I grew up in a dairy family in Twin Falls, Idaho. Early mornings, cold hands, and long days were part of the rhythm of life. I didn’t know it at the time, but all those hours spent on the farm were laying the foundation for what would become my future—just not in the way I first expected.

Today, I own and operate Iron Oaks Custom Homes and several other businesses, including a successful HVAC company. I’ve built more than 50 homes since starting in 2018, but my passion for construction has never been just about putting up walls and roofs. It’s about creating spaces that serve a bigger purpose—whether it’s a home for a growing family or a facility that helps others thrive more efficiently and sustainably.

In recent years, I’ve found myself returning to my agricultural roots—not by milking cows, but by bringing innovation and construction expertise to a place that shaped me. And in doing so, I’ve realized something important: builders have a huge role to play in the future of a sustainable economy..

Building with Purpose

When most people think about agriculture, they picture crops and livestock—not concrete forms, solar panels, or construction crews. But behind every productive farm, there’s infrastructure. There are barns, irrigation systems, grain silos, processing facilities, and now—solar fields, energy-efficient equipment, and smart technology.

As a builder, I’ve seen firsthand how good design and construction can reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and ultimately make housing more  sustainable. One of the projects I’m most proud of is a platform I helped develop that brought solar energy to agricultural operations. Installing solar panels on barns and storage buildings doesn’t just save farmers money—it helps them reduce their carbon footprint and gain a measure of energy independence.

Sustainability Starts at the Foundation

Sustainable agriculture is more than a buzzword. It’s a necessity. Farmers are facing real challenges—rising fuel costs, extreme weather, and unpredictable markets. They need solutions that are both smart and durable. That’s where construction comes in.

By integrating energy-efficient systems during the design phase—whether it’s better insulation, passive cooling designs, or geothermal heating—we’re able to create structures that work with the environment instead of against it. Using reclaimed materials, installing LED lighting, and implementing smart ventilation systems are just some of the ways builders can support sustainability right from the ground up.

I’ve seen operations that were struggling with outdated barns or inefficient equipment transform after investing in new, modern builds. Not only did it boost productivity, but it also brought peace of mind. These farmers knew they were investing in something that would last—and help them leave a legacy.

Bridging Innovation and Tradition

One of the challenges in construction is blending innovation with tradition. Our customers are practical people. They need things to work—and last. You can’t throw a fancy idea on a piece of paper if it doesn’t make sense on the ground.

This is where having a background in both farming and building gives me a unique advantage. I speak both languages. I understand the value of keeping things simple, but I also see the power of new technology.

Whether it’s creating a barn layout that reduces animal stress or designing buildings that can adapt to new farming methods, I always aim to bring common-sense innovation to the table. Construction isn’t just about building structures—it’s about solving problems and planning for what’s ahead.

Why It Matters

I’ve always believed that success in business should lead to something more than just profit. That’s one of the reasons I stay involved in charity work, volunteer in my church, and started the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. Giving back is part of who I am.

That same belief drives my passion for sustainable agriculture. We owe it to future generations to build smarter, to leave the land better than we found it, and to support the families who feed the world.

Builders—especially those of us who come from rural communities—have a special role to play in this. We understand the land. We understand the needs. And we have the skills to build not just structures, but solutions.

Looking Ahead

The future of agriculture depends on partnerships—between farmers, engineers, innovators, and yes, builders. When we come together with a shared vision, incredible things happen. I’ve seen it, and I know there’s so much more to come.

Every time I pick up a pencil to sketch out a new design or walk through a job site in boots covered in dust, I remember where I came from. That dairy farm in Twin Falls didn’t just teach me about hard work—it taught me the importance of building things that matter.

If we want to shape a better future, it starts with a solid foundation. Let’s keep building it—one breakthrough at a time.