About Us
Rooted in Knoxville.
Built on Relationships.
Driven by Innovation.
For more than 90 years, Leinart’s has built lasting relationships with manufacturers and businesses throughout East Tennessee and beyond. What began as a small wholesale parts business has evolved into an industrial automation company combining decades of experience with a forward-looking approach to manufacturing challenges.
Our Beginning
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Leinart’s was founded in 1933 by Margaret Leinart, a determined entrepreneur who saw opportunity during one of the most challenging economic periods in American history.
From a small office at the corner of Walnut and Market Streets in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, Margaret established a wholesale business supplying parts for the emerging refrigeration and air conditioning industries.
With three children at home and her husband, Byron, frequently traveling as a sales representative for major companies in North America, Margaret managed the business herself. Without a driver's license, she rode Knoxville's streetcar to the office each day, demonstrating the independence, determination, and work ethic that would become the foundation of the company.
Eventually, Margaret and Byron joined forces to operate Leinart's Engineering Company. Byron, a 1923 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, brought valuable technical expertise that helped expand the business.
In 1960, the company was officially incorporated as Leinart's, Inc., beginning a new chapter in its history.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Margaret Leinart Founds the Business
Margaret establishes a wholesale parts business in downtown Knoxville, laying the foundation for generations of customer relationships.
Leinart's, Inc.
The business is officially incorporated as Leinart's, Inc.
Jim Mynatt Continues the Family Legacy
Following Margaret's passing, her grandson Jim assumes leadership and guides the company for 37 years.
A New Chapter of Ownership
Roger and Kristi Chesney purchase the business, continuing its tradition of personalized service and customer relationships.
Leinart's Engineering & Automation
Maria and Robby Haun acquire the company, building on its established foundation while positioning it for the future.
Evolving with the Industries We Serve.
As manufacturing has evolved, so has Leinart's.
From our beginnings supplying refrigeration and air conditioning parts to our growing focus on industrial automation, our business has adapted alongside the technologies and industries we serve.
Today, Leinart's Engineering & Automation builds on more than nine decades of experience, established customer relationships, and product knowledge while expanding its focus on modern automation technologies and solutions.
Our name reflects where we're headed, but our commitment remains the same: helping customers find the right products, providing knowledgeable support, and building relationships that last.
Our Mission
To advance industry through trusted expertise, innovative solutions, and exceptional personal service.
Our Core Values
Our legacy is built on trust, expertise, and personal service. These values guide how we work with customers, collaborate with manufacturing partners, and approach the challenges of a changing industry.
Lead with Integrity
We earn trust through honesty, accountability, and doing what is right. We stand behind our commitments and build relationships that last.
Deliver Expertise
We go beyond supplying products to understanding challenges, sharing knowledge, and delivering solutions that create measurable value.
Put Relationships First
We value people over transactions, investing in the success of our customers, employees, and manufacturing partners.
Innovate with Purpose
We embrace new technologies and forward-thinking solutions that solve real problems, improve performance, and advance industry.
Own the Outcome
We take responsibility, follow through on commitments, and work collaboratively to help our customers achieve lasting success.
Honor Our Legacy
We build on a foundation of trust, service, and experience established in 1933 while continuously evolving for the future.
Meet the Leinart's Team
Rooted in Tradition. Led by Experience. Focused on the Future
At Leinart's Engineering & Automation, our strength comes from the people behind our business. From strategic leadership and technical expertise to customer relationships and dependable service, our team is committed to delivering the personalized attention that has defined Leinart’s since 1933.
Our Leadership
Women-Owned. Women-Led.
Maria Haun
Owner & Business Strategy and Marketing
Maria leads the company's strategic vision, marketing, and long-term growth initiatives. With extensive experience in organizational leadership, brand development, and customer experience, she is committed to preserving Leinarts' legacy while positioning the company for future success. As owner, Maria proudly continues the woman-owned business tradition established by Margaret Leinart in 1933.
Kristi Chesney
President
Kristi provides day-to-day executive leadership, financial oversight, and business management. Having joined Leinarts in 2019 and served as co-owner beginning in 2022, she brings valuable institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the company's employees, customers, and longstanding relationships. Her continued leadership ensures stability while guiding the company into its next chapter.
Operations
Technical Expertise. Dependable Solutions
Robby Haun
Owner, Vice President of Operations
Robby leads operations, technical strategy, and manufacturer partnerships. With more than 20 years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, and technical sales, he brings deep product expertise, industry relationships, and a forward-thinking approach to expanding Leinarts' capabilities. His focus is on helping customers find innovative solutions to increasingly complex industrial challenges.
His professional background includes corporate leadership roles with Festo USA, Destaco, and Emerson, as well as distribution in the Tennessee valley, involvement with the National Fluid Power Association, and relationships throughout the industrial automation and manufacturing industries. Combined with an MBA and extensive experience in technical sales, business development, and leadership, Robby brings a unique perspective to identifying opportunities and delivering solutions.
His expertise includes:
- Industrial automation technologies and applications
- Pneumatic systems and fluid power solutions
- Manufacturing processes and operational challenges
- Technical product knowledge and application support
- Strategic manufacturer and supplier relationships
- Emerging technologies and automation innovation
- Business development and customer solutions
Robby's vision is to build upon Leinarts' established product portfolio and trusted manufacturer relationships while expanding the company's ability to help customers solve increasingly complex industrial challenges.
Rather than simply supplying components, the goal is to become an even more valuable technical resource, helping customers identify the right technology, improve applications, and achieve better operational outcomes.
Renee Godwin
Procurement Specialist
A valued member of the Leinarts team since 1986, Renee brings four decades of institutional knowledge, product expertise, and customer service experience. Having served in numerous roles throughout her career, she possesses an exceptional understanding of the company's operations, manufacturer relationships, and customer needs. Her experience, dedication, and commitment to personalized service make her an invaluable resource to both customers and colleagues.
Sales
Relationships First. Customers Always.
Roger Chesney
Vice President of Sales
Roger joined Leinarts in 2019 and became co-owner alongside Kristi in 2022. With extensive knowledge of the company's product lines and industrial supply solutions, he leads the sales team with a commitment to helping customers find the right products and resources for their needs. His relationship-driven approach and dedication to exceptional customer service reflect Leinarts' longstanding tradition of building trust and delivering personalized attention.
Hugh Hardin
Outside Sales
Hugh joined Leinarts in 2019, bringing previous experience in industrial supply sales and a practical understanding of manufacturing operations. He works directly with customers to understand their needs and identify products and solutions that support their businesses. His hands-on approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to building lasting relationships reflect the personalized service that has defined Leinarts for generations.
Heather Killigrew
Outside Sales
Heather joined the Leinarts team in November 2026, bringing extensive experience in industrial automation and account management. Her role focuses on working directly with manufacturing customers to identify their automation needs, recommend solutions, and coordinate with suppliers and technical specialists to support their projects.
With hands-on knowledge of motion control, pneumatics, robotics, sensors, and safety technologies, Heather helps customers improve equipment performance, streamline processes, and increase productivity. She is passionate about building lasting relationships and delivering personalized service and practical solutions that help customers succeed.
Dustin Smith
Inside Sales
Since joining Leinarts in 2023, Dustin has developed strong product knowledge and a reputation for helping customers find the solutions they need. Working closely with customers and suppliers, he focuses on product availability, responsive communication, and dependable support. His dedication to personalized service and attention to detail help ensure a seamless customer experience from initial inquiry through order fulfillment.
Women-Owned, Diversity Certified
Go-DBE is the State of Tennessee’s certification office for diversity businesses meeting the State’s definition as minority owned, women owned, service-disabled veteran owned, persons with disabilities, and small business enterprises. Go-DBE also serves as the central point of contact to assist diversity businesses looking to compete successfully in State contracting activity.
Honoring Our Past. Engineering What's Next.
Manufacturing continues to evolve, and so do the challenges facing the people who keep it moving. Leinart’s Engineering & Automation is expanding its capabilities and strengthening its technology partnerships to help customers navigate new opportunities in automation, controls, and engineered solutions.
Our history provides the foundation. Our people and partnerships help us move forward.
More Than 90 Years of Experience. A Future Built Together.
Our history is built on relationships, trust, and a commitment to helping customers succeed. We'd welcome the opportunity to learn about your business and explore how Leinart's Engineering & Automation can support your needs.