Meet Our Team

Shawn Thomas joined the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team in 2015. His career in the trades began with 6 years in construction and concrete work which provided a solid foundation for his continued success. Beginning as a Plumbing Apprentice, Shawn was quickly promoted to a Plumbing Technician and currently is pursuing a Journeyman's License.

During his off hours, Shawn keeps another full-time schedule as a happily married family man, a devoted husband, and father to 3 busy school age children who enjoy hunting, camping and fishing.

Curt Lewis joined the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team as a Plumbing Technician in 2018. His extensive experience began in plumbing school, but also includes working as a carpenter and in General Contracting. Curt’s specialties that allow his skills to shine include bathroom remodels and installation of outdoor showers. While wasting no time in job completion, Curt’s attention to detail makes him excellent in his craft and a real asset to our team.

Curt goes home to a busy life as a devoted husband and father to 4 children. He saves time to allot for service in his local Christian metal band as a guitarist, and also plays the drums for his Church.

Jack Jester began his professional plumbing career with completion of Virginia's Apprenticeship Program in 1974 and started our company in 1989. Jack holds a Master Plumbing License in both Virginia and Maryland, with additional certification in Backflow Prevention and Testing and training in Gas Pipe installation. For many years, he also held licenses for Waterworks Level 2 and Wastewater Level 4 in Virginia.

Jack is a loving husband and a dedicated and active Volunteer Fire Fighter, serving previously as Chief and currently as President of the Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, however his passion as a grandfather rates as top on any day.

Leesa Kelly joined the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team in 2016. Her administrative qualities and skills were honed by 23 years in Customer Service, with trades-specific experience for 14 of those years. Possessing a genuine passion for excellence, Leesa’s drive is well executed both in team responsibilities and detailed customer care, making her a very valuable asset to our team.

Replacing one hat for another, Leesa takes just as seriously her 2 boys, whom keep her hopping with sports activities, while 2 rescue dogs are waiting at home with adoring affection for their devoted owner.

Lee Jester began plumbing more than 20 years ago working with his father, a Master Plumber, on residential new construction projects and a wide variety of service work. He has continued to expand his knowledge to encompass such areas as Water Treatment, Bathroom Remodeling, Electrical, and other Specialty Services we now offer to our clients. Lee's focused approach and strong attention to detail make him in high demand with customers and a very valuable part of our company overall.

Outside of work, Lee is a devoted husband and father to 2 busy toddlers, and also enjoys spending time with home and woodworking projects, boating and snowboarding.

In 1989 alongside her husband, Cherie Jester began her tenure as a service company owner, using her accounting and administrative skills to fill her position on the team. Her genuine love for people and desire to help, along with her attention to detail, has aided the company's growth over the years, bringing value to both customers and team members.

Outside of work, Cherie loves horses, camping, and spending time with her family, especially her two precious grandbabies.