By Lee Team, a leading MEPF contractor in Southeast Wisconsin.
October 26, 2026 | Kenosha, Wisconsin
KEY TAKEAWAYS
For 50 years, Lee Mechanical has helped build and strengthen Kenosha County through its commitment to quality craftsmanship, business development, community partnerships, and charitable giving.
From supporting local youth organizations to contributing to some of the region’s most significant commercial, educational, healthcare, and industrial developments, the company’s impact extends far beyond the construction industry.
At the heart of that legacy is Bob Lee Jr., Chairman and CEO of Lee Mechanical, whose dedication to his family business and the Kenosha community has earned recognition spanning five decades.
On October 26, we recognize the anniversary of Bob Lee Jr. Day, officially proclaimed in Kenosha County in 2023 to honor his extraordinary contributions.
The occasion carries special significance in 2026 as Lee Mechanical celebrates its 50th anniversary, reflecting on five decades of growth, relationships, innovation, and giving back to the community where its story began.
October 26: A Day Dedicated to Bob Lee Jr.’s Contributions
On October 26, 2023, Bob Lee Jr. was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America, during a special celebration at Carthage College in Kenosha.
The award recognized Bob’s outstanding business leadership, philanthropy, and lifelong dedication to strengthening the community. In acknowledgment of those contributions, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman officially proclaimed October 26, 2023, as “Bob Lee Jr. Day” throughout Kenosha County. Echoing that recognition, then-Mayor John Antaramian presented Bob with a distinguished proclamation from the City of Kenosha.
These recognitions underscored something those who know Bob and the Lee family have witnessed for decades: a genuine belief that success comes with a responsibility to help others succeed.
Read the official Kenosha County proclamation.
A Legacy of Community Leadership and Philanthropy
Bob’s commitment to Kenosha extends far beyond his professional achievements.
Over the years, he has supported organizations and initiatives dedicated to youth development, education, healthcare, recreation, and economic vitality.
Among his notable contributions is his collaboration with Joe Madrigrano to establish the Shirley Madrigrano & Natalie Lee Performing & Visual Arts Foundation, supporting opportunities for young people through the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha.
His civic leadership has also included service with Froedtert South’s hospital system, the Carthage College Board of Trustees, and the Somers Planning Commission.
Bob’s dedication to community service has been recognized through numerous awards, including:
- 2023 – Distinguished Citizen Award, Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America: Honoring a lifetime of business leadership, philanthropy, and community service.
- 2016 – Entrepreneur of the Year, Kenosha Area Business Alliance: Recognizing Bob’s entrepreneurial achievements and business growth through the KABA Ovation Awards.
- 2007 – Mary Ashley Frost Award, Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha: Celebrating his generous support of youth programs, athletics, and opportunities for local children.
- 2003 – Person of the Year, Kenosha Area Business Alliance: Recognizing his business accomplishments and contributions to the community.
These honors represent decades of consistent involvement and an enduring commitment to Kenosha County.
Helping Build Kenosha County: A Legacy You Can See Throughout the Community
Bob Lee Jr.’s impact on Kenosha County extends beyond philanthropy and community leadership. For 50 years, Lee Mechanical has helped shape the region through projects that support economic development, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and job creation.
From major corporate developments to educational institutions and healthcare facilities, Lee Mechanical’s expertise can be seen throughout the community. Notable projects include:
- Business & Economic Development: Uline H4 Corporate Headquarters, Uline Expansion, Kenosha Innovation Center, and Flint 94 Commerce Center.
- Education: UW–Parkside Wyllie Hall and Carthage College Straz Science Building.
- Healthcare: Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Cancer Center Addition and Hospital Expansion.
- Manufacturing & Distribution: WestRock, Advent Tool & Manufacturing, Allied Plastics, and Heartland Produce Co..
These projects reflect Lee Mechanical’s longstanding commitment to the community, helping create the infrastructure that allows businesses to grow, students to learn, patients to receive care, and Kenosha County to thrive.
As Lee Mechanical celebrates its 50th anniversary, its legacy is visible not only in the projects it has completed, but also in the opportunities those projects continue to create.
Honoring the Past. Building the Future.
October 26 is an opportunity to recognize Bob Lee Jr.’s extraordinary contributions to Kenosha County and reflect on the lasting impact of the family business he helped build.
From its humble beginnings in his parents’ Kenosha basement in 1976 to its involvement in some of the region’s most notable developments, Lee Mechanical’s 50-year history is deeply connected to the community’s growth and transformation.
It is a story of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, strong relationships, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Kenosha County.
Thank you, Bob, for five decades of leadership, your commitment to helping others, and for demonstrating what it means to build a successful business while building a stronger community.
Learn more about Lee Mechanical’s history, leadership, and projects throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Lee Team
Founded in 1976, Lee Mechanical is a leading MEPF contractor in Southeast Wisconsin specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and refrigeration services. Our experienced professionals elevate commercial and industrial projects through trusted, high-quality solutions.
