Celebrating 80 Years
A Message From the Owners
Reaching 80 years is an incredible milestone for our family and for this company. As a third‑generation owner, it’s an awesome feeling to be able to experience and celebrate this moment in our history. What began with my grandfather, Lee Sr., has grown into something far bigger than any of us could have imagined.
From the very beginning, one principle has guided everything we do: build long‑term relationships, not one‑time transactions. That value started with my grandfather, continued through my father, and remains at the heart of Lee Rain today. It’s why so many of the growers we work with today are the same families we’ve served for decades.
A defining moment in our company’s history happened long before I was around, but it shaped everything that followed. When my father, Butch (Lee Jr.), was just 19 years old, he left college to take over the business during a difficult period. It was his decision to focus on irrigation that set the direction for everything Lee Rain would become. That choice shaped our identity and our future.
Looking back, I’m most proud of having been raised in this business and learning the art of irrigation firsthand. Understanding how essential irrigation is, whether for growing crops or beautifying landscapes, has given me a deep appreciation for the work we do and the people we serve.
To our growers: we can’t thank you enough. Your support across generations has meant everything to us. Many of you have been with us for decades, and we’ve learned just as much from you as you have from us. You’ve played a major role in shaping who we are.
Serving the agricultural community is incredibly rewarding. Building relationships, supporting your goals, and helping you succeed is what drives us every day. It’s an honor to continue this work as we celebrate 80 years and to carry forward the legacy started by my grandfather and strengthened by my father.
Thank you for being part of our story. -
- Lee Fiocchi
The Beginning of Lee Rain
Wartime letters from Lt. Lee Fiocchi offer a glimpse into the early days of what would become
Lee Rain. These letters mark the beginning of a story built on relationships, service, and a vision
for the future
A Look Back at 1977–78
A shipment of BOSS soft-hose travelers prepares for delivery, with Sam Fiocchi, Butch (Lee Jr.)
Fiocchi holding Lee Fiocchi III, and driver Nick Azeglio pictured alongside. A snapshot of the
people and products that helped shape Lee Rain's early years
From Lee Tractor Company to Lee Rain
In 1970, the company was still known as Lee Tractor Company. This original line card, printed
by Butch (Lee Jr.) Fiocchi, offers a glimpse into the early years of the family business and its
continued commitment to serving agriculture
A Partnership That Has Stood the Test of Time
A 1965 invoice shows Lee Rain purchasing Sure-Flo suction fittings from Perfection Sprinkler
Company. More than 60 years later, Lee Rain continues to purchase the same fitting from the
same manufacturer, now known as Sure-Flo Fittings. A lasting partnership built on dependable
products, trusted relationships, and a shared commitment to agriculture
The People Behind Lee Rain
This 1995 photo captures Todd Fiocchi and Mike Cerrato installing a hard hose traveler at a
New Jersey sod farm. Mike, Todd and Lee’s grandfather, spent more than 20 years as a Lee
Rain salesman and played an important role in the company’s growth through his farming
knowledge, dedication, and relationships throughout the agricultural community
From Paper to Digital
This photo from the 1980s shows the stacks of customer invoices that once had to be priced
and processed by hand at the end of each month. Today, Lee Rain’s integrated ERP system
connects accounting, purchasing, inventory, sales, service, and projects—showing how
technology has transformed our operations over the years
Celebrating 80 Years: Insights & Reflections
Throughout 2026, we’re sharing content that highlights our history, our people, our customers, and the evolution of irrigation over the past eight decades.
Thank You for Growing With Us
We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the growers, partners, and employees who have been part of our story. Here’s to the next 80 years of innovation, service, and growth.
