Vanderbilt of Coastal Windows named Person of the Year

Beverly, MA The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, the 2024 Small Business Person of the Year for Massachusetts.

In time for Small Business Week, the SBA shines a spotlight on the nation’s over 33 million small businesses during this time period. Vanderbilt was selected for this award for her resilience, ingenuity, and creativity in owning and operating a small exterior remodeling business. Vanderbilt was nominated by Joe Bevilacqua, president/CEO of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“From a small office above a warehouse – to a retail storefront in downtown Beverly with over 35 employees today, Stephanie built a thriving business that grew tremendously through the pandemic home renovation boom,” said district director Robert Nelson. “Today with over 35 employees, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has demonstrated impressive growth in job creation year-after-year and also gives back to the community through initiatives such as Roofs for Heroes to support veterans. I wanted to congratulate you as this is a very big deal and I am so honored we will be recognizing you and the businesses with our top award.”

Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned, home renovation company, specializing in windows, vinyl and James Hardie 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. 

“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. 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. The entire time never changing our mission: to educate homeowners and to serve the community. Our collaborations with Habitat for Humanity and our own Roofs for Heroes initiative to support veterans with free roofs are core to our mission and values. Introducing the state’s first Roof Solar Shingles is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on educating homeowners on energy-efficient exterior products, enhancing the communities we serve and leading the way in environmental stewardship within the Commonwealth,” said Vanderbilt.

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. She was nominated Women Business of the Year by Merrimack Valley Chamber and ranks as #1 Woman in Business in New England with Inc 5000. 

Coastal Windows & Exteriors gives back to a number of charitable causes that supports local communities, including: 

Over $375,000 has been donated to Habitat for Humanity in products and services; most recently donating and installing new James Hardie Siding and GAF Roof to a woman and young daughter 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. There have been three full roofing projects donated to Veterans totaling over $100,000 that were gifted in collaboration with VNEOC, DAV and the local VSO. She was awarded the Minuteman Service Award with North Shore Chamber of Commerce for her work helping veterans. 

Beverly Bootstraps and Open Door in Gloucester are local food pantries where the company has donated over 3000 pounds of food, including turkeys for Thanksgiving, over the years. 

“Stephanie, this is a tremendous honor for you and your company! Congratulations,” says Michael Bevilacqua, vce president of Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The Merrimack Valley Chamber is overwhelmed with support for Stephanie and her work. She has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to serve her customers in a non-traditional business for women. 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. Her dedication also to veterans is especially noteworthy. Stephanie is the finest example of a small business in today’s business world and the Merrimack Valley Chamber is proud to have nominated her!”

This accolade highlights their passion and commitment to enhancing homes with quality energy-efficient roofing, siding, windows, and doors. This prestigious award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes the unparalleled commitment, innovative spirit, and substantial contributions to the community and economy. “At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we don’t just renovate homes—we create dream homes, ensuring quality and care that have set us apart as industry leaders. Our commitment to enhancing your home’s beauty and energy efficiency has never been stronger. We’re proud of the work we do and grateful for the recognition,” said Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt was honored at the SBA Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday April 29^th, and at the annual National Small Business Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 10^th, at the Doubletree Andover.