The Strategic Architect of St. Louis's Premier Steel-Framed Luxury Outdoor Spaces
Who is Tara Holstein?
Every exceptional structure requires a foundation built on absolute certainty, and for Solid Ground, that certainty is Tara Holstein.
As the Owner, Operations & Finance lead, Tara is the strategic mind who stepped in full-time three years ago to become the indispensable backbone of the company. For Tara and her husband, Tommy, Solid Ground is an actual St. Louis family business, a legacy project involving all four of their adult children.
Tara’s journey is one of applying high-level financial and operational discipline to the art of construction. She transforms complex logistics into seamless processes and meticulous budgets into ambitious growth, ensuring that Solid Ground doesn’t just promise excellence—it delivers it on a reliable, profitable, and enduring foundation.
She is the proof that passion for family and precision in business can build something truly monumental.
Tara's Core Philosophy: Finance, Family, and Foundation
Tara’s core belief is that if you build it right, it will last. Her background in finance informs her construction philosophy: prioritize lasting value over short-term savings.
This conviction is why Solid Ground champions innovative steel-framing over traditional lumber for its luxury outdoor spaces. This operational choice, driven by Tara’s strategic oversight, ensures unmatched structural integrity, longevity, and sustainability for every project. She views every deck not as an expense, but as a high-return investment for the homeowner, committed to building structures that will be enjoyed for generations.
Leadership & Achievements
Tara’s impact is felt across the outdoor living industry, positioning Solid Ground as an authority in St. Louis, MO, and beyond.
Industry Recognition
- A Champion for Women in the Industry: Recognized for her expertise, Tara has been a featured leader on the prestigious Women in the Industry Panel, advocating for innovation and professionalism across the sector.
- Woman-Owned Business: Solid Ground is proudly recognized as a woman-owned business.
- Industry Authority: Tara and the company are active, recognized members of NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association) and hold the elite Deckorators Elite Platinum status.
Company Success
- Deck Specialist of the Year 2023: Solid Ground was honored with the award, a testament to the quality and operational excellence Tara helps enforce.
- Strategic Growth: Her finance and operational strategies are directly responsible for the company’s strong growth trajectory, built on a foundation of over two decades of combined experience.
Recent Articles by Author
As the company’s Content Author, Tara shares her industry-leading perspective on the latest materials, innovative steel-framing techniques, and the strategy behind building a high-end, luxury outdoor space.