I’ve always loved to build. Whether it was helping out on my family’s dairy farm in Twin Falls, Idaho, or working with a crew to frame a custom home, there’s something deeply satisfying about taking raw materials and turning them into something real—something useful, lasting, and full of purpose.
When I started Iron Oaks Custom Homes in 2018, I knew I wanted to bring that same hands-on, intentional mindset to everything I built. But over time, I realized I wasn’t just building homes. I was building businesses. I was building people. And, in some ways, I was building change.
Being a builder is about more than hammers and nails. It’s about having a vision for what could be, and doing the hard work to make it happen—over and over again.
Expanding the Blueprint
Most people know me for home construction, but that’s just one part of what I do. Since starting Iron Oaks, I’ve launched several other businesses—including an HVAC company and ventures that support sustainability in agriculture. None of this came with a perfectly drawn-out plan. It came from noticing problems, identifying needs, and asking, “Why not me?”
In business, there are always opportunities if you’re paying attention. For example, we kept running into issues with HVAC systems on job sites—either delays, quality concerns, or lack of consistency. Rather than continuing to rely on outside vendors, I decided to start my own HVAC company. It gave us more control, improved quality, and opened up a whole new revenue stream.
That’s what building beyond homes looks like—using your tools, your network, and your instincts to branch out and solve bigger problems.
From Construction to Innovation
I’ve always had an interest in how we can improve the way we build—not just to make projects more efficient, but to make them more impactful. That mindset led me into a project I’m particularly proud of: helping bring solar energy solutions to agriculture.
Coming from a farming background, I know how hard it is for farmers to manage costs and keep operations sustainable. So when I saw an opportunity to combine construction and clean energy, I jumped on it. We helped design and implement solar systems that reduced utility bills and gave farmers more control over their energy use.
That experience taught me something important: being a builder doesn’t mean you have to stay in one lane. Your skills are transferable. Your vision can stretch beyond blueprints and job sites. With the right mindset, you can make a difference in almost any industry.
People Over Profits
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through all this is that success isn’t just measured in numbers. It’s measured in people—how you treat them, how you help them grow, and what kind of example you set.
Whether I’m leading a team of framers or mentoring a young business owner, I try to operate by the same principles: be honest, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Leadership isn’t about sitting in an office while others do the work. It’s about setting the tone, showing up, and living out your values.
That’s one reason I’m so passionate about giving back—whether it’s volunteering at my church, supporting local charities, or organizing the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. To me, building a business should always come with building up the community around you.
The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox
You might be surprised to hear that the most important tools in my toolbox aren’t drills or tape measures—they’re mindset tools. Things like patience, creativity, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Every business I’ve built has come with its own challenges. There’ve been setbacks, delays, bad hires, and tough seasons. But through it all, I’ve learned to trust the process. Problems are just part of the job—and if you stay grounded in your purpose, you’ll find solutions.
The best entrepreneurs aren’t always the smartest or the flashiest. They’re the ones who stay consistent, keep learning, and never forget why they started.
Building a Legacy, Not Just a Brand
At this stage in my journey, I’m thinking more and more about legacy. What am I building that will last beyond me? What kind of mark am I leaving on the people I work with, the communities I serve, and the industries I touch?
For me, the goal isn’t just to grow a business—it’s to grow people. To give others opportunities. To show that you can lead with integrity and still be successful. To prove that faith, family, and hard work are still the strongest foundations you can build on.
That’s why I take time to mentor young professionals. That’s why I stay involved in local service projects. And that’s why I continue to invest in businesses that solve real problems and help real people.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in building multiple businesses, it’s this: you don’t need to have everything figured out to make a difference. You just need to start where you are, use what you have, and believe in what you’re doing.
A toolbox can hold more than tools—it can hold dreams, ideas, and the building blocks of real change. And when you combine that with vision and purpose, there’s no limit to what you can create.
So don’t just build structures. Build something that lasts. Build something that matters.