About Us
The South Oak Team
We craft thoughtfully designed homes that balance character and value—homes that feel custom without the custom-home price tag. With years of hands-on experience, our team brings excellence, accountability, and clear communication to every step of the process, from first conversation to final walkthrough. More than just building houses, we’re dedicated to building lasting relationships with our clients, trade partners, and the communities we serve.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering not only beautiful homes, but an experience built on trust and care. Guided by integrity and a commitment to doing things the right way, we understand that behind every project is a family placing their trust in us. That dedication, skill, and heart make South Oak more than a construction company—it makes us a team you can count on.
Our Roots
Founded in 2020, South Oak Homes is a family-owned business built on craftsmanship, care, and a deep love for East Tennessee. Our founder, Ryan Kerr, grew up in construction, working alongside his father who spent more than 40 years in the industry. That experience and passion have been passed down through generations and continue to shape the way we approach every home we build.
What began with a single spec home has grown into a thriving residential construction company developing single-family and small multi-family communities across East Tennessee. Even as we’ve expanded, our mission remains the same: to build great homes and even better relationships, one project at a time.
Ryan and his wife, Kathryn, proudly call East Tennessee home. As lifelong locals and University of Tennessee graduates (and proud Vols fans), their love for the region’s beauty, close-knit communities, and family-centered lifestyle inspired them to build their life—and business—right here. Ryan holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting, while Kathryn, a mechanical engineering graduate, plays an active role in daily operations—helping South Oak grow and strengthen the relationships that make their work so meaningful.
Our Core Values
Build Lasting Relationships
We prioritize strong, ongoing connections with employees, vendors, and clients, fostering a sense of trust, community, and family in everything we do.
Committed to Growth & Improvement
We embrace continuous learning and adaptability, always seeking new ideas and better methods to improve our processes and ensure long-term success.
Integrity & Accountability
We do what we say we will do—every time. Our reliability, discipline, and ownership of tasks ensure that we maintain a reputation of trust and dependability.
A commitment to quality, and proactive communication
We believe that strong communication is the foundation of successful projects, ensuring transparency, clarity, and alignment with all stakeholders.
Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
We take pride in delivering top-quality homes, holding ourselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship, professionalism, and industry expertise.
Build Lasting Relationships
We prioritize strong, ongoing connections with employees, vendors, and clients, fostering a sense of trust, community, and family in everything we do.
Committed to Growth & Improvement
We embrace continuous learning and adaptability, always seeking new ideas and better methods to improve our processes and ensure long-term success.
Integrity & Accountability
We do what we say we will do—every time. Our reliability, discipline, and ownership of tasks ensure that we maintain a reputation of trust and dependability.
A commitment to quality, and proactive communication
We believe that strong communication is the foundation of successful projects, ensuring transparency, clarity, and alignment with all stakeholders.
Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
We take pride in delivering top-quality homes, holding ourselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship, professionalism, and industry expertise.