4 Minutes with…Wayne Lee, CEO, Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc.

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Lee Enterprises Consulting (www.lee-enterprises.com) is the world’s premier bioenergy consulting group with over 100 experts worldwide. We handle matters relating to biodiesel, ethanol, biomass chemicals, renewable jet fuels, pyrolysis, hydrolysis, gasification, waste-to-energy, AD, torrefaction, wastewater, butanol, biochar, carbons and biogas.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

Over the past 20 years we have grown into my vision of being one place to find assistance in virtually any bioeconomy endeavor. Our experts are world renowned leaders in their fields. Each was selected for inclusion in our group, based on their education, experience, and reputation. They have done thousands of projects worldwide. As CEO, I continually focus on balancing the needs and demands of our clients, our experts, and the processes we employ internally. The next year will bring about exciting changes as streamline into five sections – biofuels, biomaterials, feedstocks, technologies, and specialty sectors, with each section encompassing many areas of expertise. As we continue to scale up, we continue to grow leaders within our organization who have the capability to predict and to delegate.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?   

I think that stable, consistent support from both government and the petroleum industry is a must. The idea of a cleaner world is very attainable, but it takes an acknowledgement of where we are, and working toward a common goal. My goal over the next five years is to unite existing industries like petroleum, marine and aviation, into the idea.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change? 

I think the first change would be media recognition of the importance of a cleaner world, and investigation in ways we can work together to get there. Shifting subsidies, inconsistent support from governments, investors and the petroleum industry for clean energy projects makes progress difficult at times. A clean world is possible & profitable.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?   

As a father and grandfather, I have a strong desire to make a difference in leaving a world that is sustainable and clean.

Where are you from?

My father was a career military officer, so I traveled lots. My formative years were spent in Alaska. I currently live in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What was your subject focus (e.g. major) in university (undergraduate and/or graduate, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock many years ago. It’s a pretty progressive place, I think.

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?  

Being associated with over 100 of the top experts in the world, it is very difficult to name specific people who have influenced me in this journey. I learn new things each day from the experts on our team. Some of these bioeconomy industries, like biodiesel and ethanol, have been around for quite a while and have shown an impact. Others continually emerge with exciting possibilities. I really enjoy going to work every day just to see what is next.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?   

As a Christian, I learned that I can always depend on a power larger than myself in times of adversity. Over the course of a lifetime, I have learned is that adversity is not always bad, as it sometimes is simply a catalyst to force growth. Lastly, I have learned that Mother Nature is quite a harsh teacher when we do not treat her well. I guess I am an eternal optimist, however. I try to wake up each morning with the thought that things will end well if we simply do the right things.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?   

I love interacting with young people. For over 40 years, I was involved in youth sports coaching, teaching youth classes, etc. Most of my free time now is spent with my kids, my grandkids, or traveling.

What books or articles (excluding The Digest) are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?   

I like reading several books at a time. I currently reading lots of Ravi Zacharias’ books, several from John Piper, and “Jesus on Trial” by David Limbaugh.

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?  

That would have to be Cozumel, Mexico. It has become our favorite destination as there is so much to do and explore on this quiet little island.