Jesse Vierstra is a experienced entrepreneur, builder, and community leader based in Twin Falls, Idaho. He is the founder and owner of Iron Oaks Custom Homes, a construction company he launched in 2018, and has since built over 50 high-quality homes across the region. With a deep-rooted background in a family-run dairy business, Jesse learned the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience from an early age. He is also the owner of an HVAC company and has successfully launched multiple ventures, including a platform that introduced solar energy to agricultural operations.
Jesse Vierstra is passionate about giving back. He is actively involved in his church and local community and is the founder of the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. An avid golfer who once competed at the state level, Jesse also enjoys skiing and spending quality time with his family. He is the author of Under the Red Oak Tree, a book reflecting his values and life journey. Jesse is driven by faith, service, and a commitment to building both strong homes and strong communities.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days usually start early, often before the sun’s up. I spend some time in prayer and reflection—that grounds me. Then it’s checking in with my teams: construction crews, HVAC staff, and a couple other ventures I’ve got going. I’m a big believer in prioritizing people over tasks, so I make a point to connect with someone every day, whether it’s a client, employee, or someone from the church. Productivity for me comes from preparation—if I go into the day with a clear sense of purpose, I don’t waste time figuring out what matters.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’ve always believed that execution beats perfection. I take an idea, sketch it out, and then talk it through with someone I trust—usually a partner or team member. Once I’ve stress-tested the concept, I act fast. In construction, business, or even in bringing solar to agriculture, speed and follow-through are what matter. I’m also not afraid to get my hands dirty—I’m still on job sites. You have to stay connected to the doing, not just the dreaming.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about the shift toward sustainability in construction. We’re seeing more demand for solar, energy-efficient builds, and smart home integrations. Having built a platform that brought solar to ag, I know how much potential there is to cut costs and help the planet. It’s not just good business—it’s the right thing to do.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I write things down—old school. I use a simple notebook to list three things I must get done each day. It keeps me focused and helps me avoid chasing fires all day. Also, I delegate intentionally. If you want to build multiple businesses, you can’t do everything yourself.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t let fear of failure keep you from starting. Just go. You’ll never have all the answers upfront. And don’t wait until you’re “ready”—you’ll grow into what’s required. Also, make faith your foundation earlier—it’ll save you a lot of confusion and regret.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe failure is a better teacher than success—and not just occasionally, but always. Most people want to avoid failure at all costs, but I’ve found my biggest growth came from hitting a wall and having to figure it out.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Serve others. Whether it’s through your church, in your business, or in your community—make service a core part of your life. I’ve built houses, yes, but the real joy comes from helping build people.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I get outside. I’ll hit a golf ball, go for a walk, or take a drive. Physical movement clears my head. And I pray. Often when I’m overwhelmed, it’s because I’m trying to carry too much on my own. Centering back on my faith resets my priorities.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Staying local and personal. In a world that’s obsessed with scaling fast, I’ve grown by focusing on quality, relationships, and community. That builds loyalty—and loyalty builds longevity.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once invested in a side venture that looked great on paper but didn’t align with my values or strengths. It failed fast. I owned the mistake, paid what I needed to pay, and moved on. The big lesson: don’t chase opportunities outside your lane, no matter how shiny they seem.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start a mobile solar installation service tailored to rural properties. Too many farms and ag sites are overlooked by big solar companies. Bundle financing, maintenance, and install as a package. It’s needed, and it’s scalable.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello. I use it with my project managers to track builds and tasks across multiple sites. It’s simple, visual, and keeps us aligned without 100 emails a day.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It helped me see the difference between working in my business and on it. That changed everything. From being a guy swinging a hammer to a guy building systems and leading people.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I rewatched Field of Dreams recently. It hits me differently as a entrepreneur, and man of faith. The themes of family, purpose, and believing in something bigger than yourself really resonate.
Key learnings
- Purpose-Driven Productivity
- Resilience Fuels Growth
- Build Locally, Impact Broadly