By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper – Andrea Griego did not expect to build a career in the trades. At 18 Griego was attending college with plans to become a teacher, working during the day to support her education. But a job listing in the newspaper set her on a different path.
“I was just looking for a job that would pay for my college education,” says Griego.
Griego started as a dispatcher at a plumbing and HVAC company, but quickly moved up the ranks. Within two years, she was in management.
About this series
March marks Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women across the country. As part of that celebration, this series highlights local women in Albuquerque who are shaping their communities through leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
“By the time I was 20, I was in management, so it just seemed like I should just stay,” says Griego.
That decision turned into a 21-year career in plumbing, heating and cooling and eventually led to co-founding First Rate Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Albuquerque. But for Griego, becoming a business owner was not just about growth. It was about creating a different kind of workplace.
While working in management, Griego began to notice areas where companies could improve, especially in how employees were treated. “I felt like they weren’t treated fairly,” says Griego. “I thought, that’s no way to treat people.”
That realization became a driving force behind First Rate. From the beginning, Griego and her team focused on building a company that prioritized both customer service and employee well-being. Before opening their doors, they put systems in place to define expectations, strengthen operations and offer meaningful benefits.
“The vision behind it was: How can a company be created that delivers the best service in town?” says Griego.
In an industry often dominated by men, Griego also had to establish credibility early in her career. As a young manager overseeing older, more experienced workers, she knew trust had to be earned. “I had to work really hard to get my own education,” says Griego. “Then become their teacher.”
Griego did that by stepping outside of a traditional management role and working directly alongside her team in the field. “I actually went on job sites, and I would help with installs, help with service calls,” says Griego.
That hands-on approach not only built respect, but continues to shape how she leads today. “They realize that I’m not just somebody pushing paperwork,” says Griego. “I’m somebody that can actually help them.”
At First Rate, those values extend across the company culture. Griego describes a workplace where accountability and respect are shared responsibilities.
“We’re all each other’s accountability partner,” says Griego. “We hold each other accountable, but we have each other’s back.”
Running a business at that level has not come without sacrifice. Griego explains that balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life has been one of the most difficult parts of the journey. “It’s tough. It comes with tons of sacrifice,” says Griego. “I’ve definitely missed birthdays, definitely missed parties.”
Despite those challenges, Griego continues to push forward, driven by both personal and professional goals. She is currently working on a book that will share her experiences in the trades, including lessons on hard work, integrity and perseverance.
Griego also hopes to one day transition into consulting, using her experience to help others build and grow their own businesses.
For young women considering a path in the trades, her message is simple but firm. “Just have confidence in yourself,” says Griego. “If you’re the hardest working, you’ll surpass everybody around you.”
Her journey is also rooted in her upbringing. Raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley by a single mother, Griego says her background shaped her work ethic and perspective. “I come from humble beginnings.”
Because of that, Griego believes opportunities can come from unexpected places, and that the trades can offer a path forward for those willing to put in the work.
“No matter where you come from or what your background might be, the trajectory of your future could change the industry,” says Griego.