Heather’s passion lies in breaking things. Whether its revenue goals, glass ceilings, or tired rhetoric, her 19-year track record in one of the world’s most exacting industries shows a dedication to destroying the status quo. Founded in 1985 by Steve Driscol and based in Orange, CA, Thermal-Vac is a family-owned business specializing in heat treating and brazing of highly technical, exacting, and high-profile projects in missile defense, deep space exploration, commercial and space heavy payload launch vehicles, medical devices, oil exploration, and many others. Company events are legendary, the swag is enviable, the peer-to-peer recognition systems on point. The team works hard to stay at the top of their game, and they celebrate success like rock stars. The business has been led by second generation family members since 2012, with Heather assuming the CEO role in 2019. The daughter of Steve Driscol, Heather spent most of her formative years living and breathing heat treating and brazing. After attending college at Fullerton College and California State University, Fullerton, Heather joined the business in 2003 and worked many of the company’s operational and administrative roles. As an Ironman triathlete, Seven Summits enthusiast, wife, and mother, Heather seeks to promote growth and opportunity outside of people’s comfort zones with an invitation to be “Green and Growing”, to reject mediocrity, and embrace their unique talents to create meaningful and lasting legacy impact. Awards and recognition: – 2019 and 2020 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company – Orange County Register Top Workplace in 2018 – Family Business Hall of Fame 2019 Nominee – Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 – Family Business Magazine 2020 CEO’s to Watch and 2021 At the Helm CEO full-feature – OCBJ 2020 and 2021 Companies That Care Nominee – OCBJ 2021 Family-Owned Business Awards Winner, Small Business – 2021 OC 500, Technology Category