KATHY VASQUEZ VETTRUS

Supply

WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

Kathy Vasquez is described not only as a leader but a role model. She honorably served in the United States Navy for 10 years. Kathy was one of the first women to serve on board a U.S. Navy Destroyer, the USS McFaul DDG 74. She was thrilled to be one of the first but knew it came with many challenges and responsibilities. She made it her mission to lay the groundwork for future women. But, as a single mom, she knew a career in the military would not foster the home environment she wanted for her son. So, Kathy began her journey in the HVAC industry as a service dispatcher in 2002.

In 2009 when her son graduated, she wanted to reinforce her belief of “you must be willing to take chances and believe in yourself,” so she decided to take a job as a business development manager in Buffalo, New York. She had no friends or family in the area but had the drive to succeed.

Unfortunately, after less than a year of being in that position, she was diagnosed with cancer, and she had to make the decision to move to Houston for treatment at MD Anderson. She was determined not to let cancer slow her career down and immediately found a job in the HVAC industry. Today, she is cancer free.

Kathy has worked in the HVAC industry for more than two decades in many facets, including Regional Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Manufacturer’s representative and now as President/ Owner of Vettrus Supply.

Vettrus Supply procures HVAC, plumbing, electrical and building supplies and is committed to purchasing the best products at competitive pricing. The company also provides training opportunities for all persons in the industry by displaying featured items of all trades in the showroom.

Kathy has worked her entire adult life in a male-dominated community and admits that it has come with many obstacles. But, she is proud to say the number of women in the industry is rapidly growing, and she is honored to call so many of them her friends. Vettrus Supply is not only a procurement company but also a family that is dedicated to building relationships with suppliers, customers and members of the community, while helping to promote economic growth.

Kathy is grateful and attributes her time in the Navy to teaching her not to cower and, most of all, to always do the right thing.