Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Lee.
Hi Eric, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve probably got the same Asian American anime backstory as most people that are a part of my generation. My parents came to America so that me and my little brothers may have a chance at more opportunities in life. We were essentially raised in the restaurant industry growing up and I had been helping them since I was 15 on and off. During the time with the restaurant, I attended college and graduated in 2013 and got into the corporate world that most people would believe to be the next step in life. However, in 2015 life didn’t go as planned and I was laid off. I took a bit of a soul-searching trip after that and when I came back home. My parents had already started their next business venture, another restaurant sigh. I told them I would help part-time as I look for another job but again….life does not go as planned. In 2017 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I transitioned full-time as an owner of the business so that I could run it for my mother as she did her treatments. We were very fortunate that they caught the cancer in its early stages and now six years later, my mom is back to normal now!
The doctors have her on once a year check-up as a just in case but they declared her cancer free. We’re towards the end of our restaurant venture now as we have found a buyer and just started up our new current venture which is in Athens! I am where I am at now because I really thought to myself if corporate life is really what I want in the long run. I’ve seen my parents both struggle to work long hours and have barely gotten to enjoy life. I know they did not come to America to see me do the same thing that they did. I can say that the restaurant was a wild ride. From being robbed at gunpoint to having a small mom n pop shop survive covid and is still thriving to this day…..I knew that the next venture I want had to be something that less…..taxing on the mind and body for me and my parents. That is how we came to learn of Appliances 4 Less. It’s a way to cover the need of not breaking bank for appliances and the work is much more relaxing than working long hours in a restaurant. I am hoping to make this a good self-sustaining business for me and my family now!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not a smooth road. For 6 years before this appliance store, I was working every day every week at our restaurant. I struggled to maintain a dating life, friends, and just life balance in general. The anxiety I developed after being held at gunpoint made wanting to take time off work near impossible. The thought of me not being at the restaurant to protect my family lingered every day.
Covid didn’t make things any easier either. The amount of hate I had received because people would assume I was responsible for this pandemic or would start trouble with me just because I wore a mask.
My mom being diagnosed with cancer put me in a dark place for those years as well but I managed to bounce back with support from loved ones.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Appliances 4 Less Athens?
Appliances 4 Less is franchised open-box scratch and dent store located in a few states. We mainly sell LG products and are best known for fair prices when put up against brands such as home depot or lowes. I would say what sets me apart from the other appliances 4 less stores is the language barrier. A lot of them are owned by older-generation Asian families that have done their best to learn the English language throughout their life.
I’d want the readers to know that when they come to me. They’re not being treated as a random customer that just walks in. They’re treated like family and I will do everything I can to resolve any issues that may occur in the future with their products because I want this to be successful for my family!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned that patience is key. I saw so many friendships ruined due to differences in views of the pandemic. I don’t think that everyone will always have the same views or opinions but what we can do is still show respect to each other. We need less division in our country and more working together and showing respect to one another.
Pricing:
- Up to 50% off all LG appliances
Contact Info:
- Facebook: facebook.com/a4lathensga
