Lee Nabors

#3875 | Member since 1998
Houston, Mississippi | 5 locations

Third-generation owner Lee Nabors grew up in the business started by his grandfather. “Toys and birthday gifts came off the hardware truck, so it was exciting when it arrived,” he says, adding, “I even loved the distinct aroma when the truck door opened, and it smells the same today. It stuck with me and I knew this was what I wanted to do.” As a teen, Lee handled deliveries and in-store duties before moving to the lumberyard to build loads. Today he oversees four Nabors Home Centers serving rural markets in northern Mississippi. “We live by our tagline—Small towns, big inventory, low prices—so if something isn’t performing well, we can maneuver quickly,” he says.

While Lee’s passion for the industry was sparked as a child, today he’s focused on the growth potential of independent businesses. He finds developing a brand and culture extremely rewarding and feels strongly about members’ opportunities through acquisitions. “So many operations don’t have succession plans, so there are businesses to buy,” he says. “If your policies and procedures are in place, it’s all about management and capital. Anybody can buy and sell a business, but building a brand and a culture with core values is what’s so rewarding as an entrepreneur.” The Nabors brand is known for disaster relief efforts and rebuilding their local communities. Lee is a long-time disaster recovery volunteer and has served on two deployments with Samaritan’s Purse.

Some of Lee’s best friends are other members across the country. “We speak the same language, we experience the same things, and I just love the comradery. The board works to direct and protect the company, its culture, and its core values. We all have skin in the game, so it’s vital to ensure all members get a handsome return on their investment to help fuel our individual and collective growth.” Thirty years ago, he questioned his dad’s decision to join a co-op (then HWI). “He said, ‘No, this is the future,’ so I became a supporting member. I implemented what they recommended, it worked, and the rest is history. I’m proud to give back by serving on the board.”

At a glance
Area: Northern Mississippi
Store type: Home centers
Market: Rural
Core categories: LBM, hardware, plumbing, electrical, paint
Best advice: Speak with intent but never underestimate the value of silence
Favorite activity outside of work: Cycling

HBSDealer Hardware All Star (2016)
HBSDealer Hardware All Star (2023)
LBM Journal Dealer of the Year (2024)