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Who We Are

Tough Leaf is a technology platform that transforms how construction firms handle project requirements and compliance through intelligent software and industry expertise.

tough leaf

Our mission is to connect companies with small and certified firms and streamline compliance for better project outcomes.

HUNDREDS OF CERTIFICATIONS, INCLUDING:

  • MBE certified
  • WBE certified
  • DBE certified
  • SDVOB certified
  • VOB certified
  • LBE certified
  • SBE certified
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The Existing Process is Broken

U.S. Contractors failed to award over 40% of the estimated $112B budget earmarked for small and certified firms last year. With increasingly complex project requirements, contractors risk losing projects, being barred from agencies, and facing fines when requirements aren't met. Finding and verifying qualified firms while navigating compliance remains a significant challenge.

Participation Requirements, Simplified

Tough Leaf transforms how construction companies build winning project teams by combining intelligent technology with deep industry expertise. Our platform connects you with qualified, certified subcontractors from our network of over 250,000+ active vendors while automating compliance management—delivering 3.5x more competitive bids and stronger project outcomes.

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Small & Certified Subcontractors Succeed with Tough Leaf

Tough Leaf empowers small and certified firms through our free, easy-to-join platform. Simply claim your profile to showcase your qualifications, certifications, capabilities, and past performance. Our platform then connects you with targeted opportunities based on your specific strengths, while our automated certification tracking helps you stay compliant and focused on winning bids.

Claim Your Profile

Capacity Building Partners

We connect small and certified firms with trusted industry partners and offer exclusive rates for their services. Through these partnerships, members can enhance their capabilities and expertise, enabling them to compete more effectively for project opportunities.

Explore Opportunities
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Ready to streamline how you source small and certified subcontractors?

The Team That Makes it Happen

Wissam Akra

Wissam Akra

Founder & CEO

Wissam is a graduate of the Columbia MBA program and a professional engineer with 10+ years managing major projects.

Wissam has managed procurement of $600M+ of XBE contracts. He was voted Top 100 leaders in Construction & Real Estate nationwide.

Neah Brooks

Neah Brooks

Head of Sales

Neah is a seasoned construction technology professional with extensive expertise in pre-construction, bid management, and pre-qualification.

She has supported over 500 General Contractors and Developers to help them reach their goals and streamline their processes.

John Cui

John Cui

Head of Engineering

Self-taught, academia-enhanced, and professionally milled, a software artisan with a passion for crafting ideas into purposeful and usable Products.

Highly motivated to work with a team of professionals and experts. Well-versed in several programming languages with solid skills in development.

Scott Levine

Scott Levine

Head of Product

Scott holds a Master′s from UVA′s McIntire School of Commerce and has a solid track record in construction and tech. He′s worked in strategy, preconstruction, and project management for a big general contractor, and also led the product management team at a previous construction tech company.

Scott′s unique mix of experience bridges the gap between construction and technology.

Stephanie Seril

Stephanie Seril

Head of Marketing

Stephanie is a seasoned marketing executive with more than 18 years of experience across tech and construction tech industries. Having led multiple Silicon Valley startups to scale, Stephanie specializes in strategic marketing, storytelling, and driving growth.

At Tough Leaf, she will help propel our vision, enhance our market position, and foster meaningful industry relationships that fuel innovation and expansion.

Danielle Naven

Danielle Naven

Director of Operations

Danielle has over 9 years of startup experience in the hardware and construction industries. Before working in startups, she worked in economic development collaborating closely with contractors and developers.

Her main expertise is in large-scale project management, internal operations, and strategy. She will be working on developing company processes and helping build out departments as Tough Leaf grows.

Our Board

Tanya Pope

Tanya Pope

AVP Supplier Diversity, Columbia

Ascend Tristate & CU Grow

Tim McManus

Tim McManus

Former VP, McKinsey

Former SVP, AECOM

Former Director, EY

Barbara Roberts

Barbara Roberts

NY Campion of DEI

EIR Lang Center

Dr. Ibrahim Odeh

Dr. Ibrahim Odeh

Founder, Global Leaders in Construction Management