Jesse Vierstra didn’t take the typical path to becoming a respected home builder. He started out in a dairy farming family in Twin Falls, Idaho, where life was simple, but demanding.
“I learned early that no one’s going to hand you anything,” he says. “You get up before the sun, you work hard, and you take pride in what you build.”
Today, Jesse is the founder and owner of Iron Oaks Custom Homes, a construction company he started in 2018. He’s built over 50 homes since then. All custom, all personal, and all in southern Idaho. His story is one of grit, faith, and following through, even when the odds aren’t in your favour.
Early Lessons on the Farm
Growing up, Jesse worked in the family’s dairy farm. He didn’t just watch, he did the work. Feeding cattle, cleaning stalls, keeping things running. That’s where he learned discipline.
He also picked up something else that stuck with him: focus.
“There’s no ‘kind of’ in farming,” he says. “You either do the job or the animals suffer. That sticks with you.”
Jesse’s background made him comfortable with responsibility. And that mindset carried into his adult life as he stepped into construction.
Starting From Scratch
After attending the University of Idaho, Jesse returned home and worked in the trades. But something was missing.
“I wanted to build something of my own,” he says. “Not just walls and roofs, but a business, a legacy.”
In 2018, he took a leap and launched Iron Oaks Custom Homes. It was just him, a handful of tools, and a lot of determination. The first year was lean. He did the labour himself and managed budgets out of a notebook.
“I had to learn everything. Contracts, permits, managing subs, you figure it out or you fold,” Jesse explains.
Over 50 Homes and Counting
Since launching, Jesse has built more than 50 homes in and around Twin Falls. He stays close to the work, often visiting job sites in person and walking through details with crews.
“If something’s not right, I’m the one fixing it,” he says. “I don’t believe in sending a client a bill for something I wouldn’t pay for myself.”
He also owns an HVAC company and has started other ventures, including one that brought solar energy solutions to agricultural operations.
“It’s about solving problems that matter to people like me, farmers, builders, families trying to make smart decisions,” he says.
Giving Back
Jesse isn’t just building homes. He’s building community. Faith plays a big part in his life, and he volunteers regularly through his church. He also founded the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of a close friend.
“That tournament isn’t just about golf,” he says. “It’s about bringing people together and doing something good with our time.”
Under the Red Oak Tree
In addition to running his custom home building business, Jesse wrote a book called Under the Red Oak Tree. It’s a personal reflection on the lessons he’s learned through work, failure, and faith.
“I started journaling to stay focused,” he explains. “Eventually I realised I had a story to tell, not about being perfect, but about pushing through.”
The book shares real moments, ike starting a business with no safety net or trying to stay motivated when nothing goes right.
“You learn that your inner strength is everything. No one can hand you that,” Jesse says.
A Simple Formula
Jesse’s approach to life and business is straightforward.
“Honesty, integrity, and efficiency,” he says. “That’s it. No shortcuts.”
He sets goals, breaks them into small steps, and works at them daily. When he feels overwhelmed, he takes time outdoors or turns to prayer.
“Peace doesn’t come from getting everything done. It comes from knowing you did your best.”
Looking Ahead
Jesse recently launched his personal website. It’s where he shares project updates, reflections on the building industry, and lessons from the field.
“I want it to be a place where people can learn,” he says. “Whether you’re building a home or a business, the principles are the same.”
As for what’s next?
“I’m just going to keep showing up, doing the work, and helping where I can. That’s always been enough.”
Takeaways
- Jesse built his company from the ground up after working in his family’s dairy farm.
- He’s built over 50 custom homes since 2018 and expanded into HVAC and solar solutions.
- His work is rooted in hands-on leadership, faith, and community service.
- He shares insights and updates on his website and in his book, Under the Red Oak Tree.
- His values of honesty, grit, and purpose guide both his business and personal life.
Q&A with Jesse Vierstra
What made you decide to start Iron Oaks Custom Homes?
I wanted to create something that reflected my values, quality work, accountability, and relationships built on trust. After working in the trades and learning the ropes, I felt ready to take that leap. I started in 2018 with just a few tools, a small team, and a whole lot of grit.
How did growing up on a dairy farm shape your work ethic?
That experience taught me everything about discipline and responsibility. On the farm, there are no shortcuts, animals need you every single day. That mindset stuck with me. I still approach every job with the same kind of commitment.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Starting from scratch with no safety net. I had to learn how to manage projects, budgets, and relationships all at once. Some days were overwhelming, but I learned to break things down into small, daily goals. That kept me moving forward.
You also founded a golf tournament in honour of a friend. Why is that important to you?
The Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament means a lot. Ryan was a good friend, and this was a way to keep his memory alive and support local causes. It’s about connection and community, something we need more of.
What inspired you to write Under the Red Oak Tree?
It started as journaling during hard times. Eventually, I realised I had something worth sharing. The book is about pushing through setbacks and staying grounded in your values, something I think a lot of people can relate to.
How do you stay focused and motivated day to day?
Faith keeps me centred. I also try to be intentional with goal-setting. I write down what I need to do and focus on one thing at a time. When I get off track, I step back, clear my head, and remind myself why I started.
