The success of Theresa Lee, who has been running her business for two decades and achieved an annual revenue exceeding 100 million US dollars, is defined by mutual prosperity. In the ever-changing global economic landscape, she has always upheld integrity, expanding the path of cross-border trade and public service with resilience.
Reflecting on her entry into the customs brokerage and international trade field, Theresa Lee, CEO of TRK Customs Service Inc., said it all began by “accident.” Her experience working in a relative’s company during college made her realize the complex logistics and economic operations behind the shipping industry. She discovered that importers and exporters have nearly demanding reliance on “accuracy” and “timeliness,” realizing that this job is not just about moving goods but also safeguarding the commercial credit of clients.
Her experience in the customs brokerage industry prompted Theresa Lee to establish TRK Customs Service in 2000. However, the path to entrepreneurship was not smooth sailing. She chose to start from scratch, not tapping into existing client bases, and carved out a path in the fiercely competitive market through “round-the-clock service” and “high accuracy.” Theresa Lee believes that true success lies in customers willing to grow alongside the company.
From the 9/11 attacks and the financial crisis to the recent US-China trade war and global geopolitical tensions, Theresa Lee’s career reads like a modern history of international trade fluctuations. Every global upheaval has served as a real-time lesson for her, honing her ability to maintain a calm judgment in uncertainty.
Facing supply chain rearrangements and drastic geopolitical adjustments, Theresa Lee stresses that businesses must maintain a high degree of acumen. Through the five key principles of integrity, speed, accuracy, compliance, and customization, she has transformed TRK into a long-term strategic partner for clients. She believes that custom brokerage is not just about handling procedures but also guiding clients to make correct decisions in policy fog. The stable revenue growth and the breakthrough of the billion-dollar mark for the company stem from the accumulation of long-term trust.
Theresa Lee’s vision extends beyond the business realm. As a director of the Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD), managing water resources serving 100,000 residents and businesses, she has found that the core competencies of public service and business operations are interconnected. Both involve rigorous financial discipline, long-term planning, and efficient team management.
Navigating between multiple roles, Theresa Lee admits that “time management” is her biggest challenge. Whether ensuring stable water supply during droughts or balancing between company and family responsibilities, she maintains clear priorities and execution. Through her actions, she proves that women can achieve balance in multiple societal roles with a softer yet firm strength.
In Theresa Lee’s philosophy of life, the definition of success transcends mere numbers on a balance sheet. She has long been involved with the Diamond Bar Chinese Association and multiple charitable organizations, focusing on education, public safety, and marginalized groups, striving to build a stronger support network and representation for the Chinese community.
“Stand with integrity, cherish family, serve society, make the world a better place.” This is her motto and guiding principle. From a college student who accidentally entered the industry to now a female leader making a significant impact in mainstream society, Theresa Lee’s story embodies a law of success: when one combines expertise, integrity, and serving others, the shared value created will lead them towards a broader and more compassionate stage. ✦