HomeWork features AHAM members’ insights on careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Sarah Chinberg, Retail AC Regulatory Engineer, Midea America Corp.
How did you come to work in the appliance industry?
My background is in mechanical engineering and I spent the first six years of my career at an HVAC manufacturing company as an R&D engineer designing and testing commercial DOAS (dedicated outdoor air system) and RTU (rooftop unit) systems. In my pursuit of career growth and development, I stumbled upon a great opportunity at the largest retail HVAC manufacturer in the world, and it just so happened to be down the street from my old office. After a couple of successful interviews, hitting it off with the team, and having alignment with the company’s mission, I took the job offer that landed me at Midea.
What are your secrets to having a productive day?
I start every morning off with a fruit smoothie. I feel strongly that how you start your day will often forecast your preparation for the day ahead. Prioritizing eight hours of sleep, getting adequate water intake, and hitting a step goal every day is essential for my mental and physical health, which rolls over into how much I can give to my work. I'm also a big believer in setting daily and weekly goals to stay on target. Every morning I begin my workday by making priority lists of tasks I need to complete based on their level of urgency.
What personal and professional goals are you currently pursuing?
Professionally, I have been committed to networking and saying yes to as much travel as possible which has been exhausting but also very rewarding. Personally, I am trying to get better at pickleball so I can beat my boyfriend more than once every four rallies.
Predict an appliance or other innovation will revolutionize the next generation.
I may be biased, but electric inverter heat pump technology is truly revolutionary for window and portable air conditioners, which are essential for people’s health and comfort. The ability to provide refrigerant based heating and cooling in virtually any North American
climate is drastically changing how we condition indoor spaces and are paramount in the effort for decarbonization. For an option that isn't currently developed, I'm ready for someone to develop a robot chef that can prep, cook, and clean up after itself. Extra points if it can home grow and harvest the fruits and veggies sustainably and without pesticides.
What appliance can you not live without?
I really can't imagine living without any of them. If I had to choose only one, I would choose my refrigerator since I like to keep my sodium levels in check. My most appreciated appliance is my blender though. I really love my smoothies.
Outside of the appliance industry, what would be your dream job?
In an alternate world I could see myself having been a mathematics professor or environmental lawyer. I'm not sure I'm convinced that I'd have one single dream job, though. I think my purpose is to leave the world a better place than I entered it, and it's a huge benefit to be surrounded by others who are also highly motivated and great to work with.
What do you gain from your involvement with AHAM?
AHAM has been tremendously helpful in my role. I'm surrounded by so much knowledge and experience and as I'm relatively new to the appliance industry, I'm trying to absorb everything I can. I'm very grateful to work alongside the best in the business and learn from those around me.
