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Meet Don Peart Custom Homes

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Building Homes, Building Relationships:
Meet Don Peart Custom Homes

For more than 30 years, Don Peart Custom Homes has been helping families in and around Fort Dodge, Iowa, build homes designed specifically for the way they live. Today, the family-owned business is led by Jory and Ashley Heinecke, continuing the legacy that Ashley’s father, Don Peart, began decades ago.

As a second-generation builder, Ashley grew up in the construction industry. From working on job sites to handling office responsibilities, she has experienced nearly every part of the home building process. Those experiences shaped her passion for helping families turn their dream homes into reality.

“I love helping people build not just a house, but a home where they can make memories and grow together,” Ashley says.

Jory’s path into home building was a little different. He started his career in welding and manufacturing after high school while living in Kansas. After meeting Ashley in 2008 and relocating to the Fort Dodge area, career opportunities in welding were limited. Don offered him a position with Don Peart Custom Homes, and he has been part of the team ever since.

Although he started with little construction experience, Jory embraced the opportunity and continues to build on his knowledge with every project.

A Partnership That Has Stood the Test of Time

Don Peart Custom Homes has partnered with Amwood Building Systems since approximately 1994. At the time, Don was primarily stick building and was unsure about using a panelized building system. After setting a few Amwood homes, he quickly recognized the value and quality the system provided.

More than three decades later, the partnership continues.

Ashley also remembers how the relationship first began. Don met longtime Amwood representative Gordy through a family connection, and that introduction led to a partnership that has helped support hundreds of successful home builds.

Custom Homes Built Around the Customer

While some builders focus on speculative homes, Don Peart Custom Homes has chosen a different path.

Their business centers almost entirely on custom homes, with occasional remodeling projects and additions. Rather than trying to predict what buyers might want in a spec home, Ashley and Jory prefer working directly with homeowners from the very beginning.

This personalized approach allows every home to reflect the family’s unique lifestyle, needs, and vision.

Most of the homes they build start at approximately $550,000, with an average cost of around $300 per square foot. Ranch-style homes with partial or fully finished basements continue to be their most requested floor plans.

Referrals Are Their Greatest Success

Like many successful builders, Don Peart Custom Homes has tried a variety of marketing methods over the years, including newspaper advertising, radio spots, yard signs, and vehicle graphics.

What has consistently produced the best results?
Exceptional customer service.

Most new clients come through referrals from past customers. In fact, many families have returned to build multiple homes, while others have recommended Don Peart Custom Homes to relatives and friends.

Ashley believes one of the biggest reasons for their success is encouraging homeowners to slow down during the planning process.

Instead of rushing decisions, they ask customers to imagine themselves living in the home five or even ten years into the future. Thinking through daily routines, future needs, and long-term goals often leads to better design decisions, fewer change orders during construction, and a smoother building experience.

It is a philosophy that benefits everyone involved.

Continuing a Family Legacy

Since taking ownership of the company, Ashley and Jory have completed several homes together. Ashley’s experience, however, extends much further. Over the years, she worked alongside her father on well over 100 homes, gaining valuable knowledge that now guides the next generation of the business.

That combination of family tradition, hands-on experience, and dedication to customer satisfaction continues to define Don Peart Custom Homes today.

Life Beyond the Job Site

When they are not building homes, Ashley and Jory enjoy spending time outdoors. Fishing, camping, and traveling are among their favorite activities, and they recently purchased a camper to explore new destinations together.

Their family also includes Fred, their beloved cat, who is always happy to welcome them home after a trip.

Ashley has also taken up piano as a hobby. While she laughs that she is still learning, it reflects the same mindset that has helped her succeed in home building: always growing, always improving, and always enjoying the journey.

Building the Future Together

Amwood Building Systems is proud to work with builders like Don Peart Custom Homes who value craftsmanship, relationships, and delivering an outstanding customer experience. Their commitment to thoughtful planning, quality construction, and personalized service has earned the trust of families throughout central Iowa for generations.

We look forward to seeing their family legacy continue for many years to come.