We Always Deliver

Leadership

Who We Are

In 1954, Roger Lyons founded the Lyons Company as a residential plumbing and heating contractor with three employees, two trucks, and a $4,000 loan from Citizens National Bank. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown to employ more than 100 people and service Kentucky and states throughout the Southeast. Lyons has been known from the start for its skilled employees, its commitment to innovation, and its loyalty to customers and employees alike. Today’s management team is proud to maintain that reputation.

Creating Value for Customers

This reputation was built on the company’s proven track record of consistently meeting customer expectations with highly skilled craftsmen, engineers and service support personnel. At the center of Lyons’ Mission is a commitment to create an environment for employees to be productive citizens. We provide opportunities for growth with skill development and the resulting Loyalty is our key to maintaining a superior team.

Lyons Mechanical Services embraces the values of honesty and fairness in the way we interact with employees, vendors, subcontractors, and customers. Beyond keeping our commitments and meeting our contractual obligations, we believe in ‘giving more than is required.’ This philosophy helps Lyons Company bring Legitimacy to every project and the working relationship we develop and strive to maintain.

FBSG Mission Statement
Capabilities

Professional
Engineering

Our team of Engineers hold key certifications, delivering functional, energy-efficient solutions for any size project.

The Engineering team at Lyons Mechanical Services is dedicated to working with owners and vendors to deliver the most efficient and capable solution through a comprehensive list of services for industrial, institutional, and commercial needs.

  • Heating, Air Conditioning & Ventilation
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Process Utility Systems
  • Medical Gas
  • Chiller and Boiler Plants
  • Dust Collection and Fume Extraction
  • Engineering Services
  • Industrial Ventilation
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Clean Rooms
  • Energy Recovery
  • Seismic
  • Energy Audits
  • Energy Management
  • Sustainable Design
Capabilities

Mechanical
Construction

Our plumbers, tradesmen, and project managers have established a reputation for mechanical system installations reflecting the highest quality in workmanship.

In the critical stage when designs become reality, we bring proven procedures to execute objectives efficiently and, ultimately, deliver the best project value. The emphasis on training, skill acquisition and certification has produced a group of craftsmen that are second to none.

  • Plumbing
  • Pipefitting
  • Welding
  • Medical Gas
  • Sheet Metal Fabrication & Installation
  • HVAC Systems
  • Boilers
  • Chilled Water
  • Process Piping
  • Energy Projects
  • Pipe Spool & Process Piping Fabrication
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