About the Founder

Husband • Father • Entrepreneur • Community Leader

Vincent Bernard Lee, humanitarian, businessman, and community servant leader, was a man of honor and dignity. He is not only remembered for his many works in the community but for franchise trailblazing as President and CEO of ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance. VLee, as he was affectionately known, along with his faithful business partners, led the largest janitorial franchise in the history of ServiceMaster Clean with more than 800 employees across 14 states.

A man of great responsibility, positive attributes, and many accomplishments, VLee never lost sight of his humble beginnings. In his childhood, he was no stranger to adversity, moving from state to state in an effort to secure a stable living environment while his mother battled years of alcoholism. As a young man, VLee faced his own struggle with drug abuse. Despite these obstacles, he was determined to overcome the odds – an overcome he did! VLee became a bright light of hope and purpose, celebrating nearly 20 years of sobriety before his untimely death. VLee never regretted those early challenges, instead sharing his testimony of grace and mercy, of hard work and determination to anyone with a listening ear and an open heart. It was his lifelong desire to help others in need to overcome their own addictions and lead a positive life.

When faced with his cancer diagnosis, VLee immediately began researching awareness programs. He donated his time, talent, and treasure to those programs in hopes that they would reach the less fortunate and encourage others to proactively seek early detection and treatment. The VLee Gives Foundation is dedicated to keeping this legacy alive.

VLee was active in the community and could often be found at local elementary schools talking with classrooms full of hopeful, young minds. You might also have found him on a course with one of his sons racing for a cause to provide extraordinary experiences to underserved and challenged youth. No matter the cause, VLee believed in giving back. Whenever he wasn’t flying across the country managing his business operations, he spent time volunteering in various organizations and support groups including service as a member of the Board of Directors of Kappa Alpha Psi Memphis Alumni Chapter, Workforce
Investment Network, Leadership Memphis, the Riverfront Development Corporation, now Memphis Riverfront Parks Partnership, Memphis Minority Business Council, and countless others.

The VLee Gives Foundation exists to serve in his memory and to continue the legacy he established because of his love for his fellow man, and his heartfelt desire to help those in need by giving back to the community. Join us as we strive to live up to the noble challenge VLee left for us all.