Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Known for its exceptional customer service, retail excellence and leadership, Lee Hardware & Building Supply is a beloved establishment with two locations in Waycross and Lakeland, Georgia. Operated by a third-generation owner, Heather Lee Bruner, Lee Hardware embodies the values of community and family ownership.
In 1988, brothers Richard and Kline Lee opened the operation as co-owners with their wives, Denise and Darleen. The original store location was started by Richard and Kline’s parents, Cleotis and Eulalia.
As the business grew, Richard launched the expanded division of LeeIndustrial in the 1990s and the store added the Lakeland location in 2021, repurposing a 7,500-square-foot former Dollar General store into a full-service hardware and home center. The transformation included refurbishing the interior to create well-organized aisles and departments and updating the exterior. The Lakeland location now serves as a go-to destination for farmers, outfitting a robust farm and building supplies section with an adjacent 6000-square-foot feed and lumber area.
Lee Hardware is known for its community involvement, regularly supporting many local initiatives and organizations. The operation contributes to the local school system’s youth sports teams, facilities and events, as well as other school activities and academic programs, as the school’s largest donor. Lee Hardware also actively supports FFA chapters at nearby schools and 4-H clubs, donating supplies and funds for agricultural students’ projects and competitions.
Inside the store, Lee Hardware has cultivated a strong company culture marked by respect and openness, ensuring each team member feels valued and supported through investments in professional development training for its staff through programs offered by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and other industry associations. The store also operates a profit-sharing program and recently implemented an enhanced POS system and PTO policies. Beyond formal training, the company’s culture emphasizes mentorship and personal growth. Experienced staff members mentor newer employees and management always encourages input and new ideas from the team.
Taking proactive steps with succession planning, Heather, daughter of Richard and Denise, has guided the team through the store’s Lakeland expansion, the opening of a third location in Douglas, Georgia, and modernizing the legacy of Lee Hardware for the future. Lee Hardware operates as a proud woman-owned business, with Denise, the majority owner of the operation for over a decade, passing ownership to Heather and her husband Jamie in 2025 as they purchased the last shares of the business.
“During the store expansion, Heather led calmly and strategically, keeping everyone informed and focused without creating unnecessary stress,” says Kody Hood, manager at Lee Hardware. “She stepped in where needed, supported the team and gave credit to others rather than herself.”
Manager Jeremy Player says Heather’s steady leadership helped make what could have been a stressful transition feel structured and achievable.
“She’s very hands-on when needed but also empowers others to take ownership of their roles,” Player says.
Many of the new employee perks and aspects of the company culture have been established by Heather, including the profit-sharing program, PTO and new POS system. Employees appreciate her humble leadership, work ethic and commitment to the entire Lee Hardware team’s success.
“The changes Heather has implemented have had a noticeable impact on both morale and efficiency,” says manager Jeremy Player. “She improved the receiving process for POs and proactively communicates any billing errors, which helps prevent confusion and keeps inventory and finances accurate. Adding PTO and profit sharing has made the team feel valued and invested in the store’s success, boosting motivation and retention. Regular management meetings and clear goal setting have strengthened communication and alignment, while her proactive handling of scheduling conflicts keeps the workflow smooth and reduces stress for the team. Overall, these changes have made the workplace more organized, efficient, and sustainable.”
Heather leads by example, following the legacy her family has left on the operation. Denise says Heather is a team player, eager to learn and always puts others first. She is confident that Heather, alongside Jamie and Orgill, the store’s wholesaler, will continue to bring success to the business.
“I have seen her work through difficult situations with kindness, compassion and grace,” Denise says. “She is always respectful of others. This is a fourth-generation business and we can see Heather carrying this through future generations and continuing to grow.”
