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Building a successful business from the ground up requires resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, went from operating a business from a small warehouse space to being named Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2024.

The Genesis of Coastal Windows & Exteriors

Stephanie Vanderbilt and her husband David launched Coastal Windows & Exteriors in 2011. From the outset, Stephanie was determined to build a business anchored in core values of education, empathy, and service. A former teacher of hearing-impaired students, she instilled the same principles that drove her previous career into her new enterprise.

“Once a teacher, always a teacher,” Stephanie says, emphasizing the importance of educating and empowering both her team and customers.

Seizing Opportunities

The company initially operated out of a small warehouse, focusing almost exclusively on windows. As customer demand grew, so did the business. Coastal Windows & Exteriors expanded its offerings to include doors, siding, and roofing. Their move to the Cummings Center and the eventual opening of a retail storefront in downtown Beverly were significant milestones. These steps were taken just weeks before COVID-19 caused widespread shutdowns, but the timing turned out to be unexpectedly fortuitous. With people confined to their homes, many undertook property improvement projects, driving demand for the company’s services.

Stephanie attributes her success to grit, resilience, and a commitment to running a compassionate, family-oriented business. Her approach to customer service is exemplary: she shares her phone number with clients and fields text questions daily. The company’s sales staff are referred to as “ambassadors” because their role is more about building meaningful relationships than focusing merely on closing sales.

Giving Back

Coastal Windows & Exteriors gives back to the community by operating Roofs for Heroes, a program that donates materials and labor to provide free roof replacements for U.S. veterans. They have also collaborated with Habitat for Humanity, donating $375,000 in products and services over the years. Additionally, they have contributed more than 3,000 pounds of food to the food pantries at the Open Door in Gloucester and Beverly Bootstraps.

Inspiring Women in the Construction Industry

Navigating a male-dominated industry has presented its challenges, but Stephanie has always stuck to her values. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by customers or the business community.

“She has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to serve her customers in a non-traditional business for women,” says Michael Bevilacqua, Vice President of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, which nominated Vanderbilt for the SBA honor. “As a leader of products and services, she has demonstrated that a woman-led firm can be the finest example of small business in Massachusetts and America.”

Key Takeaways for New Business Owners

Stephanie Vanderbilt’s story offers several key takeaways for construction professionals and entrepreneurs:

1. Commit to Your Core Values
   From day one, Coastal Windows & Exteriors was built on the values of education, empathy, and service. These principles have guided every decision and interaction, fostering trust and loyalty among customers and employees.
2. Adapt and Grow with Demand
   The company’s expansion from windows to a broader range of services was driven by customer requests. Listening to your market and adapting to meet its needs is crucial for sustained growth.
3. Focus on Relationships, Not Just Sales
   By emphasizing relationship-building over sales, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has created a loyal customer base. This approach not only drives repeat business but also generates positive word-of-mouth referrals.
4. Give Back
   Community involvement has been a significant part of this company’s success and many of other success stories we have shared through the Contractor Solutions series. Partnerships with charitable organizations foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment among employees and in the community.
5. Stay Determined
   Determination is an essential quality for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities, especially in challenging times. Stay determined and focus on your ultimate goal.

Learn more about Coastal Windows & Exteriors at mycoastalwindows.com.