What They Say
Video Endorsements
President - Master Organ Builder
James P. Leek
James Leek learned organ building and restoration under his father during his teenage years. He later studied Industrial Technology Education at Bowling Green State University while continuing hands-on apprenticeship work.
In 1992, James succeeded his father as President of Leek Pipe Organ Company. He brings a strong passion for music and for the people who create it, continuing the family’s European tradition of customer-first service and precise craftsmanship.
James is a member of the American Institute of Organ Builders, the Organ Historical Society, the American Guild of Organists, and St. Clarence Catholic Church in North Olmsted.
He enjoys golf, skiing, and outdoor activities. Known for his humor and energy, he is often described as the life of the party. Despite his 6′7″ frame, he has mastered working in tight organ chambers. He also uses yoga to help maintain posture while tuning difficult pipe ranks in confined spaces.
Leek family legacy & staff
Wilhelmus M. Bakkum
Born in 1898, James Leek’s maternal grandfather worked for the Bernard Pels & Sons Pipe Organ Co. located in Alkmaar. As superintendent, he built and installed many pipe organs in the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, and United States. His career in pipe organ building spanned over 50 years.
Opa Bakkum’s spirit guides James as he navigates those tight corners in the chambers and as he brings unyielding pipes back in tune.
John G.P. Leek 1929-2019
John Leek apprenticed with Fa. Bernard Pels & Zonen in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. As a journeyman, he worked with several firms, including Vermeulen, Wattell, and Verschueren. Later, he returned to Vermeulen for eight years after completing his military service.
He emigrated to the United States in 1961 and applied to three American organbuilding firms. Eventually, he joined the Walter Holtkamp Company in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for three years. From 1964 to 1976, he served as Curator of Pipe Organ at the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory.
In 1976, he established his own organbuilding business, retiring in 1992. In addition, John was an expert harpsichord builder, and his instruments are still used at Oberlin Conservatory and many locations worldwide.
John also frequently supported the company as a consultant when needed. His love of life was well known, along with his appreciation for fine wines and chocolates.
Meet our Staff
Trina Pirn
Organ Technician, Tuner, Customer Service, Accompanist
Trina Pirn is originally from Toronto, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Toronto and the University of Illinois.
At Leek Pipe Organ Company, she works as an organ technician, tuner, accompanist, and customer service representative. She also serves part-time as a secretary, substitute organist, and full-time pastor’s wife at Unity Lutheran Church in Cleveland.
She has completed extensive on-the-job training in organ building, restoration, maintenance, tuning, sales, and Zoho CRM systems. Through Cuyahoga County Skill Up, she has also completed certifications in Basic Electricity, Mechanical Troubleshooting, OSHA Fall Protection, and equipment operation.
Trina enjoys walking in Cleveland Metroparks throughout all four seasons. She and her husband have three grown children and four grandchildren. She joined the team in 2017.
Tracey Webber
Organ Technician, Tuner
Tracey Webber, originally from Mentor, OH, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Voice Concentration and a Minor in Psychology from Cleveland State University. She has experience as a voice instructor, music director, and choir performer, including performances at Carnegie Hall with the Mentor United Methodist Church Chancel Choir.
Tracey joined the Leek Pipe Organ Company team in 2025 and has become a valued member of the organization through her, and passion for both music and craftsmanship.
She also gained hands-on experience in pipe organ installation, maintenance, fabrication, and tuning through apprenticeships with Schantz Organ Company and Holtkamp Organ Company. Her background combines music, technical skill, teamwork, and customer service.
Marc Liese
Organist, Organ Technician/Tuner
Marc Liese supports Leek Pipe Organ Company with a wide range of responsibilities, including shop work and service calls. He has received hands-on training in organ building, restoration, maintenance, and tuning.
Through Cuyahoga Skill Up, he is certified in Basic Electricity, Mechanical Troubleshooting, OSHA Fall Protection, and equipment operation (Forklift, Scissor Lift, Manual Lift).
Marc is a retired 6th-grade math teacher from Bethany Lutheran School and currently serves as an organist at Unity Lutheran Church in Cleveland. He enjoys family activities, sports, and both recreational and scholastic events with his wife and children.
Logan
Technician Assistance
Peggy Draper
Office Administrator
Peggy joined us in 2010 as Office Administrator. She comes to us with vast experience in the administrative and accounting fields. Peggy has held administrative and accounting management positions with an individually owned firm, and at Plante & Moran, a large Michigan based regional accounting firm.Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to her own accounting & administrative services company before serving more recently as Compliance Director for an insurance financial services company.
Natalie Leek
Vice President
Originally from Mumbai, India, Natalie moved to the United States in 1991. She has a graduate degree in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University and over 20 years of experience in Human Resource Management and Marketing.
She is a strong believer of small business being the engine of economic growth. Until 2008 she worked full time as a Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences. Since her marriage to James Leek in 2002, she has apprenticed with him for a year and also worked part time in the company in addition to her job at Oberlin college.
Nischal Shrestha
Intern
Nischal Shrestha is currently an intern at Leek Pipe Organ Company, supporting website development and digital content updates. He is pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a minor in Business at Youngstown State University.
At Leek, Nischal is assisting with website improvements, content organization, and user experience updates. He is also involved in helping integrate web-based tools to support communication and digital workflow improvements.
Nischal is gaining hands-on experience in web development, digital systems, and business technology applications. He is excited to be part of the Leek Pipe Organ Company team and to contribute to its continued growth through technology and innovation.