas where companies could improve, especially in how employees were treated. That stuck with her.
When we set out to build First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling, the goal wasn’t just to grow a business. It was to build something better. That meant putting systems in place early, setting clear expectations, and creating a workplace where both customers and team members are treated with respect.
Those values continue to guide how we operate today.
Leading by Doing, Not Just Managing
Working in a male-dominated industry came with challenges, especially early on. As a young manager leading more experienced team members, Andrea knew that respect had to be earned.
She took a hands-on approach by spending time in the field, working alongside technicians, and learning the work firsthand. That approach helped build trust and credibility within the team.
It’s also something that continues to influence how leadership works at First Rate today.
What This Feature Means to Us
Being featured in The Paper is something we’re proud of, not just as a company, but as part of the Albuquerque community.
It reflects the journey, the lessons learned, and the values that Andrea has brought into the business from the very beginning. It also highlights the role women continue to play in the trades and the impact they are making across the industry.
For us, it’s a reminder of why we started. We wanted to build something that treats people right and delivers real value to the community.
A Message That Stands Out
One of the things that stands out most in Andrea’s story is her mindset around growth and hard work.
“Just have confidence in yourself. If you’re the hardest working, you’ll surpass everybody around you.”
That’s something I’ve seen firsthand over the years. It’s part of what helped shape the company and continues to influence the way we operate today.
Rooted in Albuquerque
Andrea’s story starts right here in Albuquerque’s South Valley, and that connection to the community is still a big part of who we are.
First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling was built to serve this community, support the people in it, and create opportunities for those willing to put in the work.
Being recognized in a local publication like The Paper makes that connection even more meaningful.
Read the Full Feature
If you’d like to read the full story, you can check it out here: Women Who Run ABQ
We’re grateful to be part of this feature and to continue serving the Albuquerque and nearby communities every day. It’s especially meaningful to see Andrea’s journey recognized as part of a larger conversation around women in the trades and the impact they continue to make.
Stories like hers are a reminder that opportunity can come in many forms, and that with hard work and confidence, more women can build their own path in a traditionally male-dominated industry.