There’s something powerful about a good story. Whether it’s told around a dinner table, written in a book, or shared between two people over a cup of coffee, stories have a way of cutting through noise and getting straight to the heart. They help us remember what matters. They help us make sense of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

For me, storytelling has always been part of my life—even if I didn’t realize it at first. I grew up in a tight-knit family in Twin Falls, Idaho, where hard work, faith, and honesty were part of our everyday rhythm. I spent my early years on our dairy farm, surrounded by people who didn’t talk much—but when they did, their words mattered. Their stories mattered.

Years later, as I started building homes and businesses of my own, I realized that stories were showing up everywhere—on job sites, in community meetings, in the quiet moments with my team. They weren’t just about entertainment. They were shaping culture, guiding decisions, and building something deeper than profit. They were helping shape legacy.

The Birth of a Book

A few years ago, I decided to write a book called Under the Red Oak Tree. It wasn’t something I had planned to do. It started with a few memories jotted down here and there—moments I didn’t want to forget. Thoughts about life, faith, fatherhood, and business. As I kept writing, I started to see a pattern: all these stories were connected by the same root system—values I wanted to pass on.

Writing that book became more than a personal project. It became a way to communicate the lessons I’d learned through struggle and success. It was my way of sitting down with the next generation—my kids, my employees, my community—and saying, “Here’s what I’ve seen. Here’s what I believe. Here’s what I hope for you.”

We don’t always get the chance to say everything we want in the moment. But when you tell a story—whether it’s in a book or in a conversation—you create space for reflection, connection, and impact. That’s why I believe storytelling is one of the most important tools a leader can use.

Stories in the Workplace

In my businesses, especially at Iron Oaks Custom Homes, storytelling is part of the culture. We don’t just train our team on the technical side—we talk about why we do what we do. We share stories about clients whose lives were changed by a new home. We talk about mistakes we’ve made and what we learned from them. We reflect on wins that remind us why the long hours and early mornings are worth it.

These stories do more than fill time. They build trust. They remind people that they’re part of something bigger. And they help every team member—whether they’ve been with us for years or just joined yesterday—understand the heartbeat of the company.

As a leader, I’ve found that people remember stories more than instructions. You can talk numbers and policies all day long, but if you share a story that reflects your values, it sticks. It shapes behavior. It builds alignment.

Telling Stories That Last

Not all stories are meant for a stage or a book. Some of the most meaningful stories are the quiet ones—shared on a walk, during a lunch break, or while riding in a truck between job sites. These are the moments where leadership often happens without a title.

Legacy isn’t about being famous. It’s about being remembered for how you lived and what you stood for. It’s about passing down wisdom, not just wealth. And storytelling—done with humility and purpose—is one of the most powerful ways to do that.

When I think about the kind of legacy I want to leave, it’s not just about the homes I’ve built or the companies I’ve run. It’s about the values I’ve modeled and the people I’ve influenced. If someone can say, “Jesse taught me how to lead with integrity,” or “His story helped me make a tough decision,” then I know I’ve done something that matters.

Encouraging Others to Tell Their Stories

One of the things I’ve started doing more often is encouraging others to share their own stories. Everyone has one. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a business, raising a family, or starting over after a tough season—your experience has value.

I tell my team, “You don’t have to be a writer to be a storyteller.” Just be honest. Speak from the heart. Share what you’ve seen and learned. That’s how you build credibility. That’s how you connect with people. And that’s how you become a leader, even if no one gave you the title.

Storytelling creates a culture of vulnerability and vision. It invites people to bring their full selves to the table. And in a world that’s moving faster every day, it offers a reminder that what we do—and how we live—still matters deeply.

Final Thoughts

Under the Red Oak Tree isn’t just the title of a book. It’s a symbol of what I want my life and leadership to reflect: strength, rootedness, growth, and legacy. It’s about pausing long enough to reflect, to remember, and to share.

If you’re a leader—or simply someone who wants to leave a mark—don’t underestimate the power of your story. You don’t need a platform to make an impact. You just need honesty, courage, and a willingness to speak from the heart.

So the next time you’re sitting with your kids, mentoring someone younger, or leading a team meeting, take a moment to share a story. You never know how far it might reach or how deeply it might stick.