If you have been anywhere in Clarendon, Virginia you have probably ran into Chuck Lee the area’s de facto Mayor. Chuck is an entrepreneur and successful business owner operating a promotional products company and several successful restaurants in the DMV.
In addition to his success in business, Chuck is also an active community members supporting several local non-profits, frequent supporter of DC sports team’s, and purveyor of some of the areas best events and parties. Chuck has been working on some new projects recently and he sat down to tell us about his latest ventures.
You are a well known restaurant owner, marketer, event producer, and nightlife industry leader. What are some recent and upcoming projects that you are working on?
In my industry, there’s always something new happening, which is what makes it fun. We recently opened Taco Rock, a fast-casual taco shop and tequila bar in Rosslyn. The community has been really welcoming and we’re excited to be there.
It’s also the holiday season so we are gearing up for our New Year’s Eve parties. We host the Prohibition New Year’s Eve Party at Pamplona the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Bar Bao And the Underground Masquerade at Soundcheck. They are fantastic events that sell out every year.
When did you get your start as a successful business owner? What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners?
I founded Dynamic Advertising Solutions with my business partner in 2003 and it’s been an incredible ride. We saw a need in the promotional product industry for value-driven creative partners and in the beginning, we were the ones doing every job in the business from sales to the finances. We now have two offices and a team of 25 branding specialists
There is an extraordinary amount of hustle that goes into any business. If you want to succeed, you have to be the one going out making connections, talking about your business and selling everywhere you can.
What is one Instagram Post that best describes you?
The day after our wedding, my friend opened up his club just for our friends. I was having one of the best days of my life surrounded by our friends who came out to celebrate with us. There’s nothing better.
As a partner at Pamplona, Bar Bao, and Taco Rock can you give us your go-to meal at all three spots?
It’s hard to choose just one but I’ll try:
At Pamplona, the Tomahawk Steak is one of my favorites.
At Bar Bao, the bao buns are my go-to’s. I’ll usually have a JFC and the Braised Porkbelly. If I’m really hungry, I’ll get the crispy beef.
At Taco Rock, the Piggy Mac and the Korean tacos top my list and a side of Elote.
Your “day job” involves promotional products for some of the largest companies and most recognizable brands. How do you leverage your skills and management style from DAS Marketing and utilize them in the variety of other projects across industries?
I’m fortunate to work with remarkable teams in all of my businesses who make my job easier. I’ve learned to give clear expectations, trust others to do their best and empower them to do so. I also trust my instincts. If I see a person or a project isn’t a fit, it’s best to act quickly than to wait and see.
Bonus Question: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? As someone who is constantly busy, what do you do to unwind?
My wife and I love to travel. We were recently in Korea and we’re headed to Puerto Rico in a few weeks. To unwind at home, I’ll play a round of golf with my boys or we’ll catch a Caps game.
