Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lee Deas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lee, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The pandemic threw everyone for a loop. Businesses were scrambling, and we knew we couldn’t just sit back and wait for the storm to pass. We needed to evolve.
That’s when we spotted an opportunity – a chance to shake things up and take a leap of faith. There was this outdoor and active lifestyle company, one we’d always admired, with a strong brand, amazing products, and a ton of untapped potential.
So, we took the plunge and acquired them. It was a bold move, but we saw it as a chance to:
Branch out: Adding a new sector to our portfolio meant we weren’t putting all our eggs in one basket.
Gain new skills: The acquisition brought in-house expertise in outdoor industry public relations..
Reach new customers: The company had a strong presence in areas we hadn’t tapped into yet, opening up exciting new markets.
Grow our team: The merger meant new challenges, new opportunities, and a chance for everyone to grow and learn.
Of course, there were bumps in the road. Merging two companies during a pandemic was no walk in the park.
But we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We focused on open communication, teamwork, and a clear vision for the future.
We saw immediate gains, expanded into new markets, and added a whole new dimension to our capabilities. Our team embraced the challenge and thrived.
Looking back, it was definitely a risk. But it was a calculated one, driven by a clear vision and a belief in our ability to adapt and innovate.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the Founder and Visionary of Obviouslee an lead a team of bold marketers, strategists and creators.

Obviouslee is a B Corp Certified full-scale, strategic marketing company that creates great work for great people, and we have fun doing it. We’re passionate, smart, and make shit happen. Our team is an incredibly unique group of individuals from all over the world. Just normal, nice people with a drive to do better for ourselves, each other, and the universe.

As an entrepreneur, I am passionate about investing in start-ups and catalyzing stellar growth. I have enjoyed mentoring aspiring founders through The Harbor Entrepreneur Center and been a speaker for Start-Up Grind, Dig South and the Good Business Summit. I was a partner in a beer brand, Island Coastal Lager, and continue to serve as co-founder and board member for a govtech company, Citibot.

I am a founding member of Pecha Kucha Charleston and The Palmetto Excel Center and have served on the boards for Birthdays for All, Palmetto Goodwill, and Lowcountry Local First.

I was one of the 40 under 40 winners at age 25 and have realized I peaked too early ever since.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

We make it a priority to stay connected with our clients during key moments—like new launches or expansions—to ensure we’re fully aligned with their goals. Our Chief Experience Officer, who’s all about nurturing these relationships, plays a big role here. She runs thorough annual interviews with each client to get genuine feedback on what’s working and where we can step it up. Plus, she joins our quarterly strategy sessions to keep everyone on the same page. We don’t just collect feedback; we act on it and keep our clients in the loop about how we’re making improvements. Our approach is simple: open, honest communication and strong partnerships, not just a check-in before contract renewals.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our reputation has grown because we genuinely care—about our clients, our team, and the communities we’re part of. We’re committed to excellence and prioritize building relationships that last. Being a B Corp is a big deal for us too, highlighting our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
We’ve carved out a name for ourselves by focusing on areas we love – sports, outdoor, active lifestyle and organizations creating impact. One standout example? Our decade-long relationship with a major tennis event in Charleston opened the door for us to collaborate with major sporting events nationwide.
It all comes down to starting small, doing standout work, and letting that speak for itself. We’re proud of the lasting connections we’ve built, not just with clients, but within our team, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.obviouslee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obviouslee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/obviouslee

Image Credits

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