Digital Social Hour: How The Secret Networking Strategies Behind My Success | Markley Medina DSH #888

Release Date: November 14, 2024

In episode #888 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Mark Lee, the visionary founder of Pull Up VIP, to delve into the secret networking strategies that propelled Mark to success. This engaging conversation uncovers Mark’s journey from an Uber driver to a high-profile transportation mogul, his encounters with celebrities, and the personal development principles that guided his ascent.

1. Reconnecting and Early Collaborations

The episode begins with Sean warmly welcoming Mark Lee, highlighting their long-standing relationship of eight years. Sean reminisces about their beginnings, with Mark being his first booked driver. Their shared history sets a nostalgic tone as they reflect on the early days and the growth each has experienced.

Mark Lee [00:30]: "Two books really changed my life. One of them was the Law of Attraction... And by reading another book by Brian Tracy called No Excuses taught me that if it's meant to be, it is up to me."

2. From Electric Skateboards to Uber: The Birth of Pull Up VIP

Mark shares his entrepreneurial spirit, detailing his initial venture into the electric skateboard industry. His knack for social media and networking led him to connect with influential figures, including Jake Paul, which marked the beginning of his notable journey.

Mark Lee [04:05]: "I downloaded the app, I put my mom's car on there, and I started driving Uber. And my first week, I made $500."

The rapid financial success with Uber drove Mark to pursue this path more aggressively, eventually leading him to invest in a larger vehicle and refine the customer experience. His focus on creating a memorable ride—complete with custom LED lights, enhanced sound systems, and unique ambiance—set him apart from typical Uber drivers.

3. Creating an Unforgettable Experience: The Xbox Encounter

A pivotal moment in Mark’s career was his interaction with Aaron Greenberg, the GM of Xbox. While attending a Flow Rider party, Mark introduced his customized Uber experience to Aaron, who was so impressed that he gifted Mark a limited-edition Xbox. This gesture not only solidified Mark’s reputation but also showcased his ability to add value beyond basic transportation.

Mark Lee [10:56]: "I got my friend Zach, who was a genius inventor, to help me put TVs in the car, turning it into an Xbox experience. This video was shared to 10 million followers on Xbox's Twitter account."

This innovative approach led to increased visibility and credibility, attracting more high-profile clients and further establishing Pull Up VIP as a premier transportation service.

4. Building Relationships with Industry Titans

Mark recounts his experiences driving superstars like Drake, Food God, and Dan Bilzerian. Each encounter was not just a ride but an opportunity to create a memorable and personalized experience, ensuring high satisfaction and glowing endorsements from these influential figures.

Mark Lee [16:59]: "Drake came up, leans on my window, and said, 'Keep up the good work.' That moment was surreal and solidified our professional relationship."

His dedication to excellence earned him repeated high-profile clients and extensive social media publicity, further amplifying his brand’s reach and prestige.

5. Personal Development: The Power of Positive Thinking and Action

Mark emphasizes the profound impact of personal development literature on his success. The Law of Attraction taught him to maintain a positive mindset and eliminate negative thoughts, while Brian Tracy’s No Excuses reinforced the importance of taking decisive action to achieve his goals.

Mark Lee [21:40]: "If it's meant to be, it's up to me. I have to go get it. I have to attract it. I have to go do it. If I don't put in this work, it will not happen."

These principles not only fueled his entrepreneurial endeavors but also shaped his approach to networking and relationship-building, allowing him to seize opportunities and navigate challenges effectively.

6. Transitioning to Pull Up VIP: Building a Transportation Empire

Leveraging his success with Uber, Mark founded Pull Up VIP, a luxury transportation company specializing in custom-built vehicles tailored to client specifications. With a factory in Indiana, his company offers bespoke sprinter vans and buses, catering to celebrities and high-end clients seeking unique and personalized transportation solutions.

Mark Lee [29:27]: "After the Uber success, I started Pull Up VIP. Now, we build custom buses from the ground up, turning any dream transportation idea into reality."

Mark's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned Pull Up VIP as a leader in the luxury transportation industry, attracting renowned clients and high-profile projects.

7. Expanding Reach and Future Aspirations

Mark discusses his vision for the future, including potential television projects like "Pit My Bus," inspired by shows like "Pit My Ride." Collaborations with notable figures such as producer Scott Storch highlight his ongoing efforts to expand and elevate his brand.

Mark Lee [30:35]: "I'm hoping soon they'll give me my own show about building buses. Like 'Pit My Ride', but for buses."

Additionally, his partnership with brands like Coco Love underscores his entrepreneurial diversity and commitment to excellence across different ventures.

8. Conclusion: The Essence of Networking and Adding Value

The conversation wraps up with Mark reiterating the importance of integrity and consistently adding value in all interactions. His journey underscores that meaningful connections and a relentless pursuit of excellence are fundamental to sustained success.

Mark Lee [19:24]: "You always got to have a clean name. No matter if you met me 10 years ago or 20 years ago, I'm still the same humble person. I'm still always adding value."

Sean commends Mark’s dedication and visionary mindset, concluding the episode with an acknowledgment of the hard work and strategic networking that have driven Mark's impressive career trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Customer Experience: Creating a unique and memorable experience can differentiate services in competitive industries.
• Networking: Building genuine relationships with influential individuals can open doors to unparalleled opportunities.
• Personal Development: Maintaining a positive mindset and proactive approach is crucial for achieving personal and professional goals.
• Adding Value: Consistently providing additional value to clients fosters loyalty and enhances reputation.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Lee [00:30]: "Two books really changed my life... I can control my own frequency, I started to eliminate negative thoughts from my mind and change the way I thought."
• Mark Lee [10:56]: "I created an Xbox experience out of my car."
• Mark Lee [21:40]: "If it's meant to be, it's up to me. I have to go get it."
• Mark Lee [29:27]: "Now, we build custom buses from the ground up, turning any dream transportation idea into reality."

Connect with Mark Lee:

• Website: PullUpVIP.com
• Social Media: Instagram, Twitter

About Digital Social Hour:

Digital Social Hour, hosted by Sean Kelly, is a platform where celebrities, entrepreneurs, and industry experts share their journeys, offering business advice, personal stories, and insights into their paths to success. Each episode is crafted to inspire and educate listeners on achieving their own aspirations through effective networking and personal development.

Thank you for tuning into Digital Social Hour. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and valuable insights from industry leaders.