Bid bigger.
Build bigger.
Win bigger.
BuildSouth is a focused program from S F Johnson Consulting — applying 15 years of contractor advisory to one specific opportunity: helping minority-owned construction shops break into commercial and government work.
Minority contractors win less than 5% of construction dollars in the South.
It isn't talent. It isn't work ethic. It's access — to certifications, to bid lists, to estimating systems, and to the networks that make commercial and government work possible.
You've been doing residential remodels and small commercial jobs. The work is honest, but the margins are thin and the clients are tired.
You hear about $2M school renovations, $5M municipal builds, GSA contracts — but the paperwork looks like a foreign language and the bid bonds feel impossible.
BuildSouth is the bridge. SF Johnson Consulting has guided contractors through this exact transition since 2010 — we're now focused on the Southern minority builders who need it most.
Six pillars. One outcome.
Everything you need to step into commercial and government work — delivered through SF Johnson's existing toolkit, now packaged for Southern minority contractors.
Certification Roadmap
We walk you through MBE, DBE, 8(a), HUBZone, and your state's minority programs — application by application, document by document.
Bid Access System
Get set up on SAM.gov, state procurement portals, primes' subcontractor lists, and bid notification services. Stop hunting for work — let it find you.
Estimating & Takeoffs
Full access to ConstructIQ™, our trade-specific digital estimating platform — man-hour calculators, takeoff workflows, and the 8-Part Masterclass system.
License & Reciprocity Support
Expanding into a new Southern state? Our License Hub handles multi-state reciprocity, exam waivers, and application coordination — already serving all 50 states.
Community & Mentorship
A private network of Southern contractors who share leads, swap subs, and celebrate wins. Plus direct access to Stacey and a roster of guest experts.
Claims Protection (Inner Circle)
Most coaches help you win work. We also help you keep the money. Stacey is a credentialed SCLA — when claims, change orders, or backcharges hit, you have a professional on your side.
Is BuildSouth right for you?
We're not for everyone — and that's the point. Read this carefully.
This is for you if…
- ✓ You're a minority-owned contractor in TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, or TN.
- ✓ You've been in business at least 12 months and have done residential or light commercial work.
- ✓ You want to break into commercial, municipal, or federal contracts.
- ✓ You're willing to put in 3–5 hours per week on growth.
- ✓ You take feedback seriously and run a clean business.
This isn't for you if…
- ✕ You want a get-rich-quick path or a magic government contract.
- ✕ You're not licensed or insured in your trade.
- ✕ You won't engage with the community or do the homework.
- ✕ You expect us to find clients for you on day one.
- ✕ You're not actually a contractor (sub trades welcome — but no brokers).
Three steps from application to your first commercial bid.
Apply & Onboard
Fill out a short application. We get on a 15-minute call to make sure you're a fit. Once accepted, you get same-week access to ConstructIQ™, the community, and your onboarding session with Stacey.
Build the Foundation
In your first 60 days, we map out which certifications you qualify for, get you registered on the right portals, and walk you through ConstructIQ™'s estimating system so your numbers can stand up to any prime contractor.
Bid, Win, Repeat
By month 3, you're identifying real opportunities. By month 6, you're submitting bids with our review behind them. Most members win their first commercial or government job inside 12 months.
Pick your path forward.
All tiers month-to-month. Cancel anytime. Save two months with annual billing. All memberships set up by invoice — contact us to start.
- Full ConstructIQ™ self-study access (13 trades)
- Self-guided certification roadmap (MBE/DBE/8(a)/HUBZone)
- SAM.gov & state portal setup walkthroughs
- Weekly group office hours (live Q&A)
- Private Southern contractor community
- Monthly guest expert masterclass (recorded)
- License Hub self-service access
- Everything in Foundation
- Monthly 1-on-1 strategy call with Stacey (45 min)
- Hands-on certification application support
- License Hub reciprocity support included
- 1 bid review per month before you submit
- Live monthly workshops with guest experts
- Direct intro to our bonding & insurance partners
- Everything in Accelerator
- Weekly 1-on-1 coaching with Stacey
- Done-with-you support on 2 bids per month
- Claims Intelligence™ protection (SCLA-led)
- Direct intros to GCs, primes, and government buyers
- Bonding & financing prep with partner lenders
- Quarterly in-person meetup (Atlanta/Houston/NOLA)
15 years guiding contractors. Now focused on the South.
For 15 years I've helped contractors across all 50 states bid smarter, win bigger, and protect what they've earned. BuildSouth is where I focus that experience where it's needed most.
Stacey F. Johnson is the founder of S F Johnson Consulting & Construction Services, advising contractors nationwide since 2010 on estimating, licensing, project management, and claims recovery.
As a credentialed Senior Claims Law Adjuster (SCLA), Stacey brings something almost no contractor coach can offer: the ability to protect and recover money on disputed change orders, builder's risk claims, and contract disputes. The adjuster is no longer the only expert in the room.
Through SF Johnson, Stacey has built ConstructIQ™, the License Hub, Takeoff Pro, the Intern Academy, and Claims Intelligence. BuildSouth is the focused application of all of it — for Southern minority contractors ready to grow.
Things you're wondering.
The bids are out there. Go win them.
Join the only program built specifically for minority contractors in the Southern United States — backed by 15 years of SF Johnson advisory experience.
Apply for Membership