Our Founder Leader
Wilbert T. Lee
“In every business endeavor, our ultimate objective is to make a positive and lasting impact on the lifestyle of the community. Establishing strong relationships is of utmost importance. Our town centers and properties should forge deep connections with their respective communities. It is not merely about creating properties; providing opportunities and nurturing relationships with the community is absolutely top priority!”
Wilbert’s vision and excellent entrepreneurial skills hold the key to the continuous creation of new businesses that further strengthen LKY’s reputation as a solid and successful business partner. After graduating in 1991 from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he trained in the family business. Young and full of new ideas, he saw the need to improve the family owned Goodluck Trading Company. In a bold move in 1992, he initiated the purchase of rights of adjacent commercial spaces and negotiated for longer lease terms with building owners. He then renovated the store to give it a more modern and spacious look.
Goodluck Trading was transformed from a small trading outlet into a large scale department store which is known today as Goodluck Store. From a sole proprietorship, he conceptualized LKY Development Corporation as a vehicle to spearhead the family’s property development ventures. Wilbert explored a first in real estate development practice: the first build-operate and transfer agreement (a long term lease agreement with the Catholic Church in Sorsogon over a portion of the lot covered by St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral) for the concession to construct and operate a two-storey commercial building.
The success of the venture paved the way for other LKY development projects because of the excellent location and planning.
Many believed the Sorsogon market was not yet ready for the fast food lifestyle in 1997. Despite this perception, Wilbert went on to introduce Jollibee and Chowking to the people of Sorsogon. Today, these two brands control the majority share of the fast food market segment in the area. Such achievements gave Wilbert Lee the esteemed “Most Outstanding Sorsogueno Award in the field of Business and Industry” from the Provincial Government of Sorsogon in 1997.
In 2006, he was awarded Bicol’s prestigious “Halyao Award” for being voted the Bicolano businessman of the year by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. He also served as President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Sorsogon Chapter.
Wilbert continues to embrace the company’s capability to build, expand and become a major factor in the economic growth of the areas he brings his development projects to.