Honoring the Man, the Myth, the Legend

Dennis Lee

1954-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our founder, Dennis Lee.

Dennis passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 17, surrounded by his wife Mel and daughters, Cat and Angela. For over 30 years, Dennis poured his heart into Leeway Inspections—building more than a company. He built a community grounded in integrity, care, and hard work.

Dennis wanted nothing more than to start a company that could live with integrity and could provide for many. Over the past 30 years, he has devoted everything into the legacy of Leeway and has felt an incredible amount of joy knowing that so many are blessed to be a part of the Leeway Family.

While we deeply mourn his loss, we are filled with gratitude for the lasting impact he made—not only on our team, but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

In Memory of Dennis Lee:

A Friend, Mentor, and Visionary 

by Rick Pierce, Owner, Sr. VP of Leeway Inspections, Inc

It is my joy to share my friendship and partnership with our founder, Dennis Lee.  

Long before Leeway Inspections, Dennis and my friendship began. Our story starts back in the late 1980’s at our church. Our church was a fresh new community where Ruby, my wife, and I were just getting our footing. Dennis and Melodie Lee were part of the founding group, and Dennis was responsible for leading the new youth ministry as an elder. During our first planning meeting, Dennis and I clicked. As a father of 3, Dennis’ love for youth was amazing and impacted many. 

When Ruby and I became foster parents, navigating those early challenges could have been overwhelming, however Dennis and Melodie were our rocks—offering wisdom, prayers, and practical help that made all the difference. Our daughters, Cat and Brandi, quickly became best friends, which connected our families even more.

During this time, Dennis was a dedicated employee at Sacramento Savings and Loan, working in the notes department. When an inspector’s injury created an opportunity, Dennis stepped in. Blending his banking know-how with a natural knack for construction inspections which allowed him to quickly rise to chief inspector, earning respect for his skill and integrity. 

When First Interstate Bank acquired Sacramento Savings in 1995, they made the decision to phase out its construction lending department. Dennis was asked to wind down their portfolio of inspections. This is when Leeway Inspections was born, built on his belief in fast, clear, and reliable progress reports tailored for community banks. 

From the beginning Leeway was a family business. Dennis recruited his teenage children to help process the inspections he did into reports the banks could use. His son, David, would fill in completing inspections when Dennis went on a rare vacation to British Columbia.

During this time, Ruby and I continued to foster our relationship with Dennis and Mel. We made connections that  would strengthen our friendship. We went on camping trips, played cards together and had epic white elephant Christmas parties. One of my favorite memories is when Dennis and I took our daughters on a three-day hike on the Pacific Rim trail.

By 1998, my own business was faltering, and Dennis was stretched thin running Leeway alone. I commented that he needed to do some marketing to grow his business, he asked, “when can you start?” saying that the only thing he could afford was my lunch. (A brown bag made by Melodie!) Knowing that I had a business degree with marketing experience, Dennis with his characteristic generosity didn’t just hire me—he made me an equal partner.

Dennis’ reputation made his business an easy sell. What set us apart was his understanding of local banks' needs, both in the note department and risk management, as well as turning around inspections in two days, and treating every client like family. The clients Dennis had before I arrived were eager to share their Rolodex’s and we were off to the races. Only a few months later our business was beginning to grow exponentially. These were exciting times!

By 2000 Leeway was growing so fast that we knew we needed someone to help us run the business side. Dick Hagg, another friend from church, joined as our third partner, bringing his entrepreneurial expertise. We incorporated Leeway Inspections Inc. and moved into our first office. I can vividly remember dismantling Dennis’ home office, cabinets and all, installing them in our new space. The family vibe continued as our daughters supported the office while in and out of college. 

When Ruby and I began leading a ministry for our church, Dennis supported us wholeheartedly. He recruited friends, secured sound systems, and managed the music. Our roles had switched from me helping him with the youth group to him helping me with our group for senior adults. We made a fantastic team. 

By 2006, Leeway grew into Sacramento’s largest progress inspection company, serving over 30 banks and earning recognition from the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the area’s fastest-growing businesses. But as the housing market started to collapse, downsizing the business was the only option.

Through the Great Recession of 2007, Dennis’s resilience shone. As local lending slowed, an Oregon bank kept us afloat, changing our business model from a local provider to a regional inspection company. During this time, Leeway returned to Dennis’ house and he and his wife, Melodie, by themselves, (with their dog Teddy under foot) ran the company. It was during this era that Dennis turned his love for all things techy into creating a database system that would sustain rapid growth.

In 2012 the recession seemed to dissipate and the same Oregon Bank began to dominate the new construction housing market in Washington, Oregon and Northern California, asking Leeway to come along for the ride. As Melodie retired, Dennis hired more staff to help, and I rejoined the company. And once again, we were off to the races! This time we kept headquarters at Dennis and Mel’s home, with employees working remotely from their own homes. This decision was long before the “Covid Days” where remote work became the norm.

During all our years together, Dennis and I shared an enduring passion for the Sacramento Kings. His season tickets created countless memories of attending games together, with our endless discussions about the team, as well as some business, were filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Around 2015, Cat and her family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Dennis recruited her to help with finances and manage the business. By 2016, Cat opened our Texas branch, which she called home. This helped Dennis and Melodie make the decision to sell their Sacramento home, and moved to the area with Cat and her family to create more memories.

Immediately, Dennis and I recognized Cat’s talent in leadership, and in 2020, she became President of Leeway Inspections, Inc., carrying forward her father’s passion and family tradition. Leeway Inspections, Inc. officially became a Texas corporation in 2021.  The business today employs 5 family members and many more that are considered family. Leeway is guided by our motto: “It’s Personal for Us, Too”. It services over 40 states and employs 20 faithful employees.

Leeway is a reflection of Dennis—his faith, his hard work, and his belief that business should be like a family, built on trust and community. As an inspector, Dennis was highly detailed and focused, as well as determined to get every inspection right. He must have personally inspected over 200,000 inspections while building a company, training, creating and implementing technology as well as operational systems, and paying bills. Making sure every client, contractor and borrower we serve received fast, accurate, reliable and friendly inspections. Dennis was the best business partner a person could have asked for. He was more than a business partner; he was a friend, family, mentor, and a model of wholehearted living. 

Dennis, my friend, you turned Leeway into a legacy of integrity and connection. We're honored to carry your vision every day, and I miss you more than words can say.

Your light still guides us. 

Honoring our Founder

Dennis Lee

-Spring Branch, TX 2025

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  • In 2015 I stepped out on my patio to speak with a man I had never met who offered me something I could have never dreamed of, an opportunity to work from home as a new mom.

    I set up a small desk, got to work, and 10 years later, I am still so grateful Dennis took a chance on me and changed my family’s life for the better.

    -Jessica Baddeley, Leeway Inspections, Director of Operations

  • I am so very sad to hear this news…..I’ve worked with Dennis & Leeway for over 20 years at this point. Dennis was always amazing and so very helpful whenever I reached out.

    He will truly be missed and remembered fondly. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.

     - Loan Administration Supervisor, OVCB

  • I only had the opportunity to speak with Dennis once, when your company first interviewed me via zoom.  But anywhere in the "real estate" business, when we speak to someone, even for a first time, it always seems as though you knew that person for a long time, and always had stories to share.  

    I'm sure he will be missed by all, but I am confident in the team to carry on Dennis's legacy and make the company even bigger and stronger. 

    - Joe, Field Inspector

  • My sister first started with Leeway in 2016. When my husband and I moved to West Texas, she suggested I come work with her. I did not know much about the company but took a leap of faith.

    I was welcomed with open arms and understanding of someone who knew nothing of inspections. Every time I spoke with Dennis he was patient, kind and enjoyed speaking with my son.

    Leeway is more than a job or career, they are my family and I am beyond thankful for Dennis in establishing a company that brings so many wonderful people together. 

     -Rachel Trammell, Leeway Inspections, Sr. Inspection Coordinator

  • I am so sorry for your loss and know that Dennis was very much appreciated by us all.  I have worked with Leeway at multiple banks and have always been so appreciated of the service and quality of work that is provided which is a testimony to Dennis. 

    Our heart goes out to the family during this difficult time and please know that we have them in our hearts and minds. 

    - VP Business Banking Officer, Bank of Stockton

  • THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing this legacy story of Mr. Lee. 

    Actually, I have always been pleased to be a part of this work, but now I feel even more deeply about who I work with and the integrity of Leeway.

    -Cynthia, Field Inspector 

  • I am very sorry, he was a GOOD MAN who will be missed by all who knew him.

    We have a long standing relationship with Dennis long before I came here, and I have been here 10 years. The original senior credit manager actually worked with Dennis before he started his own Inspection Company.

    Anyway, he will always be in our thoughts and prayers as we go on through our daily business.

    - Loan Department, F & M Bank

  • Dennis was a pillar for many in his life and the company he created is no exception. I found Leeway during a liminal point of my life that needed the freedom of working remotely. I remember the relief I felt when I had my interview with Dennis and everything seemed to click into place.

    It has been an incredible experience to be a part of the mosaic of people we have at Leeway Inspections. We are eager to continue the legacy Dennis left behind for us all.

    -Zach Dumas, Leeway Inspections, Sr. Chief Inspector

  • Heart breaking...

    I met Dennis at a men's conference in Redding. Good guy. SOLID guy. 

    Thanks and blessings to you guys, the wonderful staff you have.  Will be praying for you guys.

     Dennis is glory bound.  

    -Michael, Field Inspector

  • I am so sorry to hear this! I remember meeting Dennis a couple times when I worked with Umpqua Bank several years ago and he was genuinely helpful and kind.

    My condolences.

     - Construction Loan Administrator, Northwest Bank

  • Five years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Dennis and start my journey with Leeway.

        I was so impressed with his knowledge of the business and his complete dedication to the company, its employees, and his family. I left a position I had held for 10 years to come work for Leeway, and never looked back. Dennis, Cat and Leeway have opened opportunities for my family that I am truly grateful for.

    Dennis was a wonderful boss, a devoted family man, and above all a great human being that will be truly missed. I always be grateful to Dennis for teaching me a new trade!

    His memory will always be with me, and I will always strive to do the best job of carrying on his legacy that I can possibly do.

    - James Bass, Leeway Inspections, Chief Inspector

  • About 12 years ago I was volunteering in our church office here in Walnut Creek Ca.

    I answered the phone and it was Dennis looking for someone in this area to do photo inspections.  After hearing what was involved in the work, I told him that I would be available and have been doing it ever since.

     My prayers are with you all and his family.

    -Mick, Field Inspector

  • Your dad was not only a trusted business associate but also a friend over the years. I had the privilege of working closely with him and witnessing firsthand his integrity, intelligence, and kindness.

    His presence left a lasting impact on the inspection industry and everyone who knew him, myself included.

    - Director Construction Services, Partner Residential Consultants

  • I am so thankful to Dennis. He offered me something amazing, the ability to have job stability while being a military spouse and move all over the world.

    My Leeway family has come with me over the last 10 years from Texas to Germany and everywhere in between. I have been able to continue to work and be there for my kids in a way other jobs would not allow.

    I don't know where we would be today without Dennis. 

    - Sylvanne Bartunek

  • Dennis was a true pioneer in this industry but, more importantly, he was a family man. He brought those same values to the heart of Leeway, shaping the business with integrity, compassion, and care. It’s rare to find someone who cared so deeply about the people he served, and that passion was evident every single day I had the privilege of working alongside him over the past four years.


    When I first started my career, I knew very little about the inspections business. I owe so much of my growth to Dennis. He was always willing to take a call, walk me through the details, and go out of his way to help me learn. I’ll forever treasure the relationship we built and the lessons he shared. No one can replace a man with his passion, kindness, and love.

    -CSM, GetBuilt.com