Jeff LeHew’s Legacy: 40 Years of Service, Satellites, and Giving Back

On a cold December afternoon, longtime residents of Shenandoah Avenue witnessed Power-Comm Electrical lowering of a sign that had stood for four decades: Via Satellite

“It’s bittersweet,” said founder Jeff LeHew, watching the Via Satellite sign come down for the last time. “This building holds a lifetime of memories. But it’s time for a new chapter—not just for this location, but for the company.”

The building, once an Amoco gas station, became Via Satellite’s first real home. It is now part of local history, but the company is far from closing. In fact, Via Satellite is busier than ever—growing rapidly with new services, a larger footprint, and a fresh generation at the helm.

From Pickup Truck to Regional Powerhouse

The Via Satellite story began humbly. “I started with a rented pickup truck, one employee—me—and a dream,” Jeff recalled. “Back then, I was putting up what we jokingly called the **‘West Virginia state flower’—those giant C-band satellite dishes.”

He wasn’t wrong. In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, you couldn’t drive far through the Valley without spotting one of those huge dishes perched on a pole in someone’s backyard. Jeff was there for the rise of satellite TV and weathered every change since, from DISH Network to today’s high-speed internet boom.

“Forty years ago, this business was all about putting up dishes,” Jeff said. “Today, we connect people to everything—the internet, cell phones, security systems. If it connects to the digital world, we help make it happen.”

And it’s not just in Warren County.

Serving the East Coast, One Home at a Time

Via Satellite has become one of only six major regional providers nationwide operating at this scale. With more than 100 technicians and 50 additional staff, the company now visits 250 to 300 homes a day, offering installation and tech support for a growing list of services—including Starlink satellite internet and Boost Mobile, a cutting-edge home-delivered cell phone activation service.

“DISH will send a tech to your house to activate your phone,” said Jeffrey LeHew, Jr., Jeff’s oldest son. “That’s a game-changer, especially for seniors or anyone without easy access to a retail store.”

The company covers a vast territory: all of Virginia (except Tidewater), D.C., Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay, much of Pennsylvania, and even parts of New York and West Virginia.

“I like to say we go farther into West Virginia than a man safely should go,” Jeff joked.

A Family Business, Built to Last

Today, Via Satellite is a full-fledged family business, with Jeff’s sons Jeffrey Jr. and Nicholas LeHew handling daily operations.

“They’re the ones really running things now,” Jeff said proudly. “I still show up, but ask any of the employees—they’ll tell you I’m retired.”

Jeff may say that, but anyone who knows him knows he’s still involved—still guiding, still advising. “He’ll never really let go,” his sons laugh.

Nicholas Lehew, who oversees the entire technician workforce, stays focused on team performance and customer service. “It’s a fair share,” he said. “I’m often out in the field, supporting the crews and making sure everything runs smoothly.”

The LeHew brothers lead a company that’s not only expanding but also innovating—staying ahead of changing technology while remaining rooted in small-town values.

A Building Full of Bikes: Supporting Toys for Tots

While one chapter closes for the old Via Satellite building, another opened this week as the site transformed into a temporary hub for the Toys for Tots program.

Working with Marine Col. (Ret.) John Lesinski and a team of volunteers, Jeff offered the space at no cost to help support a massive Christmas bicycle giveaway for Warren County and Front Royal families.

“I can’t say enough about Jeff’s generosity,” said Col. Lesinski. “Not only did he donate the building, but he paid the utilities and made sure we had heat. That’s huge for us.”

The effort was driven by volunteers, including:

Toys for Tots Volunteers

• Breauna Henery – coordinated all applications and paperwork
• Erin Henry – team lead and bike assembly volunteer
• Alan Hough – handled bike transport and setup
• Col. John Lesinski – Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.), local program lead

Nearly 300 bikes were donated by CMA Subaru of Winchester, and the team had more requests than they could fill—proof of both the need and the community’s generosity.

“This is the fun part,” said Lesinski. “This is when all the hard work pays off.”

Gratitude, Growth, and What’s Next

As the concert of hammers and tools gave way to the cheers of happy families, Jeff reflected on the journey.

“I want to thank our administration and staff—every employee who ever believed in this company. I want to thank PowerCom, who helped us safely bring the sign down, and all of the community partners and customers who’ve trusted Via Satellite over the years.”

Even after four decades, Jeff isn’t ready to slow down.

“This isn’t the end. Just a new beginning. Via Satellite is moving faster than ever, and the future looks bright.”