Brian Lee has always believed that it is a true privilege to serve others and so having a career in hospitality came naturally for him. His roots are deeply planted in East Tennessee, and he is proud to share this special corner of the world with others. Lee’s life began on a dairy farm in Monroe County, Tennessee, before his family settled in Seymour. He attended Heritage High School in Blount County and graduated from UT with a major in Hotel and Restaurant Management. His love of travel has taken him around the world, and he returns home each time with a refreshed perspective and inspired by the people and cultures experienced.
As Director of Guest Relations at Blackberry Farm, Lee focuses on the quality of the guest experience and ensures that the company’s mission of legendary hospitality, memorable experiences, and generational sustainability is fulfilled each day. For Lee, the company’s mission is all about creating lasting relationships with guests and team members. He believes that ‘yes’ should always be the attitude and that leaders should encourage their teams to live their best lives and create an environment where that is possible. He is in his 29th year at Blackberry Farm and continues to strive for each guest’s experience to be the best it can be. Service is noble work, and Lee knows that his time studying at UT was the cornerstone for a great career.
Lee is proud to give back to UT as a Chancellor’s Associate; member of the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management Advisory Board; commencement speaker; instructor in the classroom; and mentor to students. He affirms every day that it is great to be a Tennessee Vol!
