Grand Daughter of Marine Corps Commandant | General Alexander Vandegrift
Stephanie Vandegrift’s relationship with veterans started at birth in Quantico, Virginia, as she was born the third daughter of Marine Colonel A.A. Vandegrift, Jr. (Iwo Jima) and third granddaughter of General A.A. Vandegrift Sr. (Guadalcanal) 18th Commandant. Being a Marine’s daughter, she grew up moving around the country and was also stationed on Guam on the cliff.
Stephanie graduated from Hollins University with a degree in Economics and Studio Art. Her corporate life began in Wichita Falls, Texas at Coca-Cola USA where she specialized in sales, marketing, and management. She was the first female hired in the southwest region as a territory sales manager for Coca-Cola. She was quickly promoted to senior district manager and was one of only two females out of 44 district managers.
She joined AC Nielsen and worked in client relationships, market research, account management, and sales. Her clients included Dr. Pepper, IBC Rootbeer, Eveready Battery, Tyson’s, and Eagle Snacks.
Stephanie then worked at Price Waterhouse in sales, where she called on retailers to promote management horizons. She then founded The Cookie Company in Dallas, which she owned and operated for 18 years. Stephanie and The Cookie Company were featured in Fortune Magazine. After she sold The Cookie Company in 2015, Stephanie worked as a financial advisor for New York Life.
Throughout Stephanie’s career, and in the positions, she has held professionally, voluntarily, and personally, a common theme exists: “Respect others, do what is right, do what is needed, think, and calm chaos.” Just like the Marines.