About Us

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Meet the owner

Bio

Tara Marie Helmick is a passionate and driven entrepreneur with a heart for building — both in business and in life. As the owner of Empire Builder, a Class-A construction company serving Hampton Roads, Tara leads with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Her journey into entrepreneurship was born from resilience. After losing her mother at just 49, Tara transformed heartbreak into determination, launching three successful companies in 2021. Her story reflects not only her business acumen but also her ability to turn tragedy into strength and faith into action.

A proud mother of three — Emilia, Sophia, and baby Isabella — Tara balances her role as a business leader with her most important title: mom. Her home is filled with love (and plenty of energy), shared with her children, and three puppies.

While Tara previously spent four years as a licensed Realtor, her focus today is fully on Empire Builder and her nonprofit organization, Healing Robin, which provides free therapy and crisis support to those in need. Through her work, Tara continues to honor her mother’s legacy by helping others rebuild — in every sense of the word.

Faith, family, and purpose remain at the core of everything Tara does. She is a living example of resilience, compassion, and determination — building not just homes, but hope.

Professional Background

Tara Marie Helmick is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader with a strong background in business administration and construction management. As the founder and owner of Empire Builder, a Class-A licensed construction company based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Tara has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and innovation in residential remodeling and outdoor living design.

Tara’s business foundation began with her studies in Business Administration, where she developed expertise in finance, marketing, and strategic growth. This education, combined with years of hands-on leadership experience, has shaped her into a dynamic and results-driven business owner.

Before founding Empire Builder, Tara spent years developing her leadership skills through management and executive roles, eventually serving as CEO of a successful construction firm. Her ability to lead teams, implement systems, and drive organizational success reflects both her operational acumen and her visionary mindset.

Today, Tara continues to lead with purpose — balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood to her three daughters, Emilia, Sophia, and Isabella. She is deeply committed to professional excellence, faith-driven leadership, and empowering others to grow in both business and life.

With her combination of formal business training and real-world experience, Tara exemplifies what it means to lead with strength, strategy, and heart — building not just structures, but a legacy of integrity and impact.

Meet the team

Cori Deese

Cori Deese is a skilled carpenter — and Tara’s brother — who plays a key role at Empire Builder. With a deep passion for woodworking and years of hands-on experience, Cori brings precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to quality, he consistently delivers exceptional results. Cori’s strong work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the craft make him a trusted and valued member of the Empire Builder team.

Donny

Donny is Cori’s right-hand man and a vital part of the Empire Builder crew. Known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature, Donny approaches every task with focus and determination. Whether assisting with complex carpentry work or managing on-site details, he’s always willing to go the extra mile to ensure projects are completed with precision and care. His reliability, teamwork, and dedication make him an indispensable member of the Empire Builder family.

Jeremiah

Jeremiah is a hardworking member of the Empire Builder team who assists on-site and keeps projects running smoothly as our primary material runner. Always dependable and quick to lend a hand, he ensures crews have what they need to stay productive and on schedule. His positive attitude, efficiency, and attention to detail make him an essential part of our daily operations and a valued member of the Empire Builder family.