Jesse Vierstra grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, where early mornings on the family dairy farm taught him the meaning of hard work. He spent his youth outdoors—hunting, fishing, golfing, and learning the rhythm of nature. Those experiences shaped not only who he is but how he approaches everything he does. Today, he’s the owner of Iron Oaks Custom Homes, a construction company he started in 2018 that has since built over fifty homes across Idaho. But for Jesse, it’s not just about blueprints and budgets—it’s about craftsmanship, community, and creating spaces where real life happens.
Jesse’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. After studying at the University of Idaho, he began building his career literally from the ground up. He expanded from construction into other ventures, including HVAC and solar platforms designed to bring renewable energy to agriculture—a project that connects back to his farming roots. His forward-thinking approach has helped local industries adapt to new technology while staying grounded in small-town values.
When he’s not managing builds or working with clients, Jesse can usually be found on the golf course, in the mountains, or giving back. He founded the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament, volunteers through his church, and continues to find peace outdoors. He’s also an author—his book Under the Red Oak Tree reflects on life, faith, and the lessons nature teaches. For Jesse, success isn’t measured by wealth or titles but by the impact you leave behind. As he puts it, every foundation he lays is about more than building homes…it’s about building legacy.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a builder at heart. I run Iron Oaks Custom Homes, where we design and build houses that last. I’ve also started a few other companies, including an HVAC business and a solar platform that helps bring renewable energy to farms. I grew up in Idaho, so working outdoors, building things, and finding ways to improve how people live and work has always come naturally to me.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
Driven, grounded, and curious. I’m driven because I don’t believe in sitting still—there’s always something to build, fix, or learn. I stay grounded because my roots are in hard work and family values, and I never want to lose sight of that. And curious, because I’m always looking for new ideas—whether it’s in construction, sustainability, or how we can make our communities stronger.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know I once went to state for golf back in high school. I still love the game and use it as a way to connect with people. It’s taught me a lot about patience and focus—qualities that also help in business and in life.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
Right now, I’ve been watching Yellowstone. It hits close to home with its mix of ranch life, family dynamics, and the beauty of the outdoors. It reminds me a lot of where I grew up and the balance between tradition and progress.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
Instagram, for sure. I like that it’s visual. I can share photos of our builds, outdoor adventures, or moments that matter, and it connects me with people who share similar passions.
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What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Facebook. I think, like a lot of people, that’s where it all started. I used it to keep up with friends and family, and even now, it’s great for community updates or staying in touch with old connections.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I really like following builders who share behind-the-scenes content. Guys like Mike Holmes or Matt Risinger do a great job showing the craftsmanship side of construction. It’s inspiring to see people in the trade using social media to teach and bring pride back to building.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
I’d say Fine Homebuilding and This Old House are solid resources. They keep things practical, real, and educational. If you’re in construction or home design, following pages like those can help you stay sharp and inspired.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
Yeah, I listen to The Contractor Fight podcast. It’s all about mindset, leadership, and communication in construction, which is just as important as knowing how to build. They talk about the human side of running a business—the relationships, the challenges, and how to keep your integrity in a tough industry.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
One line that stuck with me is: “You can’t grow your business faster than you can grow yourself.” It’s true. I’ve learned that personal growth and professional success go hand in hand. You have to keep improving as a person to handle what comes your way.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
Probably someone like Mike Rowe. He’s authentic and shines a light on the trades and real work that often gets overlooked. I think we share similar values about hard work and humility.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
Every morning, I spend a few minutes reading something that’s not related to my field—like history, leadership, or the outdoors. It helps me think differently. I also write down goals by hand each week. It keeps me accountable and reminds me why I’m doing what I do.
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