Our Team

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Offering 200+ Years of Experience

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.

Vision.Integrity.Service.

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 business. It is our mission to help bring your vision to life through creative innovation, attention to detail, and impeccable customer service. Those are just some of the many reasons to hire us for your commercial construction project. With a combined 25+ years of experience in the engineering and construction industries, the service you'll get from Horner Building Company is unmatched.

commercial construction in Gatlinburg

The Team

Our team specializes in commercial construction in East Tennessee! We've completed a wide range of hospitality and commercial construction projects in all shapes and sizes, from large-scale resorts to restaurants. 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!

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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 $150 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 tubing 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.

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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.

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John Golly

Project Manager

Experience:
35 years

Areas of Expertise:
Government, commercial, cleanroom residential, vintage restoration

Professional Qualifications:

  • SWPP Trained
  • Procore Certified
  • OSHA 30 Certified

Key Positions:

  • Project Manager, GEO Marine - AFRC COMPEQ, GSA
  • Project Manager, Various Commercial Construction Companies
  • Sr. Project Superintendent, AdvanceTec Cleanroom Construction
  • Sr. Project Superintendent, Hodess Cleanroom Construction

wesley white

Wesley White

Project Manager

Experience:
11 years

Areas of Expertise:
Commercial, multifamily, residential, renovations

Professional Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's of Science in General Business with concentration in Construction
  • Lead-Based Paint Certified
  • ProContractor Trained
  • Autodesk and Bluebeam Trained

Key Positions:

  • Project Manager, Nella Constructors, Inc.
  • Assistant Project Manager, Empire Construction
  • Construction Estimator, Gust Construction Company LLC
  • Construction Manager, Total Property Management

jon lee

Jon C. Lee

Project Manager

Experience:
34 years

Areas of Expertise:
Commercial, multifamily, student housing, government, military/DoD

Professional Qualifications:

  • CQM-C Certified (NAVFAC/USACE) Quality Control Manager
  • DoD Security Clearance
  • Lean Six Sigma Certified
  • State Certified Building Contractor – Florida

Key Positions:

  • Base Operations Manager, ABBA Construction – MacDill AFB
  • Chief Operating Officer, Spartan Construction, Inc.
  • Executive Vice President, Phillips Development Corp.
  • Division President – Jacksonville, Lennar Home Corp.

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Joseph "Jody" King

Project Manager

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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.

jay horner

Jay Horner

Quality Control / Safety Director

Experience:
18 years

Areas of Expertise:
Residential and commercial building inspector, zoning regulations, stormwater management and compliance

Professional Qualifications:

  • Residential and Commercial Building Inspector
  • Residential and Commercial Building Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector
  • Co- Authored International Code Council 400-412 – Standard on Design and Construction of Log Structures

Key Positions:

  • City of Gatlinburg Inspection Services Department
  • City of Gatlinburg Planning Commission
  • Municipal Board of Zoning Appeals

michael sizemore

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.

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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 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.