So She Builds operates at a point in the construction industry that is often overlooked but increasingly critical. While much of the sector’s focus remains on project delivery, the company concentrates on what comes before that stage, helping contractors understand how to access and succeed within government contracting. Founded by Karla Talisse in 2017, the business has developed from a one-person operation into a consultancy that combines education, strategy, and hands-on support for contractors navigating a complex and highly regulated market.
At its core, So She Builds focuses on construction-specific government contracting, a niche that distinguishes it from broader consulting firms. “We go deep where others go wide. Government contracting in construction is its own world – the compliance requirements, bonding, bid processes – and we’ve built our entire practice around that. Contractors deserve a partner who actually speaks their language.” Talisse said. “There are plenty of consultants out there teaching government contracting across all kinds of industries, but construction is what we specialize in – and that makes all the difference.” That specialization allows the company to tailor its services to the realities faced by contractors, from compliance and bonding to estimating and bidding processes.
The company’s approach combines education with direct operational support. Through group sessions and one-on-one consulting, So She Builds works with contractors at different stages of development, from small teams seeking initial entry into government work to more established firms looking to expand their client base. “We start by assessing exactly where your operation stands today, then map out a clear, step-by-step path to winning government work – whether you’re a team of one or building toward something much larger.” Talisse explained. “If you want to run a small operation – one to three people – you can absolutely make that work in government contracting. But you need a clear plan, and that’s exactly what we give you.”
This process is designed to simplify what is often seen as a barrier to entry. Many contractors come from technical backgrounds, having worked as project managers or superintendents before starting their own businesses, but lack experience on the business side. “Our job is to take everything that feels overwhelming about government contracting and make it completely manageable. Most contractors are exceptional at building – we make sure they’re just as strong on the business side.” Talisse said. “Many contractors come from the field – they were a PM or superintendent at another company, they know construction inside and out, and they start their own business. But the business side is a completely different skill set, and that’s where we come in.” By focusing on practical steps, the company helps clients move from understanding the process to actively participating in it.
Training covers the full lifecycle of government contracting, including identifying opportunities, preparing bid packages, securing bonding, and meeting compliance requirements. The aim is to position contractors to work with any government agency, supported by a structured understanding of both process and expectations. For medium-sized firms, the company also provides broader business development support, including marketing, branding, and operational strategy. “Many of our clients have hit a revenue ceiling not because they lack talent, but because they haven’t built the visibility and infrastructure to attract the right opportunities. We fix that.” Talisse said. “Everything is visible online now. It comes down to branding, marketing, and knowing how to tell your story in a way that connects with the right people.”
“Everything is visible online now. It comes down to branding, marketing, and knowing how to tell your story in a way that connects with the right people.”
This emphasis on branding reflects a shift in how contractors engage with the market. As bidding processes have moved online, visibility and recognition have become increasingly important. So She Builds incorporates this into its training, helping clients present their businesses in a way that supports both compliance and communication. “Every touchpoint is an opportunity to make a lasting impression – even a virtual bid meeting. We help contractors show up looking professional and memorable, so decision-makers remember them long after the call ends.” Talisse said. “Something as simple as a branded background on a virtual bid meeting – with your company name front and center – means the project managers on that call keep seeing your business throughout the entire meeting. Those small details add up.” The approach is rooted in the idea that visibility can influence engagement, particularly in environments where decision-makers are managing large volumes of information.
Beyond training, the company offers a more integrated level of support through consulting and strategic services. This can range from processing bid submissions to acting as a fractional vice president of growth strategy, helping contractors plan and execute long-term development. “We meet contractors wherever they are. Some need us to handle the operational side so they can focus on the field. Others need us to build the entire growth engine from the ground up. We do both.” Talisse said. “We can step in just to handle your bid submissions, or we can be the team that builds your entire company from the ground up. It really depends on where you are and where you want to go.”
Talisse’s own background informs this approach. With experience in project management and estimating, she founded the company after identifying a gap in the market. “I came up through the same side of the industry our clients come from. I knew the work, I knew the gaps, and I knew there was no one out there building a company that could actually speak to that experience.” she said. That perspective is reinforced by her personal experience, having grown up in the Mojave Desert with parents who immigrated to the United States. “Growing up in the Mojave Desert, you learn what humble beginnings really look like. That’s the same background so many of the contractors trying to break into government contracting are coming from.” she explained. “I wanted to build something that contractors could actually see themselves in. A company that speaks to where they came from, not just where they’re trying to go.”
This alignment with client experience has shaped the company’s positioning. Rather than operating as a large corporate consultancy, So She Builds focuses on contractors who are building businesses with limited resources and looking for practical, applicable guidance. “Big consulting firms don’t know what it’s like to bootstrap a contracting business. We do. That’s why our clients trust us – because we’ve been where they are, and we know exactly how to move them forward.” Talisse said. “Contractors working with big consulting firms often find those firms just don’t get their day-to-day reality. They don’t understand what it means to be building a business without deep financial backing, grinding every single day to make it work. We do.” By addressing that gap, the company has developed a model based on relatability as well as technical expertise.
The impact of that approach can be seen in client outcomes. Talisse points to one contractor who approached the company seeking to enter government contracting. Within 90 days, the business had been bonded, trained in compliance, and supported through the bid process. “In 90 days, we had them bonded, compliant, and bidding – and they walked away with a $1.2 million awarded project. That’s what’s possible when contractors have the right guidance and a team that’s fully invested in their success.” she said. For the company, this type of result demonstrates how quickly contractors can progress when given structured guidance.
The company’s identity as a woman-owned business also plays a role in how it engages with the industry. While construction remains male-dominated, Talisse sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity. “Being a woman-owned business in construction immediately sets us apart – and we’ve learned to use that strategically. In a room of 100 people, we’re often the most memorable, and that opens doors that lead to real results.” she said. Rather than downplaying that distinction, the company incorporates it into its branding, using it as a point of differentiation while maintaining a focus on results.
For Talisse, credibility remains central to that positioning. “Yes, being woman-owned is a differentiator – but we back it up with real results. Case studies, client recommendations, measurable outcomes. We know we’re already underestimated in this industry, so we don’t just show up – we show up prepared to prove it.” she said. “Being a woman-owned business is worth leading with – but you have to earn the room. Because we’re already underestimated, we make sure our credibility speaks first: case studies, client recommendations, real outcomes. That’s how you build trust fast.” This emphasis on measurable outcomes aligns with the company’s broader focus on delivering practical value to its clients.
As the industry continues to evolve, technology is shaping both how construction is delivered and how contractors engage with opportunities. The shift from in-person bidding to digital platforms has changed the way businesses present themselves, reinforcing the importance of visibility and communication. For So She Builds, this has become an integral part of its training model, linking branding with compliance in a way that reflects current market conditions.
Looking ahead, the company is focused on expanding its reach through partnerships with municipalities and agencies, while increasing the scale of its training programs. “We’ve already trained rooms of 200 contractors – and we’re scaling to reach 500 at a time. The goal is to bring this level of access and expertise to as many contractors as possible, so more businesses can compete and win in the government contracting space.” Talisse said, outlining a goal for the coming year. This expansion reflects a broader ambition to support a larger segment of the contractor market, while maintaining the tailored approach that has defined the company’s work to date.
As So She Builds continues to develop, its role within the construction industry remains distinct. By focusing on the intersection of construction and government contracting, and by combining education with practical application, the company is helping contractors access opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. In doing so, it is contributing to a broader shift in how businesses enter and navigate the construction market.
