Meet Molly and Eric Lee, the Couple Who Met at the U.S. Open

You never know where you are going to meet your soulmate. For Molly and Eric Lee, their paths crossed while working at the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship at Torrey Pines, in San Diego. Eric worked for the USGA and Molly worked for Classic Tents managing the tents and hospitality. Four years later, they got married in La Quinta and began their new life together.
 
Molly grew up in Palos Verdes, while Eric grew up in Dayton, Ohio. They moved into the neighborhood on February 20th, not traveling far from Valmonte.  Growing up in Palos Verdes, Molly had friends who lived in Rolling Hills and loved friendly and laid back feel. She always wanted to have more space and a spot close to her horse. Molly always admired the work of the architect, Paul Williams and this house was the perfect fit.  Eric sent Molly the listing, the rest was history.  Now the neighborhood is home sweet home. Eric says, “We love the lifestyle and people here. .Our neighbors are the best!”
 
Pursuing Their Professions
 
When not enjoying life in the neighborhood, you can find Molly and Eric at their day jobs. Molly earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from USC’s Keck School of Medicine, majoring in Health Promotion Disease Promotion, followed by a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco.
 
Now she has her own interior design company, Molly Lee Interior Design. Working with clients all over the South Bay and in La Quinta/Palm Desert is where you will find her. Molly says, “I have always had a passion and excitement for interior design.” Before her mother passed, they enjoyed talking about design and she was always an inspiration for Molly. After her mother passed, Molly started her business. “I like to think that there is a little ‘Betsy Miller’ touch in everything I work on.”
 
“I love connecting with people,” says Molly. “We have such an amazing community and I feel like I learn and grow through each client.  It’s fun hearing stories about clients’ lives and building that connection.” She knows that homes are personal, and she aims for clients to enjoy their living space, while also elevating the design of the home.
 
As for Eric, he is a graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. After a nice career with the USGA, serving as Director of Operations for the U.S. Open Championship, Eric traded in his hat for traveling the country for a career that had him home more with his family.   Still working in Operations, Eric worked for Aztec Tents, and now Eric serves as the Director of Operations for Taylor Creative, a special event furniture rental company.
 
Meet Charlie 
 
Molly and Eric are blessed with one child, Charlie Lee. This 9-year-old is friendly, very inquisitive, and full of smiles. Molly jokes, “He’ll be knocking on your door before you know it.” This third grader attends Silver Spur, loves baseball, and plays for Intermediates Dodgers in PVLL. He has also been on the Sea Dogs Club team for the last 2 years. Eric has been his coach for Sea Dogs and Little League every year. An active child, Charlie also played flag football last year, loves to play golf at PVGC with his father and Papa, and rides his bike around the neighborhood.
 
In addition to Charlie, the Lee family also has three four-legged friends. Their Goldendoodle Rickie and Bernedoodle Stanley make their house a home. Let’s not forget Hugo, their Dutch Warmblood horse, who is a delight.
 
Family Fun 
 
“As a family, we love going to sporting events together, traveling, and entertaining friends over at our home,” says Molly. You can also find them at some of their favorite restaurants, including Red Onion, Malaga Ranch Market (Charlie’s favorite), and Bottle Inn.
 
They also like to travel. Where do they go? Hawaii is perfect for fun in the sun. They are lucky enough to have Molly’s sisters’ family close and her dad, so they love to go on a big family vacation each year.  “We went to Big Sky, Montana, for the first time last year with everyone and loved it,” says Molly. Each Thanksgiving, they like going to La Quinta with the cousins, and Charlie has a baseball tournament that weekend. “It’s fun to be out there with all of his friends,” adds Molly. “It’s a great tradition!”
 
Everyone in this family likes sports. Golf suits Eric to a tee and he enjoys playing at PVGC. As for Molly, she is passionate about riding and Pilates, which can be done in her new Pilates studio in the garden. Best of all, her horse is only one house away. Charlie enjoys baseball, football and golf. They also love watching sports. Eric’s favorite teams are the Lakers, Ohio State, and the Reds, while Molly likes USC and the Lakers. Charlie prefers to root for the 49ers.
 
Giving Back 
 
Molly and Eric have a heart for the community. They are proud to be supporters of Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance (PLCM), PVLL, and Silver Spur Elementary. Molly’s parents were heavily involved in the community and especially LCM. For over two decades, Molly’s family has sponsored the Chuck Miller Grant, giving PVPUSD teachers grants for special projects.
 
We are honored to feature Molly and Eric Lee and their son Charlie in this month’s issue. Be sure to say hello to them when you see them out and about. They would love to meet more friendly folks here in the neighborhood (and that means you!).