Stephanie Woods: Building Success From the Ground Up

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership

Stephanie Woods grew up in New Jersey in what she calls a “big Italian family with no money, but a lot of heart.” Her mother worked long hours as a waitress, and Stephanie spent much of her childhood as a latchkey kid. “We didn’t have much,” she recalls, “but I learned early that hard work was everything. You can’t wait for life to hand you opportunities—you build them.”

That lesson became the foundation for her life. Today, Stephanie is the President of Airheads HVAC and CEO of AH Financial, two thriving companies that she owns with her husband, Christopher Mickey. Together, they’ve created a business known for reliability, community impact, and steady growth.

Starting Without a Safety Net

After high school, Stephanie went right into the workforce as attending college was not an option she could afford.  Instead, she entered the workforce. “There was no plan B for me,” she says. “I had to figure it out as I went.”

Over the years, she developed a sharp business sense, investing in real estate and learning how to manage both people and numbers. With more than 17 years of experience in real estate investing, Stephanie has become known for her practical approach and instinct for long-term value. “You don’t need to have all the answers,” she explains. “You just need to stay curious and willing to learn.”

Building Airheads HVAC

When Stephanie and her husband decided to launch Airheads HVAC, it wasn’t an easy start. “We were doing everything ourselves—sales, service, scheduling. There were nights we’d work until midnight and still have paperwork to finish,” she says.

But through persistence, community connections, and attention to quality service, Airheads HVAC grew into a trusted name in the Tampa Bay area. The company’s success comes from treating people right. “Every customer matters,” Stephanie says. “We want to fix problems, not just equipment.”

Her leadership style reflects that mindset. She believes in leading by example and supporting her team through every challenge. “If I ask someone to work hard, they’ll see me working just as hard beside them.”

To learn more about the company, visit www.Airheadsac.com

Launching AH Financial

As Airheads HVAC grew, Stephanie saw another opportunity—helping other business owners and individuals get access to capital. That vision became AH Financial, a lending institution that helps small businesses provide financing for their clients.

“Money is one of the biggest barriers to closing the deal,” Stephanie says. “I wanted to help provide business owners the ability to help their clients get the money for the project.”

Her experience as a self-made businesswoman gives AH Financial a unique perspective. “I know what it takes to make AH FINANCIAL a premier lending choice for residential repair companies.”

Leading With Heart and Purpose

Stephanie’s definition of success goes beyond profit. Giving back is part of everything she does. She serves on the Leadership Board of Metropolitan Ministries and the boards of HubLife Charities and Trinity Chat, organizations focused on community improvement and family support. Children’s Cancer Center of Tampa Bay is also near and dear to her heart.

Through Airheads HVAC, she also helps sponsor local events across Tampa Bay—from golf tournaments and Halloween festivals to family fundraisers, and large galas. “We don’t just sponsor events,” she says. “We show up, we help, and we get involved.”

Her motivation comes from her roots. “I know what it feels like to go without,” she says. “Now that I can give back, I feel a responsibility to do it.”

Balancing Family, Health, and Hustle

Even with her packed schedule, Stephanie prioritizes her health and family. She works out regularly and believes staying active keeps her focused. “If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of my business or my family,” she explains.

She enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children. “Family time is my reset button,” she says. “That’s where I get my energy to keep pushing forward.”

Lessons in Resilience

Stephanie’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. She didn’t have a college degree, a safety net, or financial backing. What she had was drive, discipline, and a belief that she could create her own path. “You don’t have to be the smartest or the richest person in the room,” she says. “You just have to show up, keep learning, and never give up.”

Her journey offers a reminder that leadership doesn’t come from titles—it comes from action. Whether she’s leading a team, mentoring a new business owner, or volunteering in her community, Stephanie Woods leads with the same principle that guided her as a kid from New Jersey: work hard, stay humble, and lift others as you climb.