The How Women Rise Program is designed to help you break the habits that hold you back from your peak potential.

Ready to Rise?

Our goal is simple yet powerful: to help women grow, lead, and excel both professionally and personally.

we are on a mission to empower & equip women in the building & construction industries.

Welcome to Build Women


Our industry-specific courses, such as How Women Rise, help women break through the barriers in their careers, developing essential skills that lead to success.



When women come together, incredible things happen. We create spaces for connection, collaboration, and career advancement, building a supportive community where women thrive.


We team up with companies to attract, retain, and develop female talent, launching initiatives that promote training and development for women to succeed in their careers.

meet our founder: stefanie Couch

Founded by Stefanie Couch, a dynamic leader with extensive experience, Build Women embodies a vision shaped by firsthand expertise. Growing up in her family's lumber business and later excelling in a Fortune 500 building materials company, Stefanie has navigated the challenges of being one of the only women in many professional spaces. Her journey reveals a unique perspective that we celebrate at Build Women—a belief that overcoming challenges can boost leadership and innovation.

what we do

1. Tailored Training Programs

2. Professional Networking and Community Events

3. Enterprise Partnerships

Build Women is dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth through transformative programs. Our How Women Rise course, launching in January 2025, equips women with the skills, strategies, and confidence to excel in male-dominated industries.

This journey culminates in an exclusive event at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas on March 18, 2025, where attendees will connect, celebrate achievements, and gain actionable insights through a keynote by Stefanie Couch and a workshop addressing the habits that hold women back.

Through our Learning and Development initiatives, exclusive events, and the Build Women Network, we empower women to collaborate, support one another, and shape a future filled with bold opportunities and meaningful progress. Together, we’re building a world where women thrive, lead, and rise.

Elevating Women. Transforming Industries.
Building powerful Futures.

emerson
paige

Kaitlynn
neal

Ben Couch

Stefanie
Couch

Stefanie Couch

Ben Couch

emerson
paige

Kaitlynn
neal

"Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much."
– Helen Keller

kaitlynn
neal

emerson
paige

Heidi
Pearl

Heidi
Pearl

emerson
paige

jan del mundo

Jan Del Mundo

stefanie couch → CEO & Founder

Stefanie Couch is a champion for diversity and a catalyst for change in the construction and building industry. As the founder of Build Women, she is passionately dedicated to empowering women within this traditionally male-dominated sector. Her initiative provides a vibrant community and a suite of resources aimed at strengthening women's roles in construction, from the job site to the executive suite.

Her commitment to innovation extends to her role as the owner of Grit Blueprint, where she infuses cutting-edge marketing strategies into the construction industry. Stefanie's extensive experience includes impactful tenure at a Fortune 500 building materials company, where she drove significant growth and led pivotal rebranding campaigns.

Residing in Georgia, Stefanie's approach is marked by her innovative spirit and strategic insight, all aimed at delivering outstanding value and promoting expansion in sales, companies, and professional teams. Her unwavering dedication to advancing women in construction and pioneering new marketing methodologies underscores her role as a transformative leader in the industry.

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ben couch → Coo & Founder

Ben Couch is a dynamic leader whose creative vision and technological expertise significantly bolster Build Women's mission to elevate women in the construction industry. With a rich tapestry of experience in sales, design, photography, and videography, Ben brings stories to life, capturing the essence of our brand and the spirit of the women we champion.

His journey through tech sales, dealer lumber sales at a leading dealer, and law enforcement investigations has endowed him with an unparalleled skill set and a unique perspective that he now dedicates to supporting and promoting women in construction. As COO, Ben is the driving force behind our operations, ensuring that every initiative we undertake is executed with precision and aligns with our goal of creating a more inclusive industry.

At the core of his work, Ben is an advocate for the advancement of women in our field, providing the support and resources necessary for them to thrive. His proactive leadership is essential to the growth and impact of Build Women, making him an integral part of our team and the broader movement towards gender equality in construction.






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kaitlynn neal  → Customer Success Manager

Kaitlynn Neal is the Customer Success Manager for Build Women, bringing over six years of experience in the building industry. She began her career as an inside salesperson for a lumber yard before advancing to a Fortune 500 distributor, where she developed expertise in customer relations and project management. Kaitlynn holds a degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and is also a licensed real estate agent.

In her role, Kaitlynn ensures that every customer has an exceptional experience. From managing projects and organizing events to traveling and coordinating logistics, she is the glue that keeps Build Women running smoothly.

Outside of work, Kaitlynn enjoys life with her husband, Blake, and their beloved pets—two cats named Mac and Cheese and their dog, Ruger. Whether she's tackling a complex project or relaxing with her family, Kaitlynn brings dedication, warmth, and professionalism to everything she does, making her an integral part of the team.

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emerson paige  → creative director

Emerson Page is the Creative Director at Build Women, where her exceptional creative vision and design expertise elevate every project. A proud graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Emerson has an unmatched eye for aesthetics, making her a standout web designer and a master of all things creative.

In her role, Emerson shapes the creative direction of Build Women, ensuring every project is bold, impactful, and visually stunning. She also brings her talents to Grit Blueprint, contributing her design genius to a wide range of projects. Whether she’s designing a website, creating innovative branding, or tackling complex creative challenges, Emerson’s ability to execute with excellence sets her apart.

With a natural curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, Emerson thrives on finding creative solutions and bringing ideas to life. Growing up with a father in construction, her passion for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys taking on DIY projects around the house, blending style and functionality. Emerson also loves spending time with her beloved dog, Noon, who keeps her inspired and grounded. Her unique perspective, hands-on approach, and dedication make her an invaluable member of the team.

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heidi pearl → mascot & chief snack officer

Heidi Pearl, a golden retriever with a heart full of love, is the official mascot of Build Women and self-appointed Chief Snack Officer. Always on brand, Heidi Pearl is known for her fabulous collection of bandanas—pink being her absolute favorite color, of course! Whether she’s lounging in her iconic pink chair or striking a pose during podcast recordings, Heidi Pearl always brings her A-game in style.

A true lover of pets and snacks, Heidi Pearl knows how to win hearts (and treats) wherever she goes. When she’s not supervising her mom during Zoom calls or overseeing podcast production with her expert tail wags, Heidi Pearl is happily soaking up belly rubs and snack time. She’s the embodiment of Build Women’s bold and fun spirit, spreading joy, charm, and a touch of glamour wherever she goes. Heidi Pearl isn’t just a mascot—she’s the heartbeat (and pawprint) of the team!

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Jan Del Mundo →  operations

Jan Robert del Mundo is the powerhouse behind the operations at Build Women, seamlessly managing everything from CRM systems and email workflows to project management and complex tech initiatives. Joining the team in 2023, Jan Robert quickly became an indispensable part of the Build Women family with his unwavering work ethic and can-do attitude.

No task is too big or small for Jan Robert—he tackles every challenge with precision and determination, ensuring the team runs smoothly and efficiently. Whether he’s fine-tuning a process, solving technical puzzles, or implementing new systems, Jan Robert's expertise keeps Build Women operating at its best.

A true problem solver and reliable teammate, Jan Robert’s dedication and adaptability make him a vital part of the Build Women mission to empower and elevate. With him on board, no detail goes overlooked, and no project is left unfinished!

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Meet The Innovators Of Build Women

Meet Our Team

Shaping the Future Together: Championing innovation and inclusion to create a world where women lead and industries thrive.

Building Meaningful Connections: Creating spaces where collaboration, support, and lasting relationships fuel collective success.

Fostering Bold Growth:
Inspiring individuals and organizations to take courageous steps that drive transformative progress.

Empowering Women to Thrive:: Helping women break barriers, build confidence, and achieve their full potential in any industry.

Things we really love...

Boldness: We inspire and support women and companies to take courageous steps toward transformative growth and success.

Resilience: We champion the strength to overcome challenges, embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Impact: We strive to create meaningful change, empowering women to break barriers and driving progress within the industry and beyond.

Our mission is to empower women to thrive, lead, and reach their full potential in the building and construction sectors.

Through tailored training, community networking, and business partnerships, we equip women with the skills and confidence to create a lasting impact.

At Build Women, we firmly believe that women have the power to transform the building and construction industries. Our philosophy revolves around providing the tools and support necessary for women to flourish.

We see challenges as opportunities and believe that bold action leads to extraordinary outcomes.

our values

Our Philosophy

Our Mission

Casey Hoffman Ritter.
James Hardie

"Where do I begin with this amazing woman? In just 6 months of 1:1 coaching, Stefanie has completely transformed how I approach my job, daily management, and sales as a female in the construction industry.

I came to her worn down and full of doubt, but she helped me focus on my strengths, turning me into the sales professional I once admired but never thought I could be. The impact Stefanie has had on me—and my company—is truly priceless!"

Testimonial

our goal for percent of women in construction by year 2030

30%

positive reviews on linkedin

105

years in the
construction industry

27

Stefanie's
LinkedIn Followers

29k+

The numbers don't lie

Growing up in my dad’s lumber yard in Georgia, I got an early look at the business from the ground up. It’s where I developed a deep appreciation for the industry and the hard work that drives it, laying the foundation for my career in building materials.

way Back Where It All Started... dad's lumberyard.

I started as an inside salesperson at a single branch of a Fortune 500 building materials distribution company, learning the business from the ground up. Over time, I grew into a Regional Marketing Manager role, consulting across 10 branches to drive sales and marketing growth while managing a team and launching two successful Greenfield locations. This journey shaped my understanding of leadership, strategy, and resilience—skills I now use to empower other women to achieve their potential.

Worked in fortune 500 distribution growing the business & my career

In 2022, after being let go from a job I didn’t love—a role I had taken for just five months in Florida—my husband and I made a bold decision. Having already started our LLCs, we decided to go all-in on our businesses, Build Women and Grit Blueprint. With no fallback plan, we burned the boats and committed fully to transforming the construction industry through training, innovation, and marketing. It was the leap that changed everything.

became a full time entrepreneur 

Currently, Build Women and Grit Blueprint are transforming the construction and building materials industry through impactful training, strategic marketing, and empowering events. Over the past two years, we’ve worked with organizations like the National Glass Association, the North American Lumber Association, and Do it Best, alongside leading dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and contractors. In 2025, we’re expanding our reach with innovative programs and deeper partnerships, continuing to drive change and elevate the industry for the next generation.

Building a lasting Legacy Together

currently

2022-2024

2012-2022

1995 – 2012

Journey through the years...

At Build Women, my team and I are passionate about empowering women to create fulfilling careers and businesses that align with their lives. We provide tailored programs and industry-specific training to help women achieve extraordinary results.

Our focus is on equipping women with the tools they need to thrive in male-dominated industries while staying true to their goals and values. Together, we’re redefining success for women in the construction and building industries.

Now, through Build Women, I get to live my dream life—empowering women to build careers and businesses that align with their lives and achieve extraordinary results.

To Sum It Up:

Join a powerful community that’s redefining success for women in construction and building industries. The Build Women Network connects ambitious professionals with peers, mentors, and resources to fuel collaboration and growth. This is more than a network—it’s a movement of women supporting one another, exchanging ideas, and making meaningful strides in their careers and businesses. Be part of a community that thrives on boldness, resilience, and impact.

Bw network

Experience the power of connection and inspiration at Build Women Events. Our exclusive gatherings bring together trailblazing women and industry leaders to share insights, celebrate achievements, and build lasting relationships. From interactive workshops to transformative keynote sessions, our events are designed to elevate women in construction and building industries. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a vibrant community driving change and shaping the future.

Bw events

Empower your team with industry-specific training programs designed to build skills, confidence, and leadership in male-dominated fields. At Build Women, we deliver customized learning experiences that drive measurable results for both individuals and organizations. From professional development workshops to leadership training, our programs are crafted to equip women with the tools they need to thrive. Partner with us to invest in the future of your workforce and foster a culture of growth and innovation.

training & Development

HowTo Work With Us

Partner with Build Women for impactful training, inspiring events, and a supportive network that drives real results. Join us today and be part of the movement that’s empowering women to lead and succeed. 

Ready to elevate your career, your business, and the future of the industry?

let's work together

Let’s build something extraordinary—together.