Stephanie Vanderbilt | Owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors

Tell us about YOU!!  As a former teacher of the hearing impaired, I have a unique empathy and passion for service, while also being hardwired to bring a full intensity to everything I do. This unique perspective and approach creates an educational and supportive atmosphere which customers are not likely to find elsewhere. As a woman-owned exterior home improvement company operated by a husband and wife team, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has an unmatched focus on customer education and an exceptional commitment to making the process of home remodeling extraordinary. All of their windows, roofing, siding, and entry doors have a transferable lifetime warranty backed by licensed and bonded installation. We are also an Elite James Hardie partner, offering the highest level of service; the ‘best of the best” education and factory trained installation to New England homeowners. Coastal’s energy-efficient, green products meet or exceed Energy Star Requirements. Their absolute commitment to the highest ethical standards mean they refuse to engage in high-pressure sales and always put customer education first. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a top 100 US home improvement company servicing homeowners in the New England area.

What makes you different/stand out in your industry?  I am a woman owned business and one of the 14% off women who work in the construction industry.

What do your clients love about you? We continue to make homeowners happy with three simple rules for running their business: Hire great people, choose the best products, and when there’s a problem, make it right!

What is the best advice you can share with others?  You must have passion & empathy. I remember as a child, my mom said to me, “You have a gift—a gift of giving.” I feel that you need to do a deep soul search dive and find that passion. My day is considered successful if I can do one thing—educate a homeowner on their home improvement problem. It’s not about selling. Have a passion to educate—give that knowledge back and you will receive it 10 fold! Educate them on what they need to know; energy efficiency, thermal bridging or realistic time frames in a pandemic—ha! Make it your primary goal to understand their true need is the magic! Stemming back from my teacher days, my goals are as much about education and communication as they once were. It’s about building a community where people trust you to help them.

How has the Women’s Business League helped you?  Great networking opportunities with powerful women.