Our Team

LARRY BALLARD, JR, CO-FOUNDER
Larry is a native of Macon, GA and began working at an early age learning everything he could from his Pop.
While attending Southern Polytechnic State University, Larry had the privilege to work for Beers/SKANSKA USA and then Dublin Construction. Larry came back home to Macon in 2000 and eventually co-owned ECI Contracting Group for over 15 years specializing in HUD work and Historical Renovations. Larry continued historical renovations and multi-family projects for 3 years with True North Construction Group beginning in 2018. After two short stints facilitating friends with their construction companies, the decision was made to start a new venture and launch Oak & Iron.
The main goal is simple: do things the right way for the right reason.
Oak and Iron is a blessing that the Co-Founders have been trusted with, that will carry them into the future while building projects and relationships.
Larry has been married to Mandy (Meeks) since 2001, and they have three children, Weldon, Boone and Sophie.

SCOTT BRELAND, CO-FOUNDER
Scott is also a native of Macon, GA and started in the construction industry alongside his father at a very young age. Scott has held numerous positions from framer to owner/operator of his own construction company. Scott does not care for titles and finds that his work is his reward. He is a true team player and his communication skills coupled with his years of experience make him an invaluable asset at Oak & Iron, Inc.
While growing up in Macon and attending community college after high school, Scott fell into the family business that drove him to own his first company at the age of 18, and he remained an independent contractor for over 40 years when he decided to go to work for KUNJ Construction as a General Superintendent, followed by ECI Contracting Group, True North Construction Group and WB Construction and Development. Scott's background includes not only single-family residences (several of which have been published in Southern Living) but also multi-family residential, commercial and the restaurant industry. He and Larry formed a bond that has carried them forward into Oak & Iron, Inc. partnering experience with knowledge.
Scott's happiness lies in the simplicity of a fishing pond, lake or any body of water and on the boat with Mrs. Julli and their family.

JOSIE EZELLE, CO-FOUNDER
   Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Josie decided to follow in the footsteps of her Pop and brother and entered the construction industry in 2019 after a career in education. Josie's family has been in construction since before she was born, and she has a natural inclination toward organization and leadership. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology, and she graduated in 2020 with her master's degree in Business Leadership. Josie believes that she is a life-long learner whose goal is to encourage others and set a standard in the construction industry that marries communication, positivity and servant leadership.
Josie has not only worked for the local board of education, but she has also been an employee with United States Air Force in recent years. Her tenure also includes True North Construction Group and WB Construction and Development. Josie has worked on historical renovation projects as well as multi-family projects. She looks forward to each and every project and makes it a point to form relationships with all of those involved, and from pre-construction to close out Josie's goal is to see owners and subcontractors achieve their dreams and reach their goals. Her skill set along with that of the experience and knowledge of Scott and Larry has formed not only a business but has solidified them as family, it has become Oak & Iron, Inc.
Family is Josie's greatest blessing, and her heart is her husband (Christopher Ezelle), and her joy is her children (Jackson, Jefferson, Joey & Isabella).

MANDY BALLARD, ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Mandy attended UGA for college and then transitioned into the Radiology Technology program at what was then the Medical Center in Macon. While working as a radiology tech, Mandy obtained education/training in medical transcription. In 2005 she stepped away from radiology tech and focused full time on her medical transcription business. Mandy's work ethic allowed her to maintain her business at home, all the while raising three pretty awesome kids. Mandy walked away from the crazy demands of medical transcription in 2018, a much deserved break.
Oak and Iron asked Mandy to come in and help as the realization hit fast that more hands were needed on deck. Mandy's organization skills were needed to help keep Oak and Iron in compliance with insurance and accounting. Mandy's approach to everything is to get it done and that has made a huge difference.
Mandy's joy comes from her children, Weldon, Boone & Sophie. She loves her family and works tirelessly to give them all what they need to be successful.

WELDON BALLARD, FIELD SUPERVISION
Weldon is a graduate of The Academy for Classical Education (class of 2024). He started with Oak and Iron working summers and breaks while in high school. Weldon has literally been around construction his entire life. Before he could walk he would ride the job sites with Larry or Mandy would bring him to the projects, especially if there was any equipment around.
Weldon is what most clients refer to as an "old soul", he can communicate with anyone and has the upmost respect for clients, subcontractor and vendors. Weldon spends his days managing the job sites and has become proficient in scheduling crews and getting everyone to work together. If he had his pick, Weldon would be spending all day every day operating equipment, something he has been doing since he was in grade school. Weldon keeps each project team's best interests in mind with every decision he makes and keeps everyone on the job site safe while doing it. We are very excited to see what the future holds for him.