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 !
• • •
What is your business philosophy ?
SEPTEMBER 2017 • DITCHMEN 25