Interview with Scott Frazier, Robert Roberts, Kenny England. March 2025.
At Lee Company, excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of life. It’s a culture, a standard, and a mindset that has been passed down for generations. It’s called the “LeeWay.”
But what exactly is The “LeeWay?” It’s the commitment to doing things the right way, every time. Not just because it’s expected, but because it’s the only way to work with integrity. It’s about listening to experienced professionals, taking pride in craftsmanship, and ensuring that every job meets the highest standards.
In short, the “LeeWay” is quality, responsibility, and accountability in action.
The “LeeWay”: A Culture of Excellence
For 80+ years, Lee Company has built its reputation on delivering quality work for a fair price. This philosophy has been ingrained in every generation of workers who have walked through the doors, from fresh-faced apprentices to seasoned mechanics with decades of experience.
Back in the day, if something wasn’t right, you’d hear it straight: “That’s not the ‘LeeWay.’“
There was no arguing, no cutting corners, just a deep understanding that work should be done right or not at all. Those who had been there before set the standard, and younger workers followed their lead. Today, that expectation remains unchanged.
The Importance of Listening and Learning
One of the key lessons of the “LeeWay” is the value of listening. Many of Lee Company’s most successful leaders started as helpers, learning from senior mechanics who had been in the field for years.
Take Scott Frazier, for example. He graduated high school with Cs and Ds, but his grades didn’t define his career. What got him to where he is today? Listening.
“I paid attention to the senior mechanics. I did what I needed to do. And because of that, I love my career.”
Yet, the challenge today is that some workers are more likely to question guidance rather than learn from it. Experienced professionals know that just because something works doesn’t mean it’s done right. The difference between a good job and a great one is the commitment to quality that the “LeeWay” demands.
Doing the Right Thing … Every Time
At Lee Company, integrity is about more than just words; it’s about action.
There’s an unwritten rule among the best in the business: “Would you put your name on that job? Your phone number?”
If the answer isn’t an immediate “yes,” then the job isn’t finished.
Reputation matters. Customers understand what they’re paying for, which is a job done right the first time.
Even years later, if a mistake is found, the right thing to do is go back and fix it. Not because anyone is demanding it, but because the “LeeWay” means taking pride in your work.
Building a Stronger Future
For the company to thrive another 80 years, leadership and mentorship must remain a priority.
Experienced mechanics, like Robert “Rock” Roberts, who has been with the company for more than four decades, believe in passing on knowledge. They encourage younger workers to:
- Be hungry to learn.
- Listen to those who have been there before.
- Stay curious and ask questions.
- Take ownership of their work and career growth.
It’s not just about working 40 hours a week and collecting a paycheck. Those who want to grow in their careers must act like the position they want, whether that’s a mechanic, a foreman, or a leader.
And for leaders? The responsibility is even greater. They must:
- Prioritize training to ensure quality isn’t lost.
- Take care of their teams, because when employees feel valued, they perform better.
- Pay people what they’re worth, as compensation should match effort and expertise.
- Encourage cross-training, giving employees more opportunities to develop their skills.
As Kenny England said in an interview: “If you work, they’ll find you something to do. Be willing to do it!”
The Legacy Lives On
The “LeeWay” isn’t about making a quick buck or cutting corners; it’s about building something that lasts.
Wallace Lee, one of the company’s early leaders, put it best: “If you take care of the customer, the money will come.”
That philosophy continues to guide Lee Company today.
From a new apprentice installing their first fitting to a seasoned foreman overseeing a major project, the expectation remains the same: Do the job right. Take responsibility. Take pride.
Because at the end of the day, The “LeeWay” is more than just a set of guidelines.
It’s a promise, to the company, to customers, and to each other.
