Stewart Moon Jr., 31

Air & Energy executive Stewart Moon Jr. isn’t the kind of entrepreneur who will turn on the out-of-the office message on his email when he’s on vacation. He prefers to know what’s happening and, if it warrants it, lend a hand toward a solution.

“I always want to be part of what’s going on in the business,” Moon says.

That dedication is the driving force behind Bradenton-based Air & Energy, the company Moon runs in conjunction with his mother, Trudy Moon. The younger Moon is a vice president, and his mom is president. Stewart Moon has basically been working at the firm since he was a kid. He has lead it through a major growth period the past decade, where the payroll, for one, has more than doubled, from 20 to people in 2010 to some 50 employees today. 

The company also seeks to hire more people to handle the growth and new opportunities, and like many others in home services and trades, finding and retaining top talent is a core challenge. Moon says the company has begun to expand the places it recruits personnel, going as far as Ohio and other Midwest states for help.  

In addition to overseeing operations and helping to bring on new people, Moon focuses on creating new revenue streams for the company. “I like to be able to solve problems,” he says, “and figure out what kinds of thing work and what doesn’t work.”

One new idea and big success Moon has led is in selling and installing standalone power generators and adding a new division for it. He says it’s a luxury product that has “been flying out the door” ever since Hurricane Irma hit the state in 2017. Moon has worked on the marketing plan for the generator division, and the firm signed an exclusive deal with Kohler Power to provide and install the systems.

Moon, outside of work, makes time for hobbies — boating and driving his Porsche on the Sebring Raceway among them — and community and philanthropic efforts. Groups he’s involved with or has been involved with include the Manatee Young Professionals, Realize Bradenton, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Mote Marine Advisory Council, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. and Easterseals Southwest Florida.

ON THE RECORD: Stewart Moon Jr.

Birthplace: Toronto

Years on the Gulf Coast: 29

Marital status/children: Married

Alma mater/degree: University of Tampa

Where is the best place to network? Manatee Young Professionals

What's the best business lesson you've ever learned? Never stop improving because the second you do, you're already behind. 

What's your top tip for being productive? For me, it's getting out of my office and away from my computer/email. Go to job sites, get around the office finding out what's going on, etc. Always refocuses me on what's most pressing. 

What's the weirdest job you've ever had? This one. Managing 50, people you get some interesting stories.

What community group or organization are you most involved with? Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Young Professionals and Easterseals

If you could have a side hustle, what would it be? I wouldn't. Would want to spend that time making my primary role more effective. 

What's your favorite off-hours activity? When I'm not at work, my wife and I are usually on the water in some way, either boating, paddle boarding, etc. Nothing better than being on the ocean.

What's your favorite board game or video game? Growing up it was Halo or the original Goldeneye

What's the top item on your bucket list? Would love to spend a few months sailing around the Caribbean.

Where is your happy place? Easy: anywhere in nature, but especially on the water or up in the mountains

What's your favorite podcast? N/A

Who/what is your favorite musical artist/band? Currently the Bahamas. But I have a whole vinyl collection I go through

Who would play you in a movie about your life? No idea

What was your first album/tape cassette/CD? Pretty sure it was Will Smith

What was your first concert? Cher. Thanks, Mom. 

What's one song that will get you out on the dance floor? No idea

What's your favorite karaoke song? "I've Got Friends in Low Places" — Garth Brooks

What instrument/role would you play in a band? Drums because that's what I play

Please describe yourself in three words. Intentional, calm and dependable

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