Title: 1) Independent Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker; 2) Founder, President and Principal
Company: 1) Maxwell Leadership; 2) Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC
Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Robert E. Lee, III, Independent Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker at Maxwell Leadership and Founder, President and Principal at Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Coaching and Training and Hospitality.
Mr. Lee has established himself as a leading expert in the hospitality, hotel and restaurant industries, with a career spanning over 35 years marked by innovation, leadership and a commitment to excellence. His professional journey is distinguished by a series of progressive roles that have shaped both his expertise and the broader landscape in Columbus, Ohio, and beyond. As the founder and president of Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC, a full-service hospitality management and consulting company, Mr. Lee has guided the company through significant growth and diversification since 2009. In 2013, he also began serving as the company’s principal.
Since the launch of Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC, Mr. Lee has played a pivotal role in managing properties under the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and spearheaded expansion into new markets. Some of the company’s most notable ventures have included a franchise partnership with Donatos Pizza, a restaurant chain based in Columbus, best known for its tavern-cut pies. This accomplishment made Mr. Lee the sole minority franchisee in this space, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater diversity within the industry. Additionally, he expanded Touchstone Hospitality’s footprint by launching several innovative ventures, including Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shop locations at several airports and, in 2021, entering into a joint venture with HMS Host, resulting in ownership of over a dozen restaurants.
Since 2018, Mr. Lee has also served as an independent certified coach, teacher, trainer and speaker with Maxwell Leadership. In this capacity, he has leveraged his extensive industry experience to mentor emerging leaders, deliver impactful presentations and facilitate professional development programs. Through this role, Mr. Lee has become a sought-after voice in leadership circles, frequently invited to share insights at schools and industry events.
From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Lee was a partner at Philippi Group LLC, where he contributed to strategic planning and operational oversight across multiple ventures. Concurrently, between 2004 and 2007, he served as the general manager of Capital Club Columbus. In this role, he made history as the first person of color to manage a private club in town, a testament to his trailblazing spirit and commitment to inclusivity.
Mr. Lee’s entrepreneurial acumen was also demonstrated during his tenure as an operating partner at Brownstone on Main from 2003 to 2004. There, he ventured into the upscale restaurant sector, adding new dimensions to his professional repertoire.
Diversifying early on, Mr. Lee shared his knowledge as an adjunct instructor at Columbus State Community College between 2000 and 2003, while also serving as general manager of The Lofts Hotel from 2001 to 2003. Managing Columbus’s first boutique hotel marked one of his first historic milestones in his career.
Among his earlier professional accomplishments, Mr. Lee worked at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown between 1994 and 1999, beginning as a housekeeping manager and later as a sales manager and director of food and beverage. These formative experiences provided him with comprehensive exposure to all facets of hotel operations and laid the foundation for his future leadership roles.
Mr. Lee’s academic background included coursework in hospitality management at Columbus State Community College and Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. These studies equipped him with essential knowledge that has informed his approach to business strategy, operations and leadership throughout his career. Additionally, Mr. Lee’s certification as a John Maxwell coach, speaker and trainer, earned in 2017, underscores his dedication to leadership excellence and personal growth.
Beyond his primary professional achievements, Mr. Lee has served as the vice chair of the Columbus Alliance within the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance since 2015 and on the board of directors of the Jazz Arts Group since 2016. He is also active in the 100 Black Men of Central Ohio. These roles are a testament to Mr. Lee’s dedication to industry advocacy and community enrichment.
Mr. Lee’s vision for Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC continues to drive its evolution as a leader in hospitality management. He attributes his success to hard work, tenacity, timing and supportive relationships, all of which have enabled him to overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Lee is enthusiastic about submitting bids for new ventures within the forthcoming airport project led by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. His plans include establishing multiple Preston’s locations, expanding partnerships with Donato’s and Tim Horton’s Café and Bake Shops franchises, and exploring additional hotel management contracts through Touchstone Hospitality IV LLC. Mr. Lee is also eager to build upon existing collaborations with global partners, such as HMS Host, and expand both his company’s reach and team size.
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