Culture

Built on Hard Work. Driven by Relationships. Growing Through Innovation.

The story of Lee Mechanical began in 1976 when Bob Lee Sr. and Natalie Lee started a small plumbing business in the basement of their home. Their goal was simple: provide quality workmanship, honor commitments, and treat customers fairly.

What began as a family plumbing business in the Lees’ basement has grown into a 400-person, full-service MEPF contractor. Explore how five decades of growth took shape across Wisconsin, one relationship and one project at a time.

THE 1970s

A family business takes root.

From the basement of Bob Lee Sr. and Natalie Lee’s home, Lee Plumbing takes on the jobs larger contractors passed over. As Ole Jensen and Bob Lee Jr. come aboard, the work grows into new-home construction and remodeling across the area.

1976
1976
Lee Mechanical, originally founded as Lee Plumbing, was established by Bob Lee Sr. and Natalie Lee in the basement of their home. The company focused on plumbing projects often overlooked by larger contractors, building a reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and customer service.
1977
1977
Ole Jensen and Bob Lee Jr. joined the business, expanding services to include plumbing for new home construction and remodeling projects.

THE 1980s

Expanding into commercial, municipal, and industrial work.

Throughout the early 1980s, Lee Plumbing steadily expanded into larger commercial and municipal projects. The company earned contracts throughout Kenosha County and southeastern Wisconsin, building a reputation for delivering quality work on projects ranging from public facilities to commercial developments.

1981
1981
The company began securing larger commercial and municipal work throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including projects associated with improvements at Petrifying Springs Golf Course in Kenosha, demonstrating its growing capabilities and reputation.
1983
1983
Bob Lee Jr. and Mike Lee assumed leadership of the company, with Bob serving as President and Mike as Vice President. During this period, the company secured a significant opportunity with AMC during its merger with Renault, helping establish Lee as a trusted industrial contractor.
1984
1984
Lee Plumbing continued expanding its commercial portfolio, earning contracts for public and municipal projects, including work associated with the Randall Fire Station in Bassett, Wisconsin.
1985
1985
The company's reputation continued to grow throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Lee Plumbing was recognized as a full-service residential, commercial, and industrial contractor known for quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. That same year, Bob Lee's leadership extended beyond the business community when he became General Manager of the Kenosha Twins professional baseball team, further strengthening the company's connection to the community.
1987
1987
Lee Plumbing demonstrated its commitment to community investment by supporting local youth athletics and contributing to efforts to develop the Nash Park baseball complex in Kenosha.
1988
1988
As commercial development accelerated throughout Kenosha County, Lee Plumbing became a trusted partner on numerous commercial construction projects, helping support regional growth and development.

THE 1990s

A trusted name through every season.

Lee Plumbing becomes increasingly involved in commercial, industrial, educational, and municipal projects throughout the region. Lee Plumbing developed a reputation for technical expertise, responsive service, and a commitment to doing the job right. Community involvement also became a defining part of the company’s identity. Whether supporting youth athletics, local charitable initiatives, or economic development efforts, the Lee family believed strongly in giving back to the communities that helped support the business.

1992
1992
The company continued expanding its commercial presence, participating in major private-sector developments and securing public-sector contracts for for educational facility improvements, including work at Reuther Central High School.
1993
1993
During one of the wettest springs on record in southeastern Wisconsin, Lee Plumbing became a trusted local resource for drainage and sump pump solutions, helping homeowners and businesses protect their properties from flooding.

THE 2000s

From plumbing to full-service mechanical.

Recognizing the value of providing more comprehensive building solutions, the company expanded beyond plumbing by adding HVAC services. This marked the beginning of a transformation from a traditional plumbing contractor into a full-service mechanical contractor.

Lee 2001
2001
Lee Mechanical was selected for the Chrysler expansion project, marking a major milestone in the company's involvement in large-scale industrial and manufacturing projects throughout Wisconsin.
2008
2008
Electrical services were added, allowing Lee Mechanical to provide integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) solutions through a single trusted partner.

THE 2010s

A new chapter, a new name.

As services expanded and the company’s reach continued to grow throughout Wisconsin, leadership recognized the need for a brand that better reflected its capabilities. Rebranding efforts began in 2018, culminating in 2019 with a new identity and the opening of the company’s Oak Creek office. The transition from Lee Plumbing to Lee Mechanical reflected the company’s evolution into a full-service provider of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, refrigeration, and building systems solutions.

Lee 2010
2010
Mike Lee departed the company, and Frank Ruffolo joined ownership, becoming an instrumental leader in growing and strengthening the company's MEP capabilities.
2018
2018
Strategic discussions began regarding a company rebrand that would better reflect the organization's growth and expanding service offerings.
Lee 2019
2019
Lee Mechanical opened its Oak Creek office and completed a rebranding initiative that reflected its evolution from a plumbing contractor into a full-service commercial and industrial systems provider.

THE 2020s

Scaling for the future

Operations consolidate at the Franklin headquarters, a dedicated Fire Protection division joins the company, and a new Caledonia fabrication and logistics facility opens — capping five decades of steady growth.

Lee 2023
2023
The company consolidated operations into its Franklin headquarters, improving efficiency, enhancing customer service, and creating greater collaboration among teams.
Lee 2024
2024
In 2024, Lee Mechanical expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of Wisconsin Fire Sprinkler, adding a dedicated Fire Protection Division.
Lee 2026
2026
Lee Mechanical celebrated the grand opening of its Caledonia Fabrication & Logistics Facility at 4321 Carol Road. The facility significantly expanded fabrication capabilities, logistics operations, and support for projects throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

A legacy built to last. A future built to grow.

Today, Lee Mechanical employs more than 400 professionals and serves commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, municipal, manufacturing, and distribution clients throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. While the company has grown substantially since its founding, the principles established by Bob and Natalie Lee remain unchanged.

Integrity. Quality. Accountability. Relationships.

These values continue to guide every project, every customer partnership, and every employee who helps carry the Lee Mechanical legacy forward. As the company looks toward the future, it remains committed to investing in its people, embracing innovation, and delivering the exceptional service that has defined Lee Mechanical for nearly five decades.

What’s Happening At Lee

News

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    Lee Mechanical Apprentices Recognized During PMSMCA Youth Apprenticeship Signing Event

    Lee Mechanical celebrates six apprentices recognized during the PMSMCA Youth Apprenticeship Signing Event at Milwaukee Tool, highlighting the future of skilled trades in Wisconsin.

  • Lee Giving Featured New Vb

    Lee Mechanical Celebrates 50 Years with a Community Giving Initiative

    Join Lee Mechanical in celebrating 50 years by supporting a $50,000 community giving initiative. Donations matched up to $50K. Learn more and give today.