Commercial Lending Spotlight – Lee Andrews Production
At Robins Financial Credit Union, we are proud to offer a suite of business products designed to help any business, no matter the size. Lee Andrews, owner of Lee Andrews Production and a proud member for over fourteen years, is just one of many who have entrusted us to provide financial support to help his business thrive. Get to know Lee and how choosing Robins Financial as his trusted financial partner has impacted his business.
A Vision Born from Passion
When it comes to unique businesses, Lee Andrews Production stands out for its heart and humor. Andrews, a professional clown and performer, has built a business around making people laugh, and he’s not just doing birthday parties or small events – he's performing hundreds of shows a year across the U.S. His journey from childhood dream to a nationwide business is both inspiring and entertaining.
Andrews’ fascination with clowning began when he was just three years old. He vividly recalls watching the “Super Sunday Bozo Show” and falling in love with the art of making others laugh.
“I remember telling my father that all I wanted to do was be a clown and make people happy so they can forget about their worries,” Andrews shares. “My parents spent every waking minute taking me to clown training functions, carnivals, circuses, rodeos, and everything in between to help me become a better clown.”
By the age of twelve, Andrews performed at his first state fair, and his passion for entertaining only grew from there. As he honed his craft, his business flourished, and by high school, he was performing at more than 200 events a year. Soon after graduation, clowning became his full-time job, and today, with the help of his wife Rebecca, Andrews performs more than 600 shows annually through his company.
A Unique Business in Every Sense
Clowning may seem like a niche career, but for Andrews, it’s a way of life. His show, Lew-E's Comedy Circus, is a staple at state and county fairs across the country. But what truly makes his business unique is the passion behind it.
“Well, I’m a professional clown – that in itself makes my business unique,” Andrews says with a laugh. “There aren’t many of us around anymore who truly make a living solely by being a clown. I've been lucky enough to turn my passion into my career, and I wish more people could find that same joy in their work.”
In addition to performing, Andrews and his wife also own Agri-Golf, the fair industry’s only agriculture-themed miniature golf course. They provide this unique attraction to over forty fairs across the U.S., making their business more diverse and impactful.
Making People Happy, One Show at a Time
For Andrews, the goal of his business is simple: to make people happy. Whether it’s the audience at his shows or the clients who hire him, Andrews strives to bring joy to everyone he works with.
“My main goal is to reach as many people as possible to make them happy,” shares Andrews. “That’s not just my audiences; I also want to make my clients happy. In the fair industry, for every good act, you can find three bad acts. I always strive to be one of the good acts – worry-free and self-contained.”
This dedication to quality and professionalism has made Andrews a sought-after performer in the fair industry, and it's a key reason why his business continues to grow year after year.
In addition to running his own show, Andrews works for Laughter League, an organization that takes performers such as Andrews and places them in children’s hospitals throughout the country in hopes of bringing laughter and joy to those receiving treatment. He currently visits patients in Atlanta but is hoping to spread the joy to those in Macon, Georgia soon.
A Financial Partner that Believes in the Business
Starting and growing a business isn’t easy, especially when your livelihood depends on travel, performances, and equipment. For Andrews, having a reliable financial partner like Robins Financial Credit Union has been essential to his success.
“I’ve been with Robins Financial Credit Union since I graduated from Mary Person High School in 2010,” Andrews states. “Robins Financial has always been helpful, especially to the younger generation, in helping them begin their banking journey.”
When it came time to expand his business, Robins Financial was there to support him. Andrews was connected to Commercial Lender, Donna Drummond, who walked him through every step of securing a commercial loan.
“Your loan department helped me secure vehicles I need to get up and down the road, and they refinanced my stage trailer into my business name,” says Andrews. “I couldn’t do most of my day-to-day business without Robins Financial.”
The convenience of the credit union’s products has also played a key role in helping Andrews manage his growing enterprise.
“The checking and savings accounts that Robins Financial offers to businesses like mine make everything easier,” adds Andrews. “I couldn't be more thankful for the support they’ve give me over the years.”
Building a Legacy
For Andrews, the most rewarding aspect of owning his own business is seeing the impact it has on others. His performances bring joy to countless people, and his growing business has also provided employment opportunities for others.
“The amount of thank you cards, social media messages, and in-person thanks mean so much and keep me bringing the fun every day,” shares Andrews. “With our Agri-Golf, we’ve been able to bring on two full-time employees and two contractors. It’s rewarding to see this little dream I had as a child grow and now provide for others.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When it comes to starting a business, Andrews’ advice is simple: surround yourself with the right people.
“No one can do this alone,” Andrews advises. “Find support in your family, friends, spouse, financial institution, accountant, and colleagues. If it weren’t for my wife, Rebecca, I wouldn’t be anywhere near the success I am today.”
For Andrews, the key to success is having a strong support system, and he’s grateful for the people who have helped him along the way – both in his personal life and his business journey.
Andrews’ story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the right partnerships. Through his company, Lee Andrews Productions, and his unique blend of clowning and entertainment, he’s found a way to bring laughter and joy to people all over the country.
Ready to start your business? Our team is here to help! Visit our website for more information about the various business products and services we offer that can help your business get off the ground. You can also contact our Commercial Lending team for more information by calling 478-923-3773 x.2240. We look forward to helping more members like Lee on their business journey.
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