Our Team
LARRY BALLARD, JR, CO-FOUNDER/OWNER
Larry is a native of Macon, GA and began his career at the age of 12 working for and learning from his Pop, Larry Ballard, Sr. Although he is not fond of titles, Larry respects them, but strives for humility as it takes a committed team to be successful. While attending Southern Polytechnic State University, Larry had the privilege to work for Beers Construction 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 with True North Construction Group in 2018. After two short stints facilitating close friends with their construction companies, Larry made the decision that is was time to start a new venture. 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 his wife, Mandy (Meeks) since 2001, and they have three children, Weldon, Boone and Sophie. He serves on the board of North Macon Youth Sports Association and volunteers at his children's school, the Academy for Classical Education. |
SCOTT BRELAND, CO-FOUNDER/OWNER
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. Juli and their family. |
JOSIE EZELLE, CO-FOUNDER/OWNER
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). |
JACKSON LAMBERT, CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Jackson is also from central Georgia. Jackson comes from a family whose background has always been in construction. Jackson spent several summers with his grandfather working as an electrician's helper. Jackson loves forming relationships with the people that he works with and for, and he found success with this skillset at Coca-Cola Enterprises in Macon, Georgia. Jackson worked for Coca-Cola for several years and found that construction was calling. Douglas Brooke Homes of Florida hired Jackson as a construction manager, and it is there that he fell in love with the construction industry as a whole. Jackson is an excellent new addition to Oak & Iron, Inc. and we look forward to his future with us. Jackson's background and experience include single-family residences in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida as well as multi-family construction. Jackson's biggest loves are his family, his dog and Georgia Football. |