In 1944, amid the resilient spirit of post- war America, a man named Leon Lee had a bold idea and a van. Not a fleet, not a crew, just one man, one vehicle, and a heart set on helping people. With the seats pulled out of the family van and a toolbox in the back, Leon began offering mechanical services to homes and businesses in Middle Tennessee. He didn’t set out to build a com- pany, he set out to serve his neighbors well. But in doing so, he built something lasting.
Leon believed in doing quality work, charging fair prices, and treating customers like family. Word spread quickly about his reliability and honesty. One job led to another, and soon the demand for his services outgrew what one man and one van could handle. Lee Company was born not from a flashy business plan, but from a foundation of hard work, faith, and genuine care for others.
As the years passed, Leon’s sons joined the business, followed by their children and grandchildren. Through each generation, the company evolved, adding services, adopting new technologies, and expanding its reach across the Southeast. Today, Lee Company is a thriving, family-owned business with hundreds of team members serving thousands of customers. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a regional powerhouse with offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and beyond.
Lee Company provides comprehensive residential and commercial solutions including heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, facility services, construction, and home maintenance. From generators and smart thermostats to full facility management for hospitals and industrial campuses, they offer “the best of the best.”
And they do it with pride. “We believe in always doing the right thing,” the company says. This is a motto that’s more than a slogan. It’s how they live. Every service is backed by a warranty. Every technician is trained not just for skill, but for character.
Fast forward more than 80 years and four generations later, that same spirit still fuels every service call, every relationship, and every decision. The Lee Company story is one of innovation, compassion, and commitment. One that was built on the bedrock of family values. It’s a story that continues to unfold, powered by people who believe in doing what’s right, every time.
MORE THAN A JOB – A FAMILY
At Lee Company, working isn’t just about clocking in and out, it’s about being part of a family that truly cares. They understand when employees thrive, communities thrive. That’s why they invest deeply in their team’s happiness, health, and well-being.
From providing chaplains and counseling services to actively promoting Mental Health Awareness Month, Lee Company prioritizes support beyond the workplace. They know that genuine service to customers begins with a foundation of care for their own people.
One especially moving example is the story of an employee whose wife gave birth three months premature. The long days and nights in the NICU could have meant a difficultchoice between family and work, but not here. Lee Company didn’t just approve time off, they encouraged it, recognizing that family always comes first. “Once you’re in the family,” they say, “you don’t leave the family.”
This kind of heartfelt support isn’t just a benefit, it’s woven into the company’s DNA. It’s what sets Lee Company apart and makes it a place where employees aren’t just workers, but valued members of a community that cares deeply.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE… OR PADDLE.
Customer service at Lee Company goes beyond expectations, sometimes into uncharted waters. Literally.
Two years ago, during the historic flooding in Nashville, a woman called about her generator. She told the technician, “Just call me when you arrive,” which seemed normal—until he pulled up and realized her house was completely surrounded by water. Moments later, she appeared in a canoe like a modern-day frontier hero, paddled him across her new waterfront property, and calmly directed him to the generator. Just another day at Lee Company: bring your tools, maybe a life jacket.
And while that’s one kind of unexpected adventure, another Lee Company technician took service to a whole new level. This technician, turned hero, rushed in to help people escape a local business fire before first responders even arrived. At most companies, that might make headlines. At Lee Company, it’s just another Tuesday. Because here, going above and beyond isn’t a rare act of heroism, it’s simply how things are done.
THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY:
“YOU SEE WHAT WE SEE”
Let’s face it, when a technician climbs into your attic or crawls under your house, most of us have no idea what they’re actually seeing. That’s where Lee Company’s top- tier tech steps in.
With their XOI platform, customers get full transparency, literally. Technicians take detailed photos and videos of the work they’re doing, from the “before” view of a worn-out part to the “after” shot of a clean, fixed system. It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes pass to your own home’s maintenance.
And here’s the best part: it’s included with every service. No hidden fees, no surprise upcharges. Just real-time insights that letyou see exactly what the technician sees. Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner who wants to understand every bolt and wire, or someone who just appreciates peace of mind, this kind of visibility builds trust. It removes the mystery, adds accountability, and helps you make smarter decisions about your home. Lee Company puts you in the loop, not just in the invoice.
COMMUNITY IS THE MISSION
Their commitment to service doesn’t stop at the jobsite. Through Lee Company Cares (leecompany.com/cares), they focus on three impactful areas: food insecurity, second chances, and health & well-being.
FOOD INSECURITY:
Partnering with food banks across Tennessee and neighboring states, they help provide meals to those who might otherwise go hungry.
SECOND CHANCES:
Through support of organizations like Men of Valor, they help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate with dignity and purpose.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING:
From supporting the Special Olympics to participating in American Heart Association walks, their team shows up for causes that matter. And they live by scripture. Inspired by Matthew 25:35-36, their mission is clear: “Honor God by serving people with respect, integrity, and compassion.”
LEE COMPANY LIVES HERE
Lee Company doesn’t just serve the community, they are the community. Their technicians aren’t driving in from three counties away. They’re your neighbors. You’ll bump into them at the grocery store, see them cheering in orange at a UT game, or volunteering side by side with you at a local nonprofit event. They’re not just clocking in and out, they’re invested, because this is home for them, too.
There’s something different, something deeply reassuring, about having local professionals take care of your home. These are folks who understand the quirks of Tennessee weather, who know what a humid August day can do to an AC unit, and who get that a busted heater in February is more than an inconvenience, it’s a crisis. They’ve lived it.
They live here. They work here. They play here. And they bring that same heart, grit, and hometown care to every job, big or small. With Lee Company, you’re not just getting a technician. You’re getting someone who treats your home like it’s their own.
Assembly Food Hall in Downtown Nashville
Vanderbilt Laboratory. Lee Company’s Large Construction department worked with Al. Neyer construction to build the new Vanderbilt Laboratory in Midtown Nashville. The lab houses testing, research, and teaching facilities that support the Vanderbilt Hospital system. It is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation. This 100,000 square foot facility is one of the largest and most sophisticated facilities of its kind.
Vertical expansion projects are always complex, especially when they’re at a fully functioning hospital. Lee Company worked with Contractor Brasfield and Gorrie to successfully completed Centennial Medical Center’s five-story expansion and constructed a central energy plant, with minimal distruption to patient care.
At Lee Company, we’re building a reputation for construction excellence, consistently ranking in the top 30 of ENR’s industry giants nationwide. With core construction services of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, our vast experience includes the successful completion of projects in over 30 states.
Lee Company’s fully integrated delivery method employs the latest in construction technologies, means, and methods.
Our design-build expertise leads to smart solutions that meet the specific needs of every customer.
• MEP construction and commissioning • In-house professional engineering
• Pre-construction services
• Manufacturing/prefabrication
• BIM/virtual construction
• Building automation/HVAC controls • HVAC systems test and balance
HEALTH CARE
No one in our markets has as much experience or depth in the world of healthcare construction as Lee Company. Let our professionals take care of your complex building needs, minimizing risk and maximizing quality.
Lee Company works with hospitals, medical office buildings, specialty clinics, outpa- tient surgery centers, and skilled nursing/ assisted living facilities. Talk to us today to find out how our well-trained professionals, healthcare construction experience, and prefabrication and modular capabilities can help you.
BUILD YOUR FUTURE
We believe in investing in your success. Through Lee Company University, you can earn an accredited journeyman’s license and an internationally recognized certification, at no cost to you. After four years of hands-on training, you’ll have a lifelong license and the skills to thrive in your chosen trade. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to transition into a new field, we’ll help you gain the expertise you need. From skilled trades to engineering and administrative roles, we provide endless opportunities to learn, grow, and build a career you can be proud of.
VETERANS MATTER
We proudly support our armed forces through the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge program. This initiative provides service members with the opportunity to train in a skilled trade during their final six months of service, with the potential for full-time employment.
VA Housing Benefit
Through a partnership with the Veterans Administration (VA), veterans selected for the Depart- ment of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program are eligible for the VA Basic Housing Allowance (BHA). If qualified, you’ll receive paid on-the-job training in a new trade and up to four years of BHA, helping ease the transition to a stable and fulfilling career.
LEARN MORE AND GET STARTED TODAY
Lee Company continues to evolve with the times, embracing innovation while staying true to the values that built their name. They’re committed to offering the best services at the fairest prices—something that’s getting harder to find and even harder to trust these days. From their family to yours, Lee Company is more than a service provider. They’re a trusted partner, a neighbor, and a living example of what it means to “always do the right thing.”
To learn more about their services, request a quote, or schedule a maintenance appointment, visit leecompany.com.
