Small Business Success: Local Entrepreneur's Journey from Startup to National Inspiration
TL;DR
Vanderbilt's Coastal Windows & Exteriors growth showcases the advantage of strategic planning and commitment to excellence.
Vanderbilt's success stems from seeking guidance from MSBDC, demonstrating the importance of learning and support in business development.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors' commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices contributes to a better world for homeowners and communities.
Stephanie Vanderbilt's entrepreneurial journey from novice to leader in sustainable building practices is both inspiring and educational.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
Stephanie Vanderbilt's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the transformative power of small business development, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to community service. One year after being named Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, Vanderbilt's success story is now being shared nationwide, offering inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across the United States.
Launching Coastal Windows & Exteriors in 2011 without prior home improvement experience, Vanderbilt leveraged critical support from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC). The organization provided crucial guidance in finance, marketing, and business planning, enabling her to build a robust, mission-driven company focused on educating homeowners about energy-efficient upgrades.
From a modest beginning working from a desk above a warehouse, Vanderbilt has grown her business to employ over 30 people, serving communities across Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. The company has distinguished itself not just through high-performance products like roofing, siding, windows, and doors, but through a deep commitment to social responsibility.
Vanderbilt's business model integrates community engagement through initiatives like Roof for Heroes and the Freedom from Want Thanksgiving Project, reflecting a broader vision of entrepreneurship that extends beyond commercial success. These programs underscore her belief that businesses can be meaningful vehicles for positive community impact.
The company's achievements extend beyond its social mission. As a woman-owned, family-run business, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has garnered multiple industry recognitions, including the GAF President's Club Award, James Hardie Service Excellence Award, and BONS Editors' Choice Award. These accolades validate the company's commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service.
Her feature on the Small Business Administration website represents more than personal recognition. It symbolizes a broader narrative of sustainable business practices, small business development, and women's empowerment in traditionally male-dominated trades. Vanderbilt's story illustrates how strategic support, continuous learning, and a mission-driven approach can transform a startup into a regional industry leader.
By sharing her journey, Vanderbilt provides a blueprint for entrepreneurs, particularly women entering challenging industries. Her success demonstrates that with the right support, education, and commitment, significant business growth and community impact are achievable, regardless of initial industry experience.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
