Jesse Vierstra is a builder, entrepreneur, and outdoorsman from Twin Falls, Idaho. He grew up in a dairy farming family where hard work, integrity, and problem-solving were part of daily life. Those early lessons shaped his approach to business and leadership, teaching him that every success begins with effort and consistency.
After studying at the University of Idaho, Jesse combined his love of design and craftsmanship to start his own construction company. In 2018, he founded Iron Oaks Custom Homes, a firm that has since built more than 50 custom homes across the region. His company is known for its hands-on approach, high standards, and commitment to building homes that last.
Beyond homebuilding, Jesse has created several ventures in HVAC services and renewable energy, helping to bring solar solutions to agriculture. He believes that progress in business should also serve people and the planet.
A community advocate, he volunteers through his church, mentors young tradespeople, and founded the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. He is also the author of Under the Red Oak Tree, a reflection on life, nature, and leadership.
Jesse’s career is guided by a simple philosophy: build with purpose. Whether on a job site, in the outdoors, or giving back to his community, he continues to show that success is not about speed—it’s about substance, trust, and making a difference that endures.
Q&A with Jesse Vierstra
You grew up in a farming family in Idaho. How did that shape your work ethic?
Growing up on a dairy farm meant there were no days off. If something broke, you fixed it. If the weather turned bad, you adapted. I learnt early that showing up every day matters more than any single achievement. That lesson stayed with me through university and into every business I’ve started.
What made you decide to start your own construction company?
I’ve always liked building things that people can actually live in and see. After university, I worked in different roles but wanted to create something hands-on. In 2018, I started Iron Oaks Custom Homes with one small project. I did most of the work myself—planning, site visits, even hauling materials. It was tough, but it felt right.
Your company has built over 50 homes since then. What do you think drives that success?
I think it’s trust. When people hire you to build their home, they’re not just buying walls and floors. They’re trusting you with their family’s future. I visit every site personally and walk through each build like I’ll be living there. That attention to detail keeps standards high and clients happy.
How do you approach leadership within your business?
For me, leadership is about accountability. I don’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I’m there early, I leave late, and I try to lead by example. Mistakes happen in construction, but how you respond defines your reputation.
You’ve also worked on solar energy projects for agriculture. What sparked that interest?
It came from talking with farmers who were struggling with energy costs. One farmer told me his irrigation pumps ran 16 hours a day in summer and his power bills were higher than his mortgage. We installed solar panels, and he cut that cost almost in half. It made me realise how renewable energy can change livelihoods in practical ways.
Do you see renewable energy becoming a bigger part of your work in the future?
Definitely. Farming uses over 800 trillion BTUs of energy each year in the U.S., mostly from diesel and electricity. There’s a real opportunity to make that cleaner and cheaper. I think the trades and agriculture sectors can lead the way in sustainability if they focus on efficiency and smart building practices.
You often talk about community involvement. Why is that important to you?
Because success doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t help others. I try to give back through my church and by supporting local events like the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. It started as a way to honour a friend and has grown into something that brings people together. Community keeps you grounded—it reminds you why you work so hard in the first place.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in construction or business?
Start small and stay consistent. Everyone wants to scale quickly, but slow growth builds stability. Focus on doing one thing well. Communicate clearly, own your mistakes, and treat people fairly. That’s what gets you repeat work and respect.
How do you balance such a busy career with your personal life and hobbies?
I spend as much time outdoors as I can. Hunting, fishing, and golf help me reset. I think everyone needs something that clears their head. For me, the outdoors gives perspective—it reminds me that life isn’t just about deadlines and deals.
What’s next for you and Iron Oaks?
We’re focusing on building smarter homes—energy-efficient, durable, and designed around how people actually live. I want to keep improving the process, mentoring others in the trades, and maybe expand into more sustainable projects. The goal is the same as always: build with purpose and leave something better behind.
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
