When it comes to owning and operating businesses in the Tri-State, Tracy and Lee Watson are well experienced, especially with regard to building an entrepreneurial legacy.
Married in 1983, the Watsons’ story starts almost 25 years ago when Lee’s father, Everett, founded his masonry business. In 1984, having amassed industry knowledge from his father, Lee started Watson Masonry.
It wasn’t until 2014 — after years of designing and decorating as a hobby and studying interior design at Ivy Tech Community College from 2010-2012 — that Tracy followed her own aspirations and opened Tracy’s Attic (now known as Tracy’s) home furnishings and interior design studio.
“My dad always told me when you’re in business for yourself, you can work whenever you want, and then you work a hell of a lot of times that you don’t want,” says Lee.
“I don’t know for how many years (Lee) worked six days a week and I worked seven because I’m doing paperwork on one day,” adds Tracy.
But the dedication has paid off. Not only did Tracy upgrade to her 4,000-square-foot space at 2233 W. Franklin St. in 2019, but the duo also collaborated on several home projects for the Southwestern Indiana Builders Association’s Parade of Homes in 2015 and 2021.
Working as a team and, most importantly, a family has been a major focus for the Watsons. Their daughter Jennifer, 42, is Tracy’s “right-hand man” at the store, while Matthew, 36, has followed in Lee’s footsteps and opened his own masonry business, Mr. Mason, in 2020.
“Something that’s always been an inspiration to us is our kids,” says Tracy. “I could’ve never done all this without Jennifer. And it’s been great for Lee to know that he taught his son about being a successful business owner, too.”
