How Veteran Lee Droog Found Mission and Community with Mr. Electric

For Lee Droog, becoming a Mr. Electric franchise owner was about more than starting a business—it was about finding purpose and community after serving her country.

“I would recommend that veterans consider a Neighborly franchise because of the support you will garner and the family feeling you have,” Lee shared. That sense of belonging and mission made Mr. Electric® the perfect fit.

Lee is a proud U.S. Army Veteran who served from 1987 to 1991. After exploring several franchise opportunities, a chance encounter sparked his journey. “We’re from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, and my husband actually saw a Neighborly truck going down the road,” Lee recalled. “He thought it was a lead generation opportunity and said, ‘Gosh, you know, we should really explore this.’” That moment led them to discover Mr. Electric—and the strong support system behind it.

For Lee, the transition from military life to business ownership felt natural. “Being in the military definitely teaches you about mission,” she explained. “Running a franchise is really about mission and being successful—making sure your team is successful, making sure your customers are successful.” The discipline, adaptability, and leadership skills Lee honed in the Army became invaluable in her new role. “Not every day is predictable, and you have to adapt and overcome quickly to stay on the right path toward success.”

One of the things Lee values most about Mr. Electric and Neighborly is their commitment to Veterans. “Neighborly is such a pro-Veteran company,” she said. “They offer discounting for Veterans who are interested in the franchise opportunity. There’s lots of guidance, and they recognize that Veterans are really very good potential business owners.”

Lee also emphasizes the importance of support—both at home and within the franchise network. “Having somebody who’s a cheerleader and an advocate who can tell you every single day when maybe things are not going so great is critical to success,” she shared. “You can do this alone, but you don’t have to. You will have a family in Neighborly and the Mr. Electric team.”

Since opening Mr. Electric of Chapel Hill and Cary in 2022, Lee has embraced the challenges and the rewards of business ownership. Her story is proof that with the right opportunity—and the right support—Veterans can thrive in franchising while continuing to live out their values of mission, discipline, and service.