Built with Purpose. Grounded in Service. Designed to Endure.

Certified Build Corp was founded with one mission: to restore meaning, resilience, and purpose to the way homes are designed and built. We believe that homes should serve families for generations—not just decades. Our work is guided by a strong foundation in faith, military values, craftsmanship, and advanced building science.

Our co-founders, Jesse Sage and Luke Reese, bring together decades of real-world experience — from elite military leadership to award-winning construction and remodeling — to create a new gold standard in homebuilding.

Every Certified Build home reflects the combined wisdom of time-tested tradition and cutting-edge performance. We partner with the most respected architects, engineers, and building science professionals in the country to deliver homes that are timeless in beauty, durable in structure, and optimized for health and efficiency.

Our Story

Jesse Sage & Luke Reese

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Jesse A. Sage – Founder & CEO

Veteran. Craftsman. Builder of Purpose.

Jesse Sage is a mission-driven entrepreneur, former Army Ranger, and seasoned leader with over two decades of 
experience in elite military operations and high-performance business development. He brings a relentless work 
ethic and detail-driven mindset to Certified Build Corp.
Construction Origins:
Jesse began his journey in the trades as a teenager, working for Ballard & Sons in Ames, Iowa. From framing to finish carpentry, 
he helped design and build multiple homes from the ground up—learning firsthand what quality and craftsmanship truly mean.
Education:
  • AAS in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering – DMACC
  • BS in Business & Project Management – Grantham University
  • Master of Science in Business Administration – Pending
Military Honors & Experience:
  • U.S. Army Ranger, 3rd Ranger Battalion (Retired), Jumpmaster, Army Sniper
  • Bronze Star recipient, Two-time Purple Heart recipient
  • Honor Graduate of multiple NCOES and Army schools
  • Led or participated in over 600 combat missions across 10 deployments with the
75th Ranger Regiment, JSOC, and conventional Army units
Building Science & Continuing Education:
  • Completed Building Science 101 & 201 – Matt Risinger’s Build Show Network
  • Field-tested envelope assemblies inspired by Dr. Joe Lstiburek’s BSI-145
  • Collaborates with Steve Baczek (architect), Karl Chambers (Imprint Architects), and Dr. Allison Bailes (HVAC design, Energy Vanguard)
Philosophy:
Jesse believes in timeless architecture, Veteran-crafted resilience, and building to the highest standards of health, performance, and durability. He actively mentors fellow Veterans, supports trauma recovery through Wounded Heroes, and uses Certified Build 
as a platform for faith-based outreach and employment.
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Luke Reese – Co-Founder & COO

Second-Generation Builder. Project Leader. Trusted Partner. Voice of Wisdom.

Luke founded Reese Builders in 2005 with a mission: quality and affordability don’t have to be mutually exclusive. That philosophy continues to guide his leadership at Certified Build, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern field-tested experience.

Field Leadership & Project Oversight:

  • Oversees daily site operations and subcontractor coordination

  • Manages client relationships, budgeting, and critical scheduling

  • Personally leads framing and finish teams to ensure quality control

Experience & Certifications:

  • OSHA 30 Certified

  • NAHB Member

  • Deep background in ZIP System assemblies, air-sealing, and resilient exterior detailing

  • Extensive expertise in high-end remodeling — kitchens, bathrooms, and full-home transformations

  • Began his career as a trim carpenter and developed mastery in fine interior detailing

Philosophy:
Luke believes in transparency, integrity, and treating every home as if it were his own. He’s deeply involved in the community — supporting local trades training, mentoring young builders, and volunteering through church-based service projects across Central Iowa. His steady leadership and deep technical wisdom create a culture of excellence and accountability on every job.

Our Partners & Network

We collaborate with the nation’s most trusted experts in high-performance home design, including:

  • Karl Chambers, Imprint Architects

  • Steve Baczek, Residential Architect & Build Show Expert

  • Dr. Allison Bailes, Energy Vanguard – HVAC/Manual J/S/D/T Engineering

  • Red Fox Inspections, PHIUS+ Rater & Quality Assurance Partner

  • Matt Risinger’s Build Show Network - Healthy Durable Standard

We also consult with structural engineers, mechanical specialists, and sustainable material providers to ensure every Certified Build home meets or exceeds the highest standards in:

  • FORTIFIED Gold resilience

  • Passive House (PHIUS) readiness

  • DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH)

  • NGBS Green Certification 

  • Indoor airPLUS and wellness performance

Our Core Values

Faith-Led Purpose

We believe every home should reflect the Creator’s design for order, beauty, and stewardship. Our work is rooted in faith, with a mission that goes beyond profit to impact families, Veterans, and communities.

Integrity in Every Detail

From framing to finishes, we uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship, transparency, and trust. We treat every home as if it were our own.

Veteran Commitment

Founded by a combat Veteran, Certified Build empowers other Veterans with meaningful employment, mentorship, and healing. A portion of every project supports trauma recovery and hormone therapy through Wounded Heroes.

Resilience & Durability

We don’t just build to code — we build for the next century. Our homes are FORTIFIED, Zero Energy Ready, and crafted with 100-year materials and field-proven assemblies.

Healthy Living

We integrate Indoor airPLUS and healthy building materials, ensuring the air you breathe and the spaces you live in are optimized for well-being.

Timeless Design

We honor America’s architectural heritage — from Farmhouse and Colonial Revival to Georgian and Folk Victorian — and we also embrace clean-lined, purposeful modern design when it serves the site, the family, and the lifestyle. Whether timeless or contemporary, every Certified Build home is reimagined for today’s comfort and performance.

Stewardship & Sustainability

We specify responsible materials, reduce waste, and design for longevity — not obsolescence.

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