Ken is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur...
and marketing expert in traditional, digital and social media catering many industries, with niche skill sets in the Automotive, Professional Services, Non-Profit and Special Event verticals.
Ken offers a unique blend of local and national marketing experiences in sales, sales management and executive level positions with leading media corporations (Landmark Communications, Trader Publishing & Cox Enterprises), including five (5) Startups.
He earned the opportunity to be part of an eight person team that launched AutoTrader.com, to the point of profitability. He later held executive positions with Stoneage Media/Car.com, an Inc. 500 fastest growing business, Autobytel, Dealer.com and Search Optics, Inc.
Today, he owns and operates AdImpact.Marketing, personally consulting and leading a team of consultants, working on behalf of clients as their in-house fractional CMO and Marketing Director.
While Ken participates on several company boards, he & his wife Laurie, dedicate themselves to their church, kids, parents, family and friends and are “plugged into” the fabric of the Hampton Roads community as life-long residents.
Feel free to go research him!
Milestones and Highlights
1987
Served in mid to executive level positions with leading media corporations (Landmark Communications, Trader Publishing & Cox Enterprises), including five (5) startups.
1997
Selected to join a team of 8 pioneers that launched AutoTrader.com, to the point of profitability.
2003
Co-led Stoneage Media/Car.com team to propel into one of Inc.’s 500 fastest growing private companies, later acquired by publicly traded Autobytel / Autoweb, Inc.
2005
Accepted the role of VP Sales & Business Development for Dealer.com leading revenue generating initiatives, developed structure and created business positioning for its acquisition by Cox Automotive.
2008
Launched AdImpact.Marketing and delivered first annual PingPongforCHARITY™ Events
2010
Created a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit and formalized The PingPong.GIVES Charity Foundation.
2018
The Board of the PingPongGIVES Foundaton recognizes Ken Lees for 10 years of hard work, passion and dedication.
2019
Ken received Gordan Christie Volunteer of the Year Recognition from PiN Ministry. Watch presentation here.
2020
Ken Lees, '85 Campbell University grad, special guest speaker for Campbell's Business and Entrepreneurship classes
2021
Coastal Virginia Non-Profit of The Year Award presented the PingPong.GIVES Charity Foundation
and
Retail Roundup Interview with Ken Lees, a Podcast Presented by The Retail Allianceand
2022 and 2023
PingPongforCHARITY adds The Ability Center and FACT Autms Resource as its 10th and 11th Charity Partner Beneficiaries.
2024
Ken selected as Steering Committee Member for newly launched Youth Sports and Mental Health Alliance.