Building More Than Homes: A Conversation with Jesse Vierstra

Jesse Vierstra is a respected business owner and builder based in Twin Falls, Idaho. He is the founder of Iron Oaks Custom Homes, a successful construction company he started in 2018. Since then, Jesse has built over 50 homes across the region. His work is known for quality, attention to detail, and a personal touch that sets him apart.

Jesse grew up in a dairy farming family. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. These values still guide him today. Before launching his own business, he worked in the family business and developed strong leadership skills. That early experience shaped his hands-on style.

Today, Jesse runs more than just a construction company. He also owns an HVAC business and has started several other ventures. One of his proudest achievements is building a platform that helped bring solar power to farms. He believes in smart, sustainable growth and is always looking for ways to improve.

Outside of work, Jesse is active in his local community. He volunteers through his church and founded the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament, which supports charitable causes. He is also the author of a book, Under the Red Oak Tree, where he shares lessons from his life and business journey.

Jesse Vierstra is a strong leader who believes in building with purpose. He blends traditional values with modern innovation. Whether on a job site or in the boardroom, he leads with integrity and a deep commitment to others.

In this interview, we sit down with Jesse Vierstra, a Twin Falls-based entrepreneur and founder of Iron Oaks Custom Homes. With over 50 homes built since launching his company in 2018, Jesse brings a grounded, community-focused approach to business. From dairy farm roots to developing solar solutions for agriculture, his path has been anything but ordinary. We spoke with Jesse about the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he’s faced, and what keeps him driven in an ever-changing industry.

Q: Jesse, tell us about your early life. How did it shape your approach to business?

I grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, in a dairy farming family. Our life was built around early mornings, consistency, and doing things properly the first time. My family ran a business, so I was around hard work from the start. That environment taught me that no one owes you anything—you’ve got to show up, put in the effort, and care about the outcome. I bring that mindset to every home we build today.

Q: What led you to start Iron Oaks Custom Homes in 2018?

I’d been in the trades for a while, helping run projects and learning the ropes. But at some point, I realised I wanted to build something of my own. I wanted to be able to take a project from start to finish, stand behind the work, and serve people in my own way. That’s how Iron Oaks began. It started small—just me and a few local trades—but it grew quickly as people saw the quality and care we put into every job.

Q: You’ve built over 50 homes now. What do you think sets your approach apart?

I stay involved. I’m not just at a desk or on calls—I’m at the job sites, walking through frames, catching details others might miss. I think clients appreciate that. I also keep things local. We don’t overextend ourselves chasing big contracts out of town. We focus on the community we live in and let our reputation grow through word of mouth.

Q: Beyond homebuilding, you’ve launched other businesses. Tell us about that.

Yes, I also own an HVAC company, and I’ve started a few other ventures along the way. One of the most meaningful was a platform we built to bring solar energy into agriculture. Coming from a farming background, I saw the pressure on growers to cut costs and adapt. We helped farms adopt solar to reduce energy use and become more self-sufficient. It wasn’t flashy, but it made a real difference. I’m proud of that.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge in growing your businesses?

Honestly, balancing growth and quality. It’s easy to take on too much, especially when work is coming in fast. But if the quality slips, your name is on the line. Early on, I had to learn how to build systems, delegate, and trust others—without letting go of the standards that matter to me. That was a shift, but it’s been key to scaling in a way that still feels personal.

Q: What trends in the industry are you watching closely?

I’m paying attention to sustainability. Clients are asking more about energy-efficient materials, solar integration, and better insulation. It’s no longer just a niche concern—it’s becoming part of the conversation in every build. I think the construction industry has a long way to go on that front, but there’s real momentum now. Having worked on solar in agriculture, I see a lot of crossover potential.

Q: You’re also known for your community involvement. Where does that drive come from?

It’s just part of who I am. I’ve been involved with my church for years and I volunteer where I can. One of the things I’m proudest of is founding the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. Ryan was a close friend we lost too soon, and this was a way to honour his legacy while giving back. It’s more than a golf game—it brings people together for a purpose.

Q: You’ve also written a book—Under the Red Oak Tree. What inspired that?

That book came out of a personal place. It’s not a business manual—it’s more about the lessons I’ve picked up over time, from growing up on the farm to running businesses and raising a family. Writing it helped me slow down and reflect. If someone reads it and finds even one insight that helps them, then it was worth doing.

Q: Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to start something. If you’ve got the work ethic and the heart for it, you’ll figure the rest out as you go. Also—listen more. Early on, I thought I had to have all the answers. Now I know the value of surrounding yourself with smart, honest people and actually hearing them out.

Q: What keeps you motivated after all these years in the industry?

It’s simple—purpose. Every house we build becomes someone’s home. Every project we finish is something lasting. That matters. And when I see my kids or the people in my community benefitting from something I helped create, that’s all the motivation I need.