SBA Press Release: Stephanie Vanderbilt, Owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors Named Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year
BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, the 2024 Small Business Person of the Year for Massachusetts. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned, home renovation company located in Beverly, MA, specializing in windows, siding, roofing, and doors. A former teacher for the deaf, Stephanie and her husband David started the business together in 2010 – selling and installing windows and within
months, expanding to all areas of home remodeling.
“Utilizing the Small Business Development Center at Salem State University to lay the foundation for business plans, the company grew tremendously through the pandemic home renovation boom and wisely kept building upon the momentum to this day,” said District Director Robert Nelson.
In 2020, the company successfully doubled its number of employees from 5 to 10, despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, Coastal Windows & Exteriors expanded its team to 20 employees, now with over 30 skilled professionals.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Small Business Person of the Year for Massachusetts. This accolade reflects not just my journey, but the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Coastal Windows & Exteriors, “said Stephanie Vanderbilt. “From our humble beginnings above a warehouse to a flagship storefront, we’ve not only adapted and expanded but also integrated sustainable practices and committed ourselves to giving back to our community.”
Vanderbilt is active within women and trade organizations in her industry including, National Women in Roofing, Women’s Business League, Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts, Beverly Chamber Power of Women Committee and The National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors gives back to a number of charitable causes that supports local communities, including:
* Over $375,000 donated to Habitat for Humanity in products and services; most recently donating and installing a new GAF roof and James Hardie siding in partnership with the Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity.
* Roofs for Heroes is an in-house initiative created to support Veterans in need of roof renovation to their homes. Three full roofing projects donated to Veterans totaling over $100,000 that were gifted in collaboration with VNEOC, DAV and the local VSO.
* Beverly Bootstraps and Open Door in Gloucester are local food pantries that have received donations by the company.
“As we continue to grow, our focus remains on educating homeowners on energy-efficient exterior products, roofing siding, windows & doors, enhancing the communities we serve and leading the way in environmental stewardship within the Commonwealth,” said Stephanie Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt was nominated by Joe Bevilacqua, President/CEO of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Vanderbilt will be honored at the annual National Small Business Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at the Doubletree Andover.
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About the U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
