About Horner Building Company
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 home or business.
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.
We specialize in commercial construction in East Tennessee and have worked on some of the top attractions in the area. We also offer residential construction and insurance restoration services. 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!
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 $60 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 tube 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.
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.
Jay Horner
Quality Control / Safety Director
In 2001 Jay received his certification as a Residential and Commercial Building Inspector and as a Residential and Commercial Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector. He took these certifications to the City of Gatlinburg Inspection Services Department, where he served for more than fifteen years, starting as a residential building inspector and working his way to City Building Official until his retirement. During that time, Jay was responsible for zoning regulations, stormwater management, and compliance with local and national building codes. In 2010 he co-authored the International Code Council 400-2012 – Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures.
Jay has overseen multiple large-scale developments as a city inspector, including the $20 million Rocky Top Sports Complex. He has also served as the lead building inspector in a number of lawsuits levied by the City of Gatlinburg, and has built a reputation based on his impeccable attention to detail. In 2017 Jay moved into the commercial contracting sector, focusing on safety inspection and quality control. He currently serves on the City of Gatlinburg Planning Commission as well as the Municipal Board of Zoning Appeals.
Jay and his wife Camille live in Gatlinburg and enjoy spending time with their 3 grown sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.