27 Feb The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

Posted at 14:47h in Design + Build by

The year was 1940. The United States was a year into World War II and gasoline cost 18 cents per gallon. Leon Kimball Johnson and Donald Lee Bosworth founded Lee Kimball, Inc.—a small, client-centered business offering home appliances, heating systems, installations, and service. Within five years the firm began to install full kitchens for their clients.

The More Things Change…

The Design and construction industry in 1940 looked quite different than it does today.

  • Blueprints and plans were all hand-drawn since computers were not yet widely accessible.
  • Materials like brick and steel were more commonly used, as well as using asbestos, now known to pose health risks, for insulation.
  • Clients were not presented with many options for customization and often chose from pre-designed plans with minimal changes.
  • Fewer building codes and regulations existed, leaving room for more design freedom but also more inconsistencies with safety and regard to the environment.
  • Safety regulations during construction were minimal, despite relying on skilled laborers and tradesmen.

While the industry has evolved in ways our founders couldn’t have imagined, some things—like our commitment to quality and service—have never changed.

The More They Stay the Same…

Despite all the changes in the industry and the world, between 1940 and today, the heart of our business, our ethics, have remained the same.

  • High-quality design has always been important to us. In fact, Leon Johnson was one of the first 25 people to become a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD in 1969). Currently, we have both a CKD and a CKBD (kitchen and bath) on staff.
  • We are still a ‘client-centered’ business: focusing on improving homes and the quality of the lives of the people who live there – our clients.
  • Our focus is on expert craftsmanship. Our team is highly skilled and full of industry experts in construction, carpentry, and more.
  • We still work like it’s 1940. You’ll always find us working hard with the goal of exceeding client expectations. Our current owners apprenticed in all facets of the business before officially taking over in 1989.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

While the tools, materials, and technology have evolved over the decades, our core values remain unchanged. At Lee Kimball, we continue to uphold the same dedication to craftsmanship, integrity, and client satisfaction that defined our founders’ vision in 1940. Innovation may shape the way we design and build, but our commitment to quality, expertise, and personal service stands the test of time.

As we look ahead, we take pride in knowing that the homes we create today—just like those built 85 years ago—will continue to bring joy for generations to come. Here’s to the future, built on a foundation of excellence.