About Horner Building Company
What sets Horner Building Company apart from our competition? We care — we care about our clients, and we care about our community. Not only can you expect high-quality work from our team, but you can expect a contractor you can trust, and one who will treat your project like it’s our own home or business.
We’re proud that our roots go deep in these East Tennessee mountains. Our ancestors came here in the late 1700s, settling in what is now Gatlinburg. For generations, our family has been shaped by this community and has contributed to its flourishing — through business, hospitality, and public service. We still choose to call this region home, and we hope that our work will have a positive impact on this community for our own children and for generations to come.
We specialize in commercial construction in East Tennessee and have worked on some of the top attractions in the area. We also offer residential construction and insurance restoration services. When you’re in need of a full-service commercial contractor in Tennessee that you can trust, look no further than Horner Building Company. Meet our team below!
Eric Horner
Owner
Along with his brother Kyle, Eric is the co-founder and owner of Horner Building Company. Eric graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Service Management, and since that time has worked his way up through the commercial construction ranks. His portfolio includes custom home builds, insurance restoration, and renovation of condos, restaurants, office buildings, and attractions. He has worked on projects for various city governments as well as for the Sevier County Utility District.
Eric has overseen $60 million construction projects, including a number of attractions in east Tennessee such as Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not (2019 Renovation of the Year), Guinness World Records Museum, Pigeon Forge Snow (first indoor snow tube park in the U.S.), Skyland Ranch (longest mountain coaster in the U.S.), and Activate/Breakout Games. He was part of the Leadership Tomorrow Class of 2014, and is IICRC Certified.
Eric and his wife Staci have two sons, Jack and Tate, and in his freetime Eric enjoys fishing, hiking, and being on the lake with his family.
Kyle Horner, P.E.
Owner
Along with his brother Eric, Kyle is the co-founder and owner of Horner Building Company. After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Kyle earned his Professional Engineer License while working as a Project Engineer and Sevier County Office Manager for a civil engineering firm. During this time, Kyle worked on a variety of projects including pre-development studies, design, local and state coordination, and was a project manager.
In 2019 Kyle transitioned into the world of commercial contracting, assuming the role of Project Manager and Vice President of Development for a large commercial construction company with a focus on the hospitality industry. In this role he did everything from initial project development to project management of hotel, restaurant, and entertainment and attraction projects valued over $100 million.
Kyle was recognized as the 2017 Young Engineer of the Year by the Knoxville Chapter of the TSPE, 2017 Young Engineer of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the NSPE, and served as a board member for the Sevier County Economic Development Council from 2017 to 2019. Kyle and his wife Jamie live in Sevierville with their two children, Brooks and Reagan.
John Golly
Project Manager
With over two decades of diverse experience in the construction industry, John Golly is a seasoned professional and a driving force behind the success of our company. As a Project Manager, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing construction projects, ensuring their timely and efficient completion.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has successfully coordinated the construction of numerous residential communities. One standout achievement is his role in spearheading an EMS metering project for the Federal Government, spanning 38 cities across 6 states. His meticulous planning and execution skills played a pivotal role in the project’s success.
Outside of work, John finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and children. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast, relishing moments in nature and enjoying activities like hiking and camping. John believes that his extensive project exposure, combined with his hands-on trade experience, offers a unique and invaluable perspective. This perspective enables him to approach each project with a forward-thinking mindset, ensuring that every construction endeavor reaches its full potential.
With John Golly at the helm of your construction project, you can trust that your vision will be expertly translated into reality, with a commitment to excellence that sets the standard in the industry.
Jon Lee
Project Manager
Jon Lee brings a wealth of leadership experience and a diverse background to his role at our company. With a dynamic career spanning over thirty years, Jon has demonstrated expertise in managing complex construction projects across various sectors, from residential development to military and student housing, as well as historic restorations and high-rise mixed-use towers.
After serving in the U.S. Army for four years, Jon pursued his Bachelor’s degree and earned his degree in English Literature from The University of South Florida. His journey in the construction industry began as a superintendent for a custom homebuilder, where he honed his skills in managing projects and operational efficiency.
Throughout his career, Jon has held pivotal leadership positions, including Division President for a national homebuilder, Vice President for the largest multifamily general contractor in the U.S., and Chief Operating Officer for a prominent developer in Tampa. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have contributed to the successful completion of projects totaling over one billion dollars in construction costs.
Most recently, Jon served as the base operations manager for a military contractor at MacDill Air Force Base, where he oversaw critical infrastructure and ensured operational productivity. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jon enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and weightlifting in his spare time.
With his proven track record of leadership and commitment to excellence, Jon Lee is a valuable asset to our team, driving forward our mission of delivering unparalleled results for our clients.
Wesley White
Project Manager
Wesley boasts over a decade of comprehensive experience within the construction industry, complemented by his Bachelor of Science degree in General Business with a focus on construction from East Tennessee State University. With a diverse background spanning roles such as Laborer, Construction Manager, Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, and Project Manager across various construction sectors including residential, commercial, and multifamily projects, Wesley brings a wealth of expertise to any team.
Notably, Wesley’s passion for innovation and continuous improvement drives him to exceed industry standards in every project he undertakes. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the professional realm, as evidenced by his personal achievements, including serving as General Contractor for the construction of his own home.
Outside of work, Wesley finds fulfillment in family time, golfing, traveling, and engaging in home renovations. His multifaceted skill set, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, positions him as a valuable asset for any construction endeavor.
Jay Horner
Quality Control / Safety Director
In 2001 Jay received his certification as a Residential and Commercial Building Inspector and as a Residential and Commercial Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector. He took these certifications to the City of Gatlinburg Inspection Services Department, where he served for more than fifteen years, starting as a residential building inspector and working his way to City Building Official until his retirement. During that time, Jay was responsible for zoning regulations, stormwater management, and compliance with local and national building codes. In 2010 he co-authored the International Code Council 400-2012 – Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures.
Jay has overseen multiple large-scale developments as a city inspector, including the $20 million Rocky Top Sports Complex. He has also served as the lead building inspector in a number of lawsuits levied by the City of Gatlinburg, and has built a reputation based on his impeccable attention to detail. In 2017 Jay moved into the commercial contracting sector, focusing on safety inspection and quality control. He currently serves on the City of Gatlinburg Planning Commission as well as the Municipal Board of Zoning Appeals.
Jay and his wife Camille live in Gatlinburg and enjoy spending time with their 3 grown sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.
Don Hubbard
Chief Superintendent
Don Hubbard is a highly skilled and accomplished construction professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has gained a reputation for his exceptional project management expertise, his in-depth knowledge of the construction process, and his ability to deliver outstanding results. Don’s diverse portfolio includes a wide range of projects in various industries including hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, attractions, schools, and churches. He has worked with various city governments and the Sevier County Board of Education on multiple projects, where he successfully oversaw the construction of more than 1 million square feet of buildings. Don’s experience in managing attractions is one of his specialties. His portfolio boasts a range of exciting projects. Don has overseen construction of multiple Ripley Entertainment properties some of which include: Ripley’s Davy Crocket Mini Golf, Ripley’s Old MacDonald Mini Golf, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and most recently Ripley’s Super Fun Park. He has also overseen hotel projects which include multiple Fairfield Inn and Suites, The Appy Lodge, The Lodge at Five Oaks, Bearskin Lodge, and other flagship hotels. In addition, Don has successfully constructed multiple restaurant and shopping center projects such as Phases 3-7 of Tanger Outlet Mall, Ogle Brothers General Store, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, and many more. Don has a hands-on approach to management, and he is known for his dedication to ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. He is committed to cultivating strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and employees alike. Overall, Don Hubbard’s wealth of experience, including his unique background in superintendent and project management roles, make him a key member of Horner Building Company team.
Christina Bufkin
Office Manager
Christina has worked extensively in the field of accounting, with a specialty in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll and day-to-day operations. Christina brings with her a wealth of experience in managing multiple projects that range from multi-use complexes to short term rental cabin developments. Her exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail have enabled her to streamline and optimize administrative processes, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations. Her leadership and organizational skills have positively impacted on the productivity and workflow of her team resulting in optimization of financial operations as well as increased profitability.
Christina is a native of Sevier County, which gives her a unique perspective on the local and regional business landscape. She is an active member of her community and has served on several committees and a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow.
Michael Sizemore
Controller
Michael Sizemore graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Carson Newman University. He discovered his passion for the construction industry shortly after graduation and has been in the industry since 2021.
After working his way through the ranks, Michael has elevated himself to the role of Controller at Horner Building Company, where he now oversees financial operations with precision, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and timelines. His experience in diverse roles within the industry, complemented by his academic background, has equipped him with a meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to delivering results.
When he’s not working, Michael enjoys spending time in nature and fishing. He also has a passion for history and can often be found watching documentaries on the subject. He believes that a balanced life is key to achieving success both professionally and personally.