TOP 10: Readers vote for Toowoomba’s best tradie
When it comes to tradies, most people think of meat pies, iced coffees and banter. Here’s how this hardworking sparky is challenging the stereotype. See who was voted Toowoomba’s best tradie here.
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Most kids spend the school holidays watching cartoons or checking out the local playground, but Steve Lee looks back fondly on moments spent in his dad’s shed, learning all there is to know about the electrical trade.
Following in the footsteps of his dad, the Toowoomba sparky started a school-based apprenticeship while attending Downlands College, in year 11.
By 2016, he had started business Lee Group Electrical alongside his dad Ritchie and brother Jarrard – a venture which has gone from a team of three to employing 25 staff members.
“I’m a born and bred electrician … and if I wasn’t, I don’t know what else I would be doing,” Mr Lee said.
“Working with your dad and brother has its challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way … we know we can rely on each other and we have the same goals and interests in business.”
Now after nearly 18 years of being an electrician, the 33-year-old has been voted Toowoomba’s best tradie in The Chronicle’s online poll.
Despite moving into a management role, Mr Lee still tries to hop on the tools when he can.
Drawn to the diverse nature of the trade, he encouraged aspiring tradies to start their apprenticeship early, be persistent and remain patient.
“The opportunities are endless, especially when you’re an electrician,” he said.
“(To be a successful tradie) it all comes down to turning up on time every day, having good mentors and doing the right thing by your clients and colleagues.”
Taking the win with “a grain of salt”, Mr Lee said he was grateful to the community for their support.
“It brings awareness to what a good tradesperson is – and we have a lot of them in Toowoomba,” he said.
After receiving more than 40 nominees from the public, digital subscribers voted for the winner.
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