Behind the rapid growth of Joshua’s Worldwide is Chief Operating Officer Stephanie McKeon, whose journey is as inspiring as her leadership.

Originally from Hawaii, Stephanie’s life took a dramatic turn when she was adopted at the age of 10. She found a loving and supportive family, eventually making Connecticut her home. Her journey took another pivotal turn in high school when she met her future husband, Joshua, co-owner of Joshua’s Worldwide.

Soon after, the couple welcomed their first child. Stephanie had initially aspired to study dentistry and was an accomplished athlete in volleyball and basketball. She attended Mitchell College, which she said was a transformative experience, allowing her to explore her potential and discover her passion for business and leadership.

Stephanie joined Joshua’s Worldwide in 2005 when it was a small, family-owned business specializing in proms, weddings, and airport transportation. With her strategic vision and innovation, she helped propel the company into a global luxury transportation leader. Under her leadership, the fleet expanded from nine limousines to over 50 vehicles before the pandemic.

During COVID-19, Stephanie played a crucial role in securing a contract with Showtime Boxing, providing ground transportation at Mohegan Sun. This partnership laid the foundation for larger opportunities, ultimately leading Joshua’s to become the premier transportation provider for Paramount Pictures and many more expanding its worldwide services.

Looking ahead, Stephanie is focused on elevating Joshua’s brand, scaling operations, and enhancing luxury travel concierge services. Her vision is to expand the company’s reach globally, with projections to grow from $5-$7 million to $50 million in the next decade.

Stephanie thrives on working with people from diverse cultures, learning about their travels, and solving logistical challenges. Her role as a problem solver brings her immense gratification, knowing that Joshua’s Worldwide delivers seamless experiences for its clients.

Beyond business, Stephanie and Joshua’s Worldwide are deeply committed to giving back. The company supports numerous local initiatives, including youth sports, cancer foundations, veterans' organizations, and community fundraisers. Stephanie is also spearheading the creation of the McKeon Foundation, which will provide funding for education, cancer research, youth sports, and veteran support programs.

Additionally, Joshua’s partners with Grasso Tech, offering students hands-on experience in hospitality and auto mechanics through internships.

Stephanie’s leadership is shaped by her early life experiences. Having navigated the foster care system and cared for her younger brother, she developed a strong sense of resilience and determination. She carries that mindset into her work, always striving to uplift others as she advances.

She made a promise to herself at a young age: if she found stability, she would pay it forward tenfold. Today, she lives by that promise, working hard to create opportunities for others and ensuring that success is shared.

As the second eldest of 9 siblings, a wife, and a mother of five (four daughters and one son), family is at the heart of everything Stephanie does. She draws inspiration from her husband and children, who motivate her to push boundaries and aim higher.

She also credits her father-in-law, Gary, as a key mentor. She refers to him as the "Goose to her Maverick," acknowledging his guidance in helping her become a successful businesswoman. Another influential figure is George Jacobs, one of Chicago’s most prominent transportation business owners, who helped Stephanie diversify Joshua’s fleet and expand its offerings.

Stephanie and her family reside in Mashantucket, where they embrace their love for the ocean and community. She values the strong network of people and businesses in Southeastern Connecticut, believing that relationships are the key to success.

Even with a demanding career, Stephanie remains active in her personal passions. She still loves playing volleyball and hopes to coach one of her children in the sport one day. Engaging with the community through sports and philanthropy remains a priority for her.

Stephanie McKeon is a shining example of perseverance, leadership, and community commitment. Her story, from overcoming adversity to leading a multimillion-dollar enterprise, is a testament to the power of hard work, vision, and giving back.