Our History

 

Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Since 1959 Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc. has been synonymous with value, quality, and integrity in Santa Barbara County. Now into its third generation of family ownership, Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc. remains committed to our core values and ensuring that the needs of our customers are our first priority. We are exceptionally proud to share the story of our heritage and history of our business with you. We work hard to continue to serve Santa Barbara County for plumbing and heating just as our family before us.

1959: A Family Business is Born

Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is one of the oldest modern businesses in Santa Barbara. After returning from service in World War II, where he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Lee Mendoza began working alongside other family members in the plumbing trade. During this time, he and his wife, Tillie, began their own family, which eventually gave them three sons and a daughter. In 1959, Lee and Tillie started Lee’s Plumbing & Heating.

1973: A New Name & Face

In 1973, Lee’s Plumbing & Heating became Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc. when their sons, Richard (Rick), Andrew (Andy), and Michael (Mike) officially joined the business. The business continued to grow and was eventually incorporated and became Lee & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in October 1973.

The Second Generation Takes the Reins

In 2000, Lee and Tillie’s eldest son, Rick, took the helm and have held the course since, continuing the hard work and business sense that his parents instilled in him. As a young boy, Rick would often “help” his father on jobs and continued to learn the trade through his teens. In 1966, Rick was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country until 1968, when he was honorably discharged. After returning to Santa Barbara, he picked up where he left off, working at Lee & Sons, and then eventually getting married and having two daughters.

The Business Keeps Growing

Both Andy and Mike have expanded the family trade in creating their own businesses. The brothers often continue to work together. In 2007, Rick’s son-in-law, Conan Horton, came on board, expanding the “Sons” of Lee and Sons. Lee and Sons is in its sixth decade of business in Santa Barbara and is dedicated to continuing to provide excellent service to the community.