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About Us

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee and serving East Tennessee for more than 34 years, Interstate Mechanical exists as a full-service mechanical company for commercial and industrial facilities. Through our two companies, Interstate Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and Interstate Mechanical Service, LLC., we are able to provide each customer with a full-range of services – all the way from initial design and construction to quarterly maintenance on all units.

Our Story

In 1982, Interstate Mechanical Contractors, Inc. was founded by the late Daniel R. Burnette and his wife Judy. Previously working for his father’s company, Ben A. Burnette Co., Danny Burnette sought out new opportunities that were lacking in the Knoxville market. Thus, Interstate Mechanical was established as on open-shop mechanical contracting business. Following the success and leadership of his father’s company, Danny opened Interstate’s doors with only five employees and less than $1 million of sales in its first year of operation.

Since Danny Burnette’s passing in 2001, the succession plan was completed by Terry Self and his wife Robin through purchasing the company in 2003. As a family-owned and operated business, Terry Self strives to lead tour team of dedicated professionals to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services.

From starting in an office trailer with less than 10 employees, Interstate now functions in a Leed Certified office facility on a six-acre property on Henson Road with more than 150 employees. Today, average annual sales are around $32 million with projects ranging from $1,000 to $10 million. In the summer of 2016, Interstate had an increased demand to branch out its own service company, Interstate Mechanical Service, LLC.

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to providing our customers with top quality products and services on time and within budget. We accomplish this while maintaining integrity, teamwork and a safe working environment. 

Bonding and Licensing Information

Interstate Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. Fully bonded thorough our agent, J. Smith Lanier & Co., The Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America proudly handle Interstate’s bonding needs. The Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America is an A+ “Superior” AM Best-Rated Company and is Treasury Listed.

Our History

IMC was Founded
1982
IMC was Founded

On July 1, 1982, Interstate Mechanical Contractors was founded by Daniel Burnette.

MECO Manufacturing
1983
MECO Manufacturing

Metals Engineering Company was IMC’s very first job, which jump started the new company.

IMC Pipe Fabrication Shop
1986
IMC Pipe Fabrication Shop

IMC was one of the first mechanical contractors to embrace in-house pipe fabrication, providing the opportunity to prepare for projects before they start.

UT Medical Center Office Building & Parking Garage
1986
UT Medical Center Office Building & Parking Garage

Being one of the largest construction projects for UT Medical Center, this facility is a cornerstone of the large facility we know today.

IMC Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop
1987
IMC Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop

To become more competitive, IMC invested in a sheet metal coil line and started its own sheet metal division.

Neyland Stadium Sky Box Addition
1987
Neyland Stadium Sky Box Addition

As the mechanical contractor for Neyland Stadium’s very first sky box, IMC was faced with a challenging project and an unforgiving schedule.

Carlex Glass Plant
1990
Carlex Glass Plant

Being Interstate’s largest job at the time, Carlex was a fast-paced project that required efficient planning and a motivated workforce.

Cumberland Gap Tunnel
1995
Cumberland Gap Tunnel

The tunnel was a federal project linking part of Tennessee and Kentucky. Since the project technically involved two states, there were two separate job numbers and two federal wage rates.

The Comedy Barn
1996
The Comedy Barn

Interstate provided some sheet metal services for the popular Pigeon Forge attraction’s renovation.

IMC Service Department Formed
1996
IMC Service Department Formed

To be a fully-equipped mechanical contractor, Interstate birthed its own service division, which started from scratch to an extensive customer list.

Grace Baptist Church
1997
Grace Baptist Church

Grace is one of the largest congregations in the Knoxville area. In its new sanctuary addition, IMC installed duct and 8′ structural beams while working 60′ in the air.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
1998
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Interstate completed the full mechanical construction for the hall of fame. Today, the hall of fame is one of Knoxville’s most well-known attractions.

UT Jumbotron
1999
UT Jumbotron

To be the focal point during home football games, the Jumbotron requires ventilation ducts to cool and prevent the electronics from overheating. Interstate installed a series of ductwork from a 300′ tall platform.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
1999
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium has been one of Interstate’s most well-known facilities. For the first time, IMC installed a life support system for the hundreds of marine species.

Knoxville Convention Center
2000
Knoxville Convention Center

Interstate completed its scope of work in the first phase of the convention center’s construction and has completed several energy-savings projects since the facility’s opening.

Aisin Automotive Casting
2004
Aisin Automotive Casting

Aisin is a global automotive manufacturer. Interstate was the chosen mechanical contractor of the plant in Clinton, TN.

UT Aquatic Center
2005
UT Aquatic Center

The state-of-the-art Allen Jones Aquatic Center on UT’s campus is one of the most competitive swimming venues in the country. Interstate was the mechanical contractor for this unique project.

Neyland Stadium Rennovations
2008
Neyland Stadium Rennovations

IMC was a key player in the renovation of the west sky box. After adding a club level and more, the stadium certainly received a facelift.

Ripley's Aquarium Penguin Exhibit
2009
Ripley's Aquarium Penguin Exhibit

Interstate installed the full mechanical and life support systems for the penguin exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

UT Student Center
2012
UT Student Center

The new UT Student Center is the overall largest project ever authorized by the State of Tennessee Building Commission. The massive structure, with miles of piping and duct work, will forever be the hub of student life on the Knoxville campus.

Cheesecake Factory
2013
Cheesecake Factory

Interstate was the plumbing contractor for Knoxville’s first and only Cheesecake Factory in West Town Mall. The project was extremely fast-paced and opened on time.

Well Park at Shannondale Healthcare Facility
2014
Well Park at Shannondale Healthcare Facility

Knoxville’s oldest healthcare facilities recently opened the Well Park, which is a new state-of-the-art assisted living village. IMC was selected to be the mechanical contractor.

Kroger Marketplace - Maryville
2015
Kroger Marketplace - Maryville

After being the plumbing contractor for the Oak Ridge Kroger Marketplace, Interstate also completed the new store in Maryville.

Interstate Mechanical Service, LLC was Founded
2016
Interstate Mechanical Service, LLC was Founded

After having a well-known service department for more than 20 years, Interstate’s service division transitioned into its own company to become more competitive.