Meet all of the 2025 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals
Stephanie Allen
Company: AirWorks Solutions
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Age: 40
Stephanie Allen didn’t plan to join the trades. She went to law school, earned her MBA, and set out on a totally different path. But her husband, Kevin, was a technician, and he had a dream for an HVAC company that treated its customers right.
“He knew there was a better way,” said Allen. “And I believed in him — and in that vision.”
So Allen dove in alongside Kevin, and the two launched AirWorks with nothing but sweat equity and a vision. In the early days, Allen did everything that was needed behind the scenes — handling phones, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
“That hands-on experience shaped how I lead today,” said Allen. “It gave me real empathy for every role and helped me build systems that actually support our team.”
Somewhere along the way, Allen realized she wasn’t just supporting Kevin; she had fallen in love with the work, too.
“I want people to see what’s really possible in the trades,” Allen said. “This is an industry where you can build a great life, support your family, and make a real impact in your community. It’s not a backup plan or a last resort. It’s a powerful path forward. The trades deserve more credit, more respect, and more visibility.”
Eventually, Allen stepped into a leadership role, focusing on growth, people, and customer experience. Now, 15 years later, she’s CEO of a value-driven business that serves thousands of families and supports over 40 households.
“At first, we thought we were just starting an HVAC company,” Allen said. “What we were actually building was something much bigger … a place where people grow, develop as leaders, and build real careers.”
Along the way, Allen has made bold moves such as rebranding the company as “Family-run, Mom-approved,” — owning her own voice and bringing visibility to the values the company has always lived by.
“Women often manage what happens in the home, but they aren’t always treated as decision-makers,” Allen said.
Allen is also the force behind several trade-focused ventures: FUEL, Just Start AI, and Boxed for the Trades — all created to meet real-world needs in the industry.
“These businesses exist because I listen, I learn, and I follow the nudge when something feels important,” said Allen. “That’s how I lead. That’s how I build. And that’s how I’ll keep showing up.”