Academy Sports + Outdoors

Project Details
    • Location: Cookeville, TN
    • Project Type: Commercial
    • Prime Contractor: Gray Construction
    • Project Value: $5,000,000
    • Building Size: 1,800,000 square foot

Academy Sports + Outdoors, the sports, outdoors and lifestyle retailer invested $100 million in building its third distribution center on more than 200 acres in Cookeville, Tennessee to support the company’s continued national growth.

Selected by Academy and Gray Construction, Lyons Company designed and constructed the HVAC and plumbing systems of the 1,800,000 square foot center. Systems covered the 1,600,000 square foot warehouse, the 20,000 square foot offices and cafeteria spaces, and the 900 square foot IT clean computer room. Major systems involved handling potable water, natural gas delivery systems, plumbing systems for site-wide offices, and full-site utilities that included sanitary and domestic water.

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Amfine Chemical Corporation
Industrial
Donnie Franklin
Donnie Franklin
Director of Operations, Service and Controls, Lyons Mechanical Services

Donnie Franklin serves as Director of Operations, Service and Controls at Lyons Mechanical Services (Lyons), where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the company’s service and building automation divisions. With more than two decades of industry experience, Donnie directs operational strategy, budget management, performance standards, and workflow efficiency across service, production, quality control, logistics, and controls integration. His leadership is centered on driving operational excellence, expanding Lyons’ technological capabilities, and delivering reliable, high-performance solutions to customers.

Donnie began his career with Lyons more than 20 years ago, joining the company as a Technician performing service work and controls installations. As he gained experience in the design, programming, and functionality of complete HVAC systems, he advanced into controls-focused roles—including Controls Technician, Controls Programmer/Integrator, and eventually Senior Project Manager.

Donnie began his career with Lyons more than 20 years ago, joining the company as a Technician performing service work and controls installations. As he gained experience in the design, programming, and functionality of complete HVAC systems, he advanced into controls-focused roles—including Controls Technician, Controls Programmer/Integrator, and eventually Senior Project Manager.

Donnie’s depth of field expertise, combined with his commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, has established him as a key leader in advancing Lyons’ integrated HVAC and building automation services. His dedication to operational excellence and customer-focused service continues to strengthen Lyons’ position as a regional leader in high-performance mechanical systems and building automation technologies.

  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM®)
  • HVAC Master license
James Watkins
James Watkins
Chief Estimator
James attended Eastern Kentucky University, majoring in Construction Technology from 1988 to 1992. After college James began his career working for general contractor in various roles which included project management, safety, and estimating. James has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. James has received several certificates of training in various estimating software programs, which allow him to perfect his expertise as chief estimator for Lyons Company.
George Whitney
George Whitney
Operations Manager, Lyons Company
George began with Lyons Company in 2003, building up his trade skills before receiving his plumbing license in 2007. After successfully running small projects over the next five years, George received his HVAC Mechanics license in 2012 and was promoted to Project Superintendent. In 2013 George was promoted to Project Manager after completing two food-grade piping expansion projects at the JM Smucker facility. Since that time, George has continued as Project Manager leading projects at JM Smucker, US Tsubaki, Medical Center of Bowling Green, Kobelco, Sumitomo, and Western Kentucky University.
  • Master Plumber License
  • Journeyman HVAC License
Tom Haines
Tom Haines
Manager, Heavy Industrial & Distilleries
  • Journeyman Plumber License
  • Journeyman HVAC License
  • Master HVAC License

Stuart Cook

PE, LEED AP® BD+C

Engineering Manager

Stuart graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2008 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and began employment with Lyons Company immediately after. Stuart holds a Professional Engineering license in both Kentucky and Tennessee, and is a Licensed Mechanical Contractor in Tennessee.

  • Professional Engineering license
  • LEED Accredited Professional
  • Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Jorelle Minor
Jorelle Minor
Safety & Training Manager
Jorelle is a Marine Corp Veteran with numerous academic achievements in various fields of study. Since joining Lyons Company in 2003 Jorelle has held many key positions within the organization. Most recently completing the OSHA 30 hour course and taking over the role as the Safety Manager.
Chad Childress
Chad Childress
President, Lyons Mechanical Services

Chad Childress serves as President of Lyons Mechanical Services (Lyons), where he oversees the company's strategic direction and performance. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Chad leads with a focus on growth and innovation, championing business development, customer retention, and the rapid expansion of service and maintenance plans. His leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of operations and a long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional Proactive, World-Class Service.

Chad began his career at Lyons in 1996 as an HVAC service technician and steadily advanced through the ranks due to his dedication, technical expertise, and strong relationships with both customers and Team Members. Prior to his promotion to President, Chad served as Operations Manager, where he shaped the procedures and standards that ensured consistency in the areas of safety, productivity, quality, Team Member development, and customer satisfaction.

A graduate of the Bowling Green Regional Technology Center’s Air Conditioning Technology Program, Chad holds HVAC Journeyman and Masters Licenses, a Plumbing Journeyman and Master License, and Tridium Niagara AX Certification. Chad continues to be a driving force behind Lyons’ success. His unwavering commitment to his craft and his clients has propelled Lyons to become a regional leader in the engineering, design, installation, and maintenance of cutting-edge building automation systems.

  • Master Plumber License
  • HVAC Master license
  • Tridium Niagara AX Certified