Lee has always had a passion for American history and a unique love for his country. He was born in Chicago, IL, but was raised in Brazil, Paraguay and Norway where his parents served as Christian missionaries. Lee moved to Minnesota in 1982 after graduating from high school and attended the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1987), and Master of Business Administration (1990).

Lee started his career as an associate with the public accounting firm Coopers and Lybrand. He then worked as a senior economic consultant for Phillips Petroleum Company. After spending three years with Phillips Petroleum, Lee made his way to Willmar, Minnesota and became the Director of Planning and Economics for Willmar Poultry Company. In 2003, Lee became the general manager of Willmar Poultry. After a successful thirteen-year tenure with Willmar Poultry Company, Lee was named Vice President of Operations for Life-Science Innovations, the parent company of Willmar Poultry.

Lee and his wife Nancy reside in Willmar, MN and have three sons, Kristoffer, Anders, and Steffen. Lee is an active member in the Sons of Norway organization and the Willmar Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Lee and Nancy are members of the Willmar Assembly of God Church. Lee is a dedicated family man and enjoys serving in his community.