Interview with Judd Lee, CFO of Benchmark Plus

November 4, 2009

Don’t let Judd Lee fool you.

While he is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, seemingly calm individuals you will meet, he likes to drive fast, very fast! His love of cars is not widely known, but ask him about his passion and you will learn more about cars—and how fast you can go—than you ever want to know.

Since I am a self professed car “hater,” Judd’s enthusiasm fell on deaf ears. But I am not above bribing him for a ride in a Ferrari!

I have the distinct pleasure of calling Judd a friend over the last ten years and hope you enjoy getting to know this private man. Please join me in congratulating Judd and his wife on the birth of their first baby girl, Briana.

We are honored to have Judd join the 40 over 40 group. (By the way, he is barely over 40!) With his strong ties to the Pacific Northwest, his is one interview we are particularly pleased to share with you.

How did you earn your first dollar?
When I was four years old, my parents would pay me a penny to make a bed.  Friends and family staying with us would pay me at the same rate, sometimes with a tip.  In 1972, I grossed over $4.00!

What do you appreciate about being over 40? 
Turning forty was a milestone in my life, a point to reflect back and appreciate all that I have experienced, both the accomplishments as well as the disappointments.  I realized how quickly time flies and how important it is to savor every experience, and as people often say, to live in the moment.  It has also helped me appreciate and draw off past experiences to better prioritize and pursue my passions and what is truly important to me.

What or who inspired you to get where you are today? 
My parents.   They immigrated from China separately and met in the U.S. where they had no relatives, no friends and few resources.  My father started out as a delivery boy for a stock investment firm; my mom earned her accounting degree.  Through hard work and perseverance they rose through the ranks, eventually becoming entrepreneurs and achieved the “American Dream” of financial independence.  Through their example, I grew to appreciate the values of a strong work ethic, getting a good education and making the most of every situation. 

What advice do you have for the under 40 crowd? 
There is usually much uncertainty around the future; a career plan that is too rigid may not prepare one for the various “curveballs” of life.  I find that it is best to approach each job or career decision with the perspective of how can I do the best job for my employer and establish a good reputation while also remember to lay the foundation for more options down the road. 

What would you still like to achieve?
Success at raising a happy and healthy daughter and family

What are you passionate about?
Building things – companies, organizations, etc.  I also love cars, especially Ferraris!

How do you balance work and life?
My wife and I just had our first daughter in September, I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon!  In addition to focusing on family time, I hope to preserve my “36” golf  handicap!

What book is on your nightstand?
Freakonomics by Steven D Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

What is in your iPod?
I have an eclectic collection of music on my iPod – from Tchaikovsky… to Glenn Miller… to Ice-T… to the Beach Boys… to the Jersey Boys… to Eminem!

What other career would you like to try?
Public Service/Policy

What other person would you like to meet – living or dead?
Adam Smith – author of The Wealth of Nations and often considered the founding father of modern economics.  It would be fascinating to hear his perspectives on the economic events of the past year.

What superpower do you want?
The ability to be SuperDad!  I would not only be the most caring and loving father to my new baby daughter but would have the ability to multi-task:  change diapers, feed the baby, take her out to the park while taking out the garbage and making my wife happy!

Favorite movie? 
Wall Street – I wonder what Gordon Gekko’s returns were in 2008?

Guilty pleasure?
Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, fast food

What is your favorite quote?
“100% of the shots you don’t take, don’t go in.”      — Wayne Gretzky

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Judd joined Benchmark Plus, a fund of hedge funds that manages close to $2 billion in assets, as its Chief Financial Officer in August of 2008.  Prior to joining Benchmark Plus, he was Vice President of Finance at Maveron LLC, a consumer focused venture capital firm founded by Howard Schultz and Dan Levitan.  At Maveron, Judd oversaw finance, accounting, treasury, and tax and information technology.  Prior to that, Judd was in the Corporate Strategy and Planning Group at Microsoft where he most recently helped build the company’s consolidated multiyear financial model and strategic plan. Before that he was the CFO of SafeHarbor Technology Corp, a venture backed company, and an M&A Investment Banking Associate in New York.  Judd earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Posted in 40 Over 40
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