and in my sophomore year at school, I asked if I could come back- and worked as a hill man on a crew running a water system upgrade in Milton, FL. I became a much more efficient shovel operator, and made my way to part time loader operator. After that I was transferred to a different crew to learn about poly pipe, directional drilling, and conventional boring. I made my way into the office, started trying to estimate work. I would have gotten us many projects, making well into the negative profit margin. After much time and practice I have gotten more proficient, and accurate. Titles don’ t mean much to our company, I still manage projects, estimate work, get out in the field and am much less efficient on a shovel as I used to be, but I think I still have it.
What is your favorite travel location? LEE: I love the Keys, but just about anywhere with saltwater. Feshwater doesn’ t do as much for me.
Do you have any“ guilty pleasure” TV Shows? LEE: Archer, Scrubs, and Silicon Valley.
LEE: There isn’ t a job you’ re too good to do. Don’ t be afraid to get dirty.
What is the secret to your success? LEE: Treat everyone with respect, there are things the guy at the bottom of the ladder is better at than you are, and you never know when it will come In handy.
What is the one thing about you no one would guess? LEE: I believe I’ m more intelligent than I sound.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? LEE: Anything on the water, fishing, running the boat, diving, spearfishing, hunting.
What is your favorite book? LEE: I have two- Marquesa by Jeffery Cardenas and Atlas Shrugged.
What is your favorite college or pro team? LEE: University of Alabama, ROLL TIDE!
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What is your business philosophy?
SEPTEMBER 2017 • DITCHMEN 25