4 minutes with… Wayne Lee, CEO, Lee Enterprises Consulting

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

Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s largest alternative and renewable fuels consulting group. We have an in-depth expertise in biodiesel, ethanol, solar, wind, and emerging technologies. We also maintain strategic relationships with the industries’ top legal, accounting and engineering groups, and technology/fabricatication providers.

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

I am the CEO. We have recently divided our company, which now includes over 50 experts, into five sections – biodiesel, ethanol, wind/solar, emerging technologies, and business/finance. Over the next 12 months we will continue to add specialist as needed to allow us to remain the “one stop” for any alternative fuels need.

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

Alternative fuels is vital to the challenges that must be overcome in both climate and energy. Governments must fully embrace and support the development of theses industries before a crises occurs. Meaningful, long term planning must occur within the next few years.

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

Ongoing, solid governmental support.

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?  

I want to leave a sustainable world to our children and grandchildren.

Where are you from? 

Little Rock, Arkansas

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

I attended Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, from which I received a B.A.

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?

Mike Shook – Agri Process Innovations.

Gerald Kutney – Lee Enterprises Consulting

Eli Hinckley – Attorney, Sullivan & Worchester

Susan Olson – Genscape

Kevin Prohaska, Attorney, Stoel Rives

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

That we can depend on a power larger than ourselves. In my case as a Christian, this is Jesus Christ. Also, that if we attack a problem with the same goal, even though from different angles, we can be successful. We need to see where we agree – not concentrate on our differences.

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

Travel with family and friends.

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island

The Bible

The Gospel of the Native American

The Book of Quotes

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?  

What Jesus Demands from the World, by John Piper.

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

Cozumel, Mexico