Edwin Lee is a family man, as indicated by the many photos displayed in his airy home at Chung Hom Kok overlooking serene mountains and water. His passion for work also radiates in every word he speaks. During our interview, he momentarily pauses to grab a pen and paper and draw a Venn diagram containing customers, competitors and capabilities. “I’m usually good at explaining things with visual aids,” says one of Hong Kong’s largest shop landlords. Lee’s dreams of work and family overlap every day.

The founder of Bridgeway Prime Shop Fund Management has plenty of credits at his doorstep. “I was the first and the youngest non-American chairman for IBBA,” he recalls, a proud smile lighting up his face as he mentions the International Business Brokers Association, an august body headquartered in the US Mid-West. “The challenge I faced was to demonstrate my knowledge of the business-brokerage industry in America and worldwide at an organisation set up a long time ago, back in 1984. Gaining respect from over 2,000 members – many of them much older than me – was no small feat.”

His path to leadership was fuelled by a desire to prove himself; a young, ambitious man navigating a predominantly American industry, eager to leave a mark. “Back then, I had to show that I knew my stuff, not just in Hong Kong but globally,” he explains, emphasising that perseverance and confidence were essential in crossing cultural and professional boundaries.

Dreaming of Riches

Lee’s childhood was rooted in resilience. He was born in Kowloon to a father from India and a mother from China, and his family journey was marked by upheaval and hope. “I remember watching Pretty Woman when I was young,” he shares, eyes twinkling. “Richard Gere was an investment banker doing M&A and IPOs, and I just thought that looked pretty cool. I wanted to be that guy – the rich, successful banker.”

That childhood inspiration led him into finance. He joined Credit Suisse First Boston in 1997, but life had other plans. “After 9/11, I was fired,” he says quietly. “That’s when I came back to Hong Kong and decided to start my own business.” With his father’s advice echoing in his mind – that each sibling should carve their own path, separate from family affairs – he established a business-brokerage and consultancy firm in 2001, which evolved into Bridgeway, the first Securities and Future Commission-licenced fund management focusing exclusively on shop properties investment.

The Harvard Turnaround

Lee emphasises that his academic background has been a cornerstone of his success. “Making difficult decisions requires a solid foundation of business theories,” he states. “My DBA [Doctorate in Business Administration] from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and CFA, CPA, and MRICS certifications [in investment management, accounting and property] give me the confidence to act decisively.” His education provides the tools to navigate market fluctuations and complex decisions, an essential trait for his leadership style.

Life changed profoundly while undertaking his Owner/President Management (OPM) programme at Harvard Business School in 2012-14. “The industry is like the horse; raising the horse is more important than the jockey,” he reflects. Before Harvard, he was immersed in business brokerage – buying and selling more than 1,000 small businesses. Afterwards, he transitioned into property, specifically retail shops in Hong Kong.

“Business brokerage is a bad industry, like a horse with broken legs,” he explains. “But real estate, especially shops, has much better legs. With a good industry and a strong horse, the jockey (me) can reach the destination faster.” That insight was a turning point, transforming his career and setting him on a path of aggressive property investment.

From Broker to Landlord / Shop Talk

Winning a Hong Kong Young Entrepreneur Award in 2010 and being named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons the following year filled Lee with pride. “These honours recognise both my business achievements and my social contributions,” he affirms. “I wanted to create a new industry in Hong Kong, making retail shop investments accessible and manageable for investors with as little as HK$3 million.”

His pioneering efforts in establishing SFC-licenced investment vehicles revolutionised retail property investing in Hong Kong. “In 2006, I started leasing shops, but by 2009, I decided to buy properties,” says the veritable shopaholic. Inspired by the McDonald’s model of land ownership and franchising, he began accumulating retail shops and is now one of the biggest players in the market.

The strategic move to secure an SFC licence allowed him to raise funds from the public, exponentially increasing his purchasing power. “Since 2009, I’ve bought HK$5 billion worth of shops and become the biggest property investor in Hong Kong’s retail market,” he declares confidently.

 His lifetime goal is to buy 1,000 shops in Hong Kong. “It’s okay to modify your goals, but not having one is the worst,” he affirms. “Our focus is on Hong Kong street shops. Defining your battlefield is crucial for victory.”

His ultimate legacy? Creating harmonious relationships between landlords and tenants, and working together to build a prosperous Hong Kong. “I want tenants and landlords to be on the same boat,” he says, spotlighting the importance of mutual growth and respect.

Lessons from Wall Street

Working 100-hour weeks at Credit Suisse during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis taught Lee perseverance. “That experience is why I can handle the tough times as an entrepreneur,” he recounts. “It’s about persistence and resilience, especially when managing over 300 employees now.” Keeping his staff motivated, aligned and working together has its challenges. “Clear objectives, advantages and scope – this OAS framework – are key to inspiring my team,” he explains.

Lee believes success is not just a good work-life balance, but a harmonious blend of both. “You have to enjoy what you do,” he says. “If you love your work, it becomes part of your life. My personal passion for driving convertible cars and exploring streets helps me blend personal interests with my professional pursuits.”

His work ethic is evident. Exemplifying the relentless drive that fuels his dreams, it’s business as usual after the shoot, as he prepares for his next meeting. Edwin Lee is a leader who proves that with passion, perseverance and a clear vision, you can turn dreams into reality.