Editor
The Clermont Chamber of Commerce’s April Breakfast Forum featured Robert Lees, a native of the village of New Richmond and owner of Front Street Cafe.
Lees spoke about his childhood in New Richmond and about what the restaurant business has taught him.
“Growing up in a small town is just so amazing,” Lees said.
His grandfather opened an English pub in 1960 and through the restaurant business Lees learned to appreciate others.
Lees also spoke about his career, which included time in the FBI, naval intelligence, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and more. He also worked as a spokesperson for a mega bank and as a recruiter to bring Asians into the Republican Party, he told attendees.
He mentioned briefly his time at University of Cincinnati Clermont College, which he graduated from summa cum laude in three years. Two of his professors there significantly influenced his love of history and culture.
In all Lees’ has seen, he has never seen anything as bizarre as the political season right now, he said. He feels that trade is important, and that it is possible to attract foreign investors into Clermont County and the greater Cincinnati area.
“We need to make things in this country,” Lees said.
Lees has a unique perspective on global matters because of his background, and can simplify complex situations, said Matt Van Sant, President/CEO of the chamber.
“Bob’s a rockstar on international matters,” Van Sant said.
He felt the breakfast went well.