Episode #158: My 9-Figure Blue Collar Journey Part 3 // Chris Lee // Next Level Pros Podcast

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this episode, Chris Lee revisits a conversation originally recorded for the Founder Podcast before transitioning to Next Level Pros. He emphasizes the enduring value of the tactical insights shared with fellow entrepreneurs, particularly those in the trades and home service industries.

"[...] instead of letting these episodes collect dust, we're bringing them back here on the Next Level Pros channel."
[00:00]

Early Business Ventures and Side Hustles

Chris shares his diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighting various side hustles he undertook to sustain himself during challenging times. From launching a coupon book during a business collapse to flipping houses and cars, his resourcefulness is evident.

"Throughout my career, I've failed to mention on the previous podcast I continue to try little things like give you an idea."
[00:06]

He recounts specific ventures such as purchasing overstocked Rosetta Stone alternatives from Costco and reselling them on eBay for significant profits. These experiences underscore his knack for identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities.

Learning from Leaders: Vivint and Todd Peterson

A pivotal moment in Chris's journey was his tenure at Vivint, where he learned invaluable lessons from Todd Peterson, the founder of Vivint Smart Home. This period was described as a "paid education" that shaped his approach to business leadership.

"One of the things that I really loved and I learned from Todd was, was that of transparency."
[11:45]

Chris highlights Vivint's commitment to transparency, especially during financial hardships, where Peterson openly communicated challenges and involved employees in the company's recovery strategy. This fostered a strong sense of loyalty and commitment among the workforce.

Pivot to New Opportunities: Legacy Power and Leadership

After gaining substantial experience at Vivint, Chris joined Legacy Power as Vice President of Human Capital. Under Doug Robinson's leadership, he honed his skills in recruiting and team-building, further expanding his expertise in scaling businesses.

"One of my greatest skills that I possess and had possessed up until this point, and I had learned while working at Vivint, was the ability to recruit was to be a visionary to get people bought into exactly what's going on."
[17:30]

During his time at Legacy Power, Chris participated in another IPO and gained exposure to high-level business operations, reinforcing his ability to navigate complex corporate landscapes.

The Magic Generator Venture and Setbacks

In late 2016, Chris encountered a groundbreaking product known as the "magic generator," touted as a perpetual energy solution using neodymium magnets. Convinced of its potential, he invested heavily in scaling its sales globally. However, the venture ultimately faltered, leading to significant financial and personal setbacks.

"We started networking to the highest. Like, we were literally sitting with the prime ministers of Congo or the DRC [...] and we were signing these things."
[46:15]

Despite initial successes and substantial contracts, manufacturing and fulfillment issues caused the project to collapse, forcing Chris to reassess his entrepreneurial path.

Founding of Soul Gen Power

Undeterred by previous failures, Chris co-founded Soul Gen Power in October 2017. Combining his expertise in sales, marketing, and leadership, he aimed to create a vertically integrated solar company with a strong emphasis on company culture and customer experience.

"We are going to be the high cost leader. [...] We do not need to impress anybody."
[65:50]

The company's foundation was built on maintaining healthy profit margins, offering superior products and services, and fostering a dedicated and motivated team.

Building and Scaling Soul Gen Power

Starting from Chris's garage, Soul Gen Power embarked on a rapid growth trajectory. Utilizing Facebook marketing and innovative sales strategies, the company achieved impressive revenue milestones within the first few years.

"The first year in the garage, we did 16 million in revenue. Following year we did another 26 million."
[72:20]

Chris emphasizes the importance of culture by design, implementing daily high-fives, team games, and fostering a collaborative environment. This intentional approach to culture played a crucial role in employee retention and company success.

Overcoming Challenges and Legal Hurdles

The journey was not without obstacles. Soul Gen Power faced significant challenges, including legal issues with Washington State's Labor and Industries (L&I). Through perseverance and seeking expert advice, Chris and his team successfully negotiated fines and payment plans, preventing potential bankruptcy.

"One of my greatest skills [...] is to be able to recruit was to be a visionary to get people bought into exactly what's going on."
[78:40]

These experiences reinforced Chris's belief in the power of networking, humility, and seeking help during tough times.

Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Mindset

Chris delves into the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of mindset in overcoming adversity. He references the concept from Urban Meyer's book, "Above The Line," emphasizing that "Event + Response = Outcome."

"Event + response equals outcome. We can always control the outcome by controlling the response."
[97:55]

This philosophy has been a guiding principle in navigating the highs and lows of building and scaling successful businesses.

Personal Milestones and Life Changes

Balancing business with personal life, Chris shares anecdotes about his family, including the challenges of relocating for his business and the joy of fatherhood. A significant life event—a near-fatal car crash in March 2023—prompted a reevaluation of his priorities, leading him to step into the role of Chairman and focus on passion projects like the Next Level Pros podcast.

"There's no better place [...] no better place to raise our kids."
[54:30]

This incident underscored the importance of aligning his professional pursuits with personal well-being and family.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Chris concludes by reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned, and his commitment to fostering a positive and resilient business culture. As Chairman, he shifts his focus to mentoring and sharing his experiences through the podcast, aiming to inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs.

"It has been a wild ride. Thank you for being a part of it."
[123:10]

He invites listeners to engage with him on social media and participate in future discussions, emphasizing the ongoing nature of growth and learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability: Chris's journey underscores the importance of bouncing back from failures and adapting to new opportunities.

• Culture by Design: Intentional cultivation of company culture can significantly impact employee satisfaction and business success.

• Transparency and Leadership: Open communication and ethical leadership foster trust and loyalty within teams.

• Mindset Mastery: Maintaining a positive and proactive mindset is crucial in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

• Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing personal well-being and family can lead to more fulfilling and sustainable professional endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• "We are going to be the high cost leader. We do not need to impress anybody."
  [65:50]

• "Event + response equals outcome. We can always control the outcome by controlling the response."
  [97:55]

• "It has been a wild ride. Thank you for being a part of it."
  [123:10]

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Chris Lee's entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights and lessons for aspiring business leaders. Through candid storytelling and reflective analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and rewards of building and sustaining successful ventures.