Stephanie Woods grew up in New Jersey in a big Italian family that didn’t have much money but had plenty of love and resilience. Her mom worked long hours as a waitress, and Stephanie learned independence early as a latchkey kid. “We didn’t have much, but I had drive,” she says. That drive became the foundation of everything she built.
After finishing high school as an honor student, Stephanie couldn’t afford college, so she went straight to work. She worked hard, started her own business, and saved every dollar, and began investing in real estate in her twenties. Over time, that turned into it’s own business — and a belief that if she could build something from nothing, so could anyone.
Today, she’s the President of Airheads HVAC and CEO of AH Financial, and President of her own real estate investment firm, just three of the thriving companies she owns with her husband. Together, they’ve built a business known for reliability, teamwork, and community. Stephanie also serves on the leadership board of Metropolitan Ministries, the board for HubLife Charities, and Trinity Chat, helping lead local initiatives across Pasco County and beyond. Children’s Cancer Center is also a charity near and dear to her heart.
When she’s not working, she loves working out, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children. Stephanie’s story is proof that success isn’t about where you start — it’s about how hard you’re willing to work and how much you give back along the way.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My mornings start with waking up and immediately checking my emails with a cup of hot tea. I like to hit the ground running. After that I spend the next hour in my office reviewing schedules and checking in with my team. I like to tackle the hardest tasks first because that momentum carries through the day. Productivity, for me, comes from structure — planning the night before and sticking to it. After all the fires are put out, I hit the gym for a quick workout.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write everything down. Whether it’s a new business idea or a small change to improve efficiency, it starts in a notebook. From there, I talk through it with my husband and team. We test things quickly — a pilot program, a small project, or a new process — and if it works, we scale it. I believe in moving fast but thoughtfully.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love to help our customers save money. In this economy it should be a trend, at Airheads HVAC we are trying to change the industry and make the trend permanent.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Planning and structure. It’s the only way to stay focused and get it all done. It allows you to focus on priorities before distractions take over.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment — it doesn’t exist. When I was younger, I hesitated because I thought I needed more experience or money. The truth is, momentum comes from action, not waiting.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That not everyone needs college to succeed. Education matters, but it doesn’t always come from a classroom. I didn’t go to college, but I never stopped learning — through experience, books, mentors, and mistakes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Gratitude lists and setting new goals. Every night I write down three things I’m thankful for and 1 new goal. It sounds small, but it shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s working and what to aim for next.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. Sometimes that means taking a walk, other times it’s cooking dinner or spending time with my kids. When my mind is busy, doing something physical clears it up.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening more than I speak. Early on, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. Now I know the best solutions often come from listening — to employees, customers, and even competitors.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In our early days running Airheads, we underestimated how fast we’d grow. We didn’t have enough systems in place, and it caused chaos. It forced me to learn about organization, delegation, and leadership. Failure taught me structure.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Network with likeminded business owners. Even business owners in your same field. Find a way to work together in some capacity. Strength in numbers.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello to manage projects. Every task, idea, or event has a board. It keeps my team aligned and helps me visualize progress.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a reminder that big results come from small, consistent actions. That applies to business, health, and family life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Chef. It’s about starting over, believing in yourself, and finding joy in your craft. I relate to that journey.
Key learnings
- Productivity starts with structure, gratitude, and clear priorities.
- Listening is one of the most powerful tools in leadership.
- Failure is often the best teacher — it pushes you to grow and organize.
- Community involvement and personal balance are key to long-term success.
- Consistent small actions create lasting change.