Get Clear on the Next Step.
Find answers about formats, planning, production, and working together. For details tied to your event or program, tell us what you have in mind.
No matching questions. Try another word or ask the team.
About Stefanie
Who is Stefanie Couch?
I’m the founder of Grit Blueprint, a speaker, and a third-generation building industry professional. I help companies tell their story, win more business, and put AI to work. My experience spans manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. That background shapes how I teach, the questions I ask, and the work my team builds.
What does Stefanie Couch do?
I run Grit Blueprint. We help companies in the building industry tell their story, win more business, and put AI to work. I speak, teach, host conversations, and interview people across the industry. My team creates media, builds websites and tools, and helps companies put ideas into practice.
What makes Stefanie’s approach different?
I grew up in the building industry and spent years working in it before starting Grit Blueprint. I understand manufacturers, two-step distribution, dealers, and the people who influence a sale. I bring that experience into conversations about visibility, sales, leadership, and AI. The ideas need to make sense in the business and work for the people doing the job.
Does Stefanie work outside the building industry?
Yes. The building industry is my home and my main focus, but I also work with other established businesses and organizations. Many face the same questions: How do we explain our value? How do we reach the right people? How do we help our teams use new tools? The ESOP Association, Walgreens, Verizon, D2L, HighLevel, the Reverse Logistics Association, Boise State University, and the Student Retail Association at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have all brought me in to speak. We’ll discuss your audience and goals to see where I can help.
What does “Be Seen. Be Known. Be Chosen.” mean?
Being seen gets you in front of people. Being known helps them understand who you are, what you stand for, and why your work matters. Being chosen means they have a reason to trust you and take the next step. I help people and companies make their value clear and back it up with real proof.
Speaking, Hosting, and Workshops
What does Stefanie speak about?
I speak about visibility, sales, leadership, and practical ways to use AI. I connect those topics to the work of running a business, leading people, and serving customers. My goal is to give the audience a clear idea of what matters and something useful they can do next.
Who are Stefanie’s talks and workshops for?
I work with owners, executives, sales teams, emerging leaders, and industry groups. In the building industry, that includes manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and the businesses that support them. The session should fit the people in the room, their experience, and the decisions they need to make.
Can we book Stefanie for a keynote, workshop, panel, or event hosting?
Yes. I’m available for keynotes, workshops, panel moderation, event hosting, and interviews. Each format serves a different purpose. Tell us about your audience and what you want the event to accomplish, and we’ll discuss the right fit.
Does Stefanie tailor sessions to the audience?
Yes. I want to know who will be in the room, what they deal with each day, the language that matters to them, and what you want them to take away. That helps me choose useful examples, questions, and exercises. We agree on the topic, scope, and level of preparation before the event.
Does Stefanie offer virtual and in-person sessions?
Yes. I offer both virtual and in-person sessions. Walgreens’ International Women’s Day Program in 2024 was a global virtual broadcast, and the Keys to Keystone Women’s Group met online in 2026. We choose the format around the audience and the work we want to accomplish. For workshops, we also consider group size, preparation, and how much help participants will need as they build and practice. For a virtual session, we confirm the platform and technical host with you.
What happens in an AI workshop with Stefanie?
We work on practical ways to use AI in your job. Depending on the session, you might set up a personal assistant, build an AI advisory board, develop instructions that help AI write in your voice, or create a repeatable workflow. The goal is to leave with something useful you understand how to use. Each workshop has its own scope and preparation requirements.
Do I need AI experience before attending a workshop?
Not every workshop requires experience. Some start with the basics, while others are for people already using AI. The session details will explain the level, tools, accounts, and preparation needed. For a private workshop, we discuss your team’s experience before choosing the format.
Which AI tools does Stefanie teach?
My training can include ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot, depending on the session and the tools your company uses. We choose the tool around the work you need to do. Tools change quickly, so my keynotes focus on habits that last: picking a useful job, giving AI context, and checking the result. Each workshop will identify the required platform and any account or subscription you need before attending.
Where can I watch Stefanie speak or see examples of her work?
You can explore the speaking videos, interviews, event coverage, and past events on this site, starting with my speaker reels and full sessions under Stefanie on Stage. They give you a feel for my approach, topics, and how I connect with an audience. You can also find longer conversations through the Grit Blueprint Podcast and Behind the Build.
How do we book Stefanie?
Use the speaking inquiry form on this site. Include your organization, event date or planning window, location or virtual format, audience, and what you want the session to accomplish. My team replies within 24 hours to talk through availability, fit, and next steps.
How much does it cost to book Stefanie?
Fees depend on the format, scope, location, preparation, time involved, production needs, and how you plan to use the content. Share your event details through the speaking inquiry form so my team can recommend a scope and provide a written quote. Workshops, additional sessions, travel, and media coverage are scoped as needed.
Grit Blueprint and What I’m Building
What is Grit Blueprint, and why did Stefanie start it?
Grit Blueprint is the company I founded in 2022. I wanted to help businesses make their value clear and turn their experience into growth. Today, our work brings together strategy, media, websites, AI training, and tools. The building industry is our main focus, with work for other established businesses too.
What is Grit Media?
Grit Media is the media division we’re bringing together under Grit Blueprint. It connects Grit Guide, our shows, production, event coverage, and media partnerships. It gives companies a way to work with us through advertising, sponsorships, paid features, and content licensing. I’m involved as a host, interviewer, and industry voice.
What is Grit Guide, and who is it for?
Grit Guide is our industry publication and a place to read, watch, and learn. We share stories, interviews, product education, and practical resources for people across the building industry. That includes owners and executives, sales teams, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, builders, and other industry professionals. You can explore it at GritGuide.com.
What is the Grit Blueprint Podcast?
The Grit Blueprint Podcast features conversations with people across the building industry. I ask about their work, what they’ve learned, and the choices shaping their businesses. The goal is to bring out ideas and experience that other people can use.
What is Behind the Build?
Behind the Build is our video series exploring the people, products, and work behind the finished result. We go into businesses and projects to show what happens, how things are made, and why the details matter. It gives viewers a closer look at the industry and the people doing the work.
What is Grit Studios?
Grit Studios is our physical space for creating, recording, teaching, and gathering. It’s part of how we bring our media and learning work together. Contact the Grit team to ask about planned sessions or opportunities to work with us there.
What is Grit Build?
Grit Build is a website and content system we’re developing through Grit Blueprint. It combines a website shaped around a company’s business with AI-supported publishing. The goal is to create useful FAQs, articles, and other content from approved company knowledge, with very little ongoing work from the customer. It is currently in development.
What is Grit Rep?
Grit Rep is a knowledge hub and AI tool we’re building for the industry. It is designed to work from reliable vendor and product information, correct images, manufacturer documents, and verified field knowledge. We want to help teams find useful answers, learn products, and put their knowledge to work. It is currently in development.
How are Grit Build and Grit Rep different?
Grit Build focuses on a company’s website and published content. Grit Rep focuses on trusted knowledge and answers. Over time, Grit Build could use approved material from Grit Rep to create better content. They serve different needs, and we’re developing them as separate products.
Does Stefanie personally deliver all of Grit Blueprint’s work?
No. I lead the business, help shape our offers, and stay involved where my experience adds value. Our team handles production, design, systems, and client delivery. We’re building repeatable processes and using AI to support that work, so every project does not depend on my calendar.
Working With Stefanie and Grit
Does Grit offer private AI training and company implementation?
Yes. We can discuss private training and help setting up AI around specific business needs. That might involve personal assistants, writing systems, or repeatable workflows. We define the work, tools, and level of support before starting. You can explore working with the team through GritBlueprint.com.
Can we combine Stefanie’s speaking with media coverage of our event?
Yes. We can discuss a package that combines speaking with interviews, video, or event coverage. Any sponsorship or publication through Grit Guide is agreed as part of the scope. That gives you a way to extend useful conversations beyond the room.
Can our company advertise, sponsor a show, or be featured?
Yes. Grit offers advertising, sponsorships, and paid spotlight opportunities through our media work. The right option depends on who you want to reach and what you want to share. Paid placements are identified as sponsored. Contact the team through the inquiry form on this site to discuss a partnership.
Can I suggest a guest, story, or company for Stefanie to feature?
Yes. Send an inquiry through this site and tell us who you have in mind, what makes the story useful, and how to reach them. Guest and story suggestions are considered for fit. Submitting an idea does not guarantee a feature, and paid opportunities are discussed separately.
Where can I find Stefanie’s articles and interviews?
Explore the articles and media appearances on this site for my writing, guest contributions, and interviews. You can also visit Grit Guide for our industry stories, conversations, and resources.
How can I work with Stefanie or her team?
For speaking, hosting, media partnerships, sponsorships, or an interview request, start with the inquiry form on this site. For business projects, websites, or AI training, visit Grit Blueprint. Tell us what you want to accomplish, and we’ll help you find the right next step.
Booking & Planning
How do I choose the right engagement?
Start with the job you need done. A keynote gives a larger audience a shared message. A workshop gives people time to apply it. Hosting guides the room and the conversation. A media engagement turns selected stories into content. Tell us your goal if you would like help choosing.
Does an inquiry reserve a date?
An inquiry starts the conversation. Availability and booking terms will be confirmed with you before an engagement is booked.
How does Grit Blueprint fit into an engagement?
I’m the speaker and host. Grit Blueprint is the business I founded and the team behind the strategy and production work in your plan. Your scope makes each role clear.
Speaking & Hosting
Can Stefanie create a custom keynote for our event?
Yes. If your event has a specific theme or your audience faces a specific challenge, I can build a custom keynote around it in an area I know well: the building industry, business, leadership, sales, visibility, and practical AI. Share who will be in the room and what you want them to leave ready to do.
How long are the sessions?
Keynotes run 30 to 90 minutes. Workshops run a half day or a full day, and Build Your AI Advisory Board is a 3-hour workshop. Webinars run 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions can be in person or virtual. Include your available time in the inquiry, and we will confirm the format that fits.
Can we record or share the session?
Include your recording and replay plans in the inquiry. Capture, editing, audience access, and reuse need to be agreed as part of the engagement.
Can we add a workshop or follow-up session?
Yes, you can ask about a workshop, live Q&A, or follow-up session alongside a keynote. Each addition is scoped so the time, purpose, and deliverables are clear.
How does Stefanie prepare to host?
Preparation starts with the audience, agenda, speakers, and purpose of the event. The planning scope can include producer coordination, speaker research, interview preparation, and rehearsal.
Can Stefanie both host and speak?
Yes. At the National Hardware Show 2025, I gave the keynote, co-hosted the program and moderated a panel. The run of show needs time for each role, preparation and transitions, so we confirm the responsibilities and schedule together.
Does hosting include full event production?
Hosting and event production are separate roles. Tell us who is managing the venue, AV, agenda, and crew so we can define where the Grit Blueprint team and I fit.
Does a roundtable include finding the participants?
Facilitation, room curation, guest outreach, and event logistics are separate parts of the scope. Tell us whether your group is already assembled or you need help shaping the room.
Can a roundtable stay private?
Tell us your confidentiality needs before planning. Recording, public summaries, and attribution should be agreed in advance. A private discussion does not automatically become public content.
Does Stefanie speak to contractors and builders?
Yes, on the business side of their work. I gave an AI keynote at the Building Envelope Contractors Conference 2024, presented at IIBEC Metro New York’s Building Smarter with AI in 2025 and spoke at a NAWIC Greater Orlando chapter meeting in 2023. My sessions cover standing out, sales and practical AI. Codes, engineering and jobsite methods stay with the experts in your program.
Can Stefanie speak at our dealer market or buying show?
Yes. I’ve spoken at Do it Best markets every year since 2023 and at the Independent Home Improvement Conference in 2025 and 2026. I can give a keynote, lead education sessions, moderate a panel or record interviews on site with the Grit Blueprint team. Tell us how your program runs.
Will Stefanie’s examples fit our part of the building industry?
That’s part of planning. Before your event, I talk with your team about who is in the room, from dealers and distributors to manufacturers and contractors, and the language that matters to them. Then I shape the examples around it.
Does Stefanie speak about robotics or plant automation?
No. I speak to the business side of manufacturing: standing out, explaining your product’s value, working with dealers and distributors, sales and practical AI for office and sales work. If your program also needs robotics, engineering or plant automation, pair my session with a specialist in that field.
Can Stefanie speak to our dealers or distributors?
Yes. Before founding Grit Blueprint, I worked across sales, leadership and door operations at a nationwide publicly traded distributor. I’ve spoken at dealer markets, distribution conventions and member webinars. Tell us who sells your product and what you want them to be able to say about it.
Does Stefanie teach fundraising or pitching investors?
No. My sessions are about winning and keeping customers: standing out, earning trust, selling and putting AI to work. I speak as a founder who runs a business, not as an investor.
Does Stefanie speak to masterminds and small founder groups?
Yes. I led an online session with Q&A for the Sims Distillery Mastermind in 2025 and presented to Stacy Ennis’s Author Influence Circle in 2024. Audiences have ranged from 21 people to a conference of more than 2,100, so tell us your group size and format.
Does Stefanie share her own story as a founder?
Yes, where it helps the room. I started Grit Blueprint at 35, the same age my dad was when he started his lumberyard, and my husband, Ben, and I are building it today. My examples come from running a real business.
Can Stefanie speak to our employee resource group?
Yes. I’ve spoken for the Women of Walgreens Centralized Services Chapter and Verizon WAVE, and I gave the keynote for Walgreens’ International Women’s Day Program in 2024, a global virtual broadcast. Sessions can be in person or virtual.
Will Stefanie prepare with our panelists?
Yes. I prepare with your team and the panelists, so everyone knows the questions, the order and the time. On stage, I follow the answers worth exploring.
Can Stefanie host a fireside chat with one of our leaders?
Yes. At the WDMA Executive Leadership Forum 2026, I hosted a fireside chat and co-facilitated the executive sessions. I prepare the questions with you and your guest before the event.
Can Stefanie lead a Q&A or an ask-me-anything session?
Yes. At Employee Owned 2025, I led a closed Executive Ask Me Anything session for executives after my keynote. Tell us who will ask the questions and how you want to gather them.
What is the difference between Unmistakable You and Unmistakable Business?
Unmistakable You is about a person: what sets them apart and why someone should choose them for the job, the project or the opportunity. Unmistakable Business is about a company: why customers should choose it, with branding and marketing at the center. Tell us who your audience wants people to choose, and we will help you pick.
Is Unmistakable You a confidence talk?
Confidence is part of it, and it grows when people know where to start. The focus is being chosen: finding what sets you apart, making it clear and backing it up with real work.
Why bring a personal branding talk to our employees?
People who can explain their expertise earn trust with customers and coworkers, make stronger contributions and represent the company well. Unmistakable You gives employees a practical way to do that with the work they already do, and the examples are shaped around your company.
Is Unmistakable You about social media?
Not mainly. Social media can be one place to show your work, but the talk starts earlier: what you want to be known for, who needs to know it and what proves it. Where it fits your audience, the examples can include LinkedIn.
Is Unmistakable Business a branding and marketing keynote?
Yes. Branding and marketing are at its center: who you need to reach, what makes the business worth choosing and how to prove it. It also connects the message to sales conversations and the customer experience, where customers decide whether to believe it.
Will our team leave with a finished brand strategy?
No. A keynote gives your team a shared way to think about the brand and a first step to take. A complete brand or marketing plan is separate work. If you want people to start applying it on the day, ask about adding a working session.
Will the examples fit our industry?
Share your industry, your customers and your goals in planning, and I shape the examples around them. I draw on my work in sales, operations, brand strategy and marketing, in the building industry and beyond.
Which AI session fits our audience?
Choose The AI Advantage when the group needs to understand business and industry change. Choose AI You Can Use Monday for everyday application. Choose Your AI Advisory Board when leaders want a method for examining decisions. Tell us who is coming and how they use AI today, and we will help you choose.
Do people need a laptop or an AI account for the AI keynotes?
No. The AI keynotes work without a laptop or an AI account. The hands-on workshops are different: participants bring a laptop and access to the agreed AI tool, and the requirements are confirmed during planning.
Does our audience need AI experience?
No. The keynotes use plain language and business examples, so a room with mixed experience can follow along. Tell us how your audience uses AI today so the examples start in the right place.
Are the advisors on an AI advisory board real people?
No. The advisory board is a set of views you ask AI to take, such as a customer, an operations lead or a finance lead. They help you look at a decision from more than one angle. They are not real people, and they do not replace professional advice or checked facts. You remain responsible for the call.
How is the AI You Can Use Monday keynote different from the working session?
The keynote shows the approach with business examples, and no one needs a laptop or an AI account. The working session gives people time to try it on a task of their own, with a laptop and the agreed AI tool. Ask about pairing them if you want people to practice after the keynote.
How is the Your AI Advisory Board keynote different from the workshop?
The keynote shows the method through a guided demonstration, and no AI account is needed to watch and learn. Build Your AI Advisory Board is a 3-hour hands-on workshop: participants bring a laptop, access to the agreed AI tool and a decision they can discuss without sharing sensitive information.
Can Stefanie speak at our sales kickoff or national sales meeting?
Yes. Sell Like You Mean It fits sales meetings and kickoffs. Share your products, your customers and the questions your sellers hear most, and I shape the examples around them. You can also add a working session for managers or account teams.
Is the sales keynote only for salespeople?
No. Anyone who talks with customers can use it, including account managers, customer service teams, owners and the managers who lead them.
Women’s Leadership Events
Does Stefanie only speak at women’s events in the building industry?
No. The building industry is my home base. I’ve also spoken for women’s programs at Walgreens, Verizon, the Reverse Logistics Association and Boise State University, so tell us about your audience.
Can Stefanie give the keynote and also lead a workshop or moderate a panel?
Yes. At the National Hardware Show 2025, I gave the keynote, co-hosted the program, moderated a panel and led the final session. The run of show needs time for each role, preparation and transitions, so we confirm the responsibilities and schedule together.
What size of group does Stefanie speak to?
Audiences have ranged from 21 people to a conference of more than 2,100. My women’s programs include a chapter meeting, online employee groups, a leadership retreat and national trade show stages. Share your group size and format in the inquiry.
Webinars & Workshops
How is a workshop different from a keynote?
A keynote gives the audience a shared message and direction. A workshop makes room for practice, questions, and work on a specific task. The group size and time available shape how much support is possible.
Is Build Your AI Advisory Board suitable for beginners?
Yes. No technical background is needed: participants bring a real decision and learn to give AI useful context, explore different views and challenge the answer. Teams new to AI can also start with AI You Can Use Monday, which works on everyday tasks. Tell us the group’s current experience so we can set the right starting point and pace.
Will the workshop teach us to hand decisions over to AI?
No. The focus is using AI to explore options, question assumptions, and improve your thinking. Your judgment, taste, voice, and final decisions remain yours.
Should participants bring private business information?
Use a real decision you can discuss without exposing sensitive information. Follow your organization’s tool and data rules. The exercise can use a simplified or anonymized example.
Can we book a series instead of one session?
Yes. A series can connect several topics or give a group time to apply an idea and return with questions. We’ll plan the number of sessions, their order, the resources, and who handles each part with you.
Are recordings and worksheets included?
Available resources depend on the selected engagement. The written scope will identify any worksheets, recordings, replay access, and follow-up materials included.
Media & Sponsorships
What content will we receive?
Your scope lists the finished pieces, how many of each, their formats, and the plan for delivering them. A full interview, a short clip, a recap video, and an article are separate pieces.
Will you publish the content on your channels?
Production and publishing are separate choices. Before anything is published, you’ll know the channels, placements, timing, and who handles each part.
Can we get vertical and horizontal video?
Ask about the formats your team needs. Unique edits and alternate-format exports will be listed separately so everyone knows what is being delivered.
Can our team reuse the content?
Tell us how you want to use it. Your usage terms should cover organic posting, paid advertising, full replays, raw footage, and any other use you have in mind.
Will we be able to review the content?
Your scope explains how review works, who approves the content, when feedback is due, and the revisions included. You’ll know all of it before production starts.
When will the content be ready?
Delivery depends on the production scope, the edit schedule, and getting feedback and assets on time. You’ll know the schedule before work begins.
Is a podcast sponsorship the same as being an editorial guest?
No. A sponsorship supports content or placements you plan with us. A commissioned interview is its own production. Choosing editorial guests is a separate decision. You’ll know which arrangement you have from the start.
Do you guarantee views or leads?
We can spell out the work and the placements you plan with us. We do not promise a set number of views, leads, or sales unless a specific written agreement expressly provides for a measurable commitment. Ask for current audience information when planning your sponsorship.
What makes a good Behind the Build feature?
A strong feature has people willing to share the decisions, work, and details behind a business or project. Useful access and a clear story matter more than a polished slogan.
Do we need to provide access to the project or location?
Location access, participant availability, and permission to film are part of planning. Tell us what is available and any limits before the production is planned.
Can Stefanie host product education or a walkthrough?
Yes, those are formats we can talk through. Your scope should name the subject, audience, location, technical input, who reviews what, and the finished content.
Who handles production?
Grit Blueprint can provide production support for the media work you plan with us. If your event already has a crew, we’ll work out with you who handles capture, audio, files, editing, and delivery.
Can Stefanie host the program and lead interviews at the same event?
Yes, at different times. I can’t emcee the main stage and record interviews off stage at the same moment, so the run of show gives each role its own time. Stage time and interview windows are planned and scoped separately.
What’s the difference between content made for us and content Stefanie publishes?
Content made for your team is delivered to you for the uses in your agreement, like your website, social channels or sales team. Publishing on The Grit Blueprint Podcast, Behind the Build, Grit Guide or my channels is a separate choice with its own plan. Your proposal says which pieces you receive and where, if anywhere, each one is published.
Do you record every session or run the event’s AV?
Not unless it’s part of your plan. The team records the interviews and moments you choose together. Recording every session, live streaming, event AV and full conference production are separate work, often handled by your venue or production company. Tell us who runs the stage and sound so the plan fits around them.
Is event coverage the same as press coverage?
No. Event coverage is content the Grit Blueprint team plans and produces for your event. Press coverage is a publication’s own decision, so it can’t be bought or promised. A sponsored interview is a third arrangement, and you’ll know which one you have from the start.
Will our interviews appear on The Grit Blueprint Podcast or Grit Guide?
Only when that’s part of the plan. Publishing on my channels or Grit Guide is a separate choice, and your proposal names the channels and the timing. Editorial selection, views and leads are not promised.
How do interviews fit around the agenda?
You choose the people to feature, and the team plans their interviews in windows between sessions. That way guests don’t miss the program, and I’m not needed in two places at once.
What do you need from us on site?
Event access for the team, a place to record, the approvals your organization needs and one contact who can bring guests to their interview times. Travel, equipment and post-production are part of the proposal.
Association Programs
Can sponsors help fund event media?
You can explore a sponsor-supported setup. The program still needs a clear budget, scope, funding plan, and someone responsible for selling sponsorships. Sponsor participation or full cost recovery is not guaranteed.
Can a program combine webinars, roundtables, and conference speaking?
Yes. We can plan those formats around a shared purpose. Session counts, dates, travel, resources, and media work are planned with you for each program.
Are member offers the same for every association?
No. Member benefits and any special terms are set for each approved partnership. They are not discounts or extras that every association gets.
Can one keynote work for members at different levels?
Yes. Before the event, I learn who is in the room, from owners and executives to sales teams and new hires, and shape the examples so each group recognizes its own work. For executives, you can add a closed Q&A or a facilitated roundtable after the keynote.
Does Stefanie speak to chapters and smaller member meetings?
Yes. Along with national conventions, I’ve spoken at a NAWIC Greater Orlando chapter meeting, a NAWLA 10 Group meeting and IIBEC Metro New York’s chapter symposium. Webinars can reach members spread across a region.
Kits & Resources
Can I share a kit with my team?
Yes. Use the current overview linked from the offer page. It includes a link back to the website so your team can find the latest information and next steps.
Where can I find bios and headshots?
Visit Planner Resources for approved bios, stage introductions, available headshots, and planning materials. Media Kits & Booking Guides explains the engagements you can book.
Where can our event team find everything in one place?
Resources lists it all: Planner Resources, speaker sheets and media kits, bios, stage introductions, photos, testimonials, past speaking and events, and these FAQs. Nothing is gated, so your team can open, copy or download what it needs.
Have a Different Question?
You can also reach us at team@stefaniecouch.com.