We’re proud to celebrate Acculift Foundation Repair CEO Karen Wilson, who has been named one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women for 2026! The annual recognition honors 25 women making a difference across the St. Louis, Missouri, region, with honorees selected through an independent editorial review based on their achievements and contributions to their organizations and local communities.
Karen has served as CEO since March 2019, bringing her background in structural engineering to the foundation repair industry. As a leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has overseen Acculift’s growth from approximately $1 million to nearly $3 million in annual revenue.
Throughout her career, she has learned to trust her expertise, create opportunities for herself, and take risks to pursue the work she wanted to do. In recognition of the award, Karen is sharing more about her career path and what this honor means to her.
What was your path from structural engineering to business ownership?
“I earned my Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of California–San Diego, and I’m a licensed professional engineer in Missouri and California. My technical experience includes advanced concrete repair techniques, carbon fiber reinforcement systems, and the design and installation of deep foundation elements.
“For years, I had worked in office-based roles that didn’t align with my strengths, in part because I was balancing my career with the needs of my family. I knew I wanted to transition into field operations, but as a woman in a male-dominated industry, I encountered systemic barriers.
“By the time I was ready to change direction, following a traditional career path would have meant backtracking. Instead of waiting for the right opportunity to come along, I decided to create it myself. I put my financial future on the line, purchased the business with an SBA loan, and stepped into the operations leadership role I desired.”
What career challenge has had the greatest impact on you?
“Early in my structural engineering career, I worked almost exclusively alongside men and noticed a significant difference in confidence. Many of my peers displayed an abundance of confidence, while I was worried about making mistakes and felt I was underqualified despite having equal skills and capabilities.
“Recognizing that my hesitation, rather than my technical ability, was holding me back became a turning point. I began trusting my experience and the value of my perspective. Overcoming that self-doubt gave me the confidence to lead my own company.
“I learned that confidence isn’t about knowing the answer. It’s about trusting your capabilities and experience to work through complex problems and lead effectively.”
What continues to inspire you about working in construction?
“I’m most inspired by the opportunity to transform ideas into tangible structures that serve our community. The collaboration and teamwork required to navigate complex physical challenges drives me every day. Seeing engineers and tradespeople come together to accomplish a shared goal is incredibly rewarding.
“Diversity is another part of our industry that inspires me. When people with different backgrounds, skill sets, and life experiences work together, we’re able to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives and develop safer, smarter, and more innovative solutions. Overcoming challenges with a diverse, cohesive team gives me a deep sense of pride in what we can accomplish together.”
What does being named one of the Most Influential Business Women mean to you?
“Building my business meant betting on myself, especially when the path ahead was uncertain. I’m inspired by the women who came before me and did the same, and I hope my journey encourages the next generation of businesswomen to trust their own strength and build something of their own.”
Expertise You Can Count On
When it comes to foundation repair, having the right expertise matters. Acculift Foundation Repair helps homeowners throughout the greater St. Louis area address foundation problems with proven repair solutions. Backed by structural engineering knowledge and years of hands-on experience, our team works to identify the source of the problem and determine the right approach for your home.
If your home or commercial property is showing signs of foundation damage, schedule your free estimate with us today!