Interview

Lee Krajian is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategist whose journey spans marketing, sports licensing, and fintech. He began his career in Los Angeles, running a promotional marketing agency focused on entertainment, ski, and cosmetic brands, before co-founding Fotoball in 1989 — a pioneering sports-licensed merchandise company that marked the start of a long entrepreneurial path. Over the years, he transitioned into consumer finance and payment technology, founding companies such as Alternative Capital Solutions Associates (ACS) and EncompassPay, where he developed innovative, compliant models for point of sale financing and “Faircharging” — a legal/compliant way for businesses to mitigate the costs typically associated with standard merchant processing.

Today, Lee Krajian is not only a driving force behind several businesses represented at Board of Advisors, but also one of its quiet mentors: a steady presence who helps new members find their footing, make connections, and feeling part of the BA family. Living between Cardiff by the Sea, CA., Lake Tahoe, and Tuscany, he embodies the balance between discipline and freedom, work and gratitude.

Q: For those who don’t know you, tell us a bit about who you are.

I’ve always subscribed to what I call the “Who was that masked man?” mentality. Like the Lone Ranger. Nobody really knew who he is or what he does, but you know he’s a good guy and he takes care of things.

None of what I’ve done in my career was really planned. My entrepreneurial journey started young, like most of us, shoveling snow, mowing lawns, and delivering newspapers. I grew up in Philadelphia, but I always knew there was more to see beyond Philly.

I went to college for two years, and it felt like a sentence. Everyone in my family is a doctor. I’ve got seven first cousins, all doctors. Some are married to doctors, and some of their kids are doctors. Our family reunions feel like mini AMA conventions. And then there’s me, the black sheep or whatever color is darker than black.

I told my family I was getting my PhD, and they were thrilled—at first. Then I said, “I’m moving to Breckenridge and getting my PhD in skiing.”

No one laughed!

In my family that was akin to being charged with a capital crime. That turned out to be the best move I ever made and opened the door(s) to what would follow.

I’m proud of my roots. I’m Armenian by heritage, and I think that makes us resilient. Like the Jewish people, we’ve endured genocide and learned to be resilient and adapt. More Armenians and Jews live outside their homelands than within. We’re known as good businesspeople, and that’s in my DNA.

So here I am today: I live in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, San Diego; Crystal Bay, Nevada (Tahoe); and Chianti, Tuscany. Who could plan that? People say, “That’s my dream life,” and I just smile, because it’s mine too. That said, I pinch myself every day.

Every business I’ve built has been the next step up from the previous one. I’ve found that what really drives me and my lifestyle are businesses with recurring revenue. I like to say, “I enjoy building bridges and put up toll booths.”

Q: That really is true freedom. At this point in your life, what keeps you feeling so energized and fulfilled?

Exactly. I’m seventy-two years old, and I feel great. I just spent about 100 days in Italy this spring, summer, and fall.

I take good care of myself, though Italy tests my discipline. I always leave with a gelato-a-day habit and a diet that suddenly includes gluten and dairy, things I don’t typically consume in the U.S., but that’s part of the joy of being there.

Every day is a gift. Nobody gets tomorrow promised, not you, not me, not anyone. I wake up grateful and treat gratitude as my best friend.

Q: How did your journey with Board of Advisors begin, and what are you working on today?

It all started with RJ Palano, a long standing BA member and a decades long friend. I called RJ to wish him a happy birthday, and during the course of our conversation he said, “have I ever told you about BA?” I said no, and he said, “you need to come.” So I did. That was six or seven years ago, and I’ve been part of the BA family ever since.

From the very first meeting, I was hooked. BA isn’t just a business network; it’s a family. The relationships, community, energy, and the exchange of ideas are something you can’t really describe until you experience them.

I think I’ve only missed one or two meetings. Every time I walk into that room, I walk out smarter and a better version of myself on many levels.

At that time, and still today, my core business is Alternative Capital Solutions Associates (ACS Associates). We provide financing for companies that sell products or services to consumers and want to offer payment options at checkout. For example, if someone wants to buy a $10,000 training course but can’t pay the full amount upfront, we finance the transaction so the coach can make the sale.

Then there’s my boutique insurance business with Barry Meyer, where we provide life insurance, key man and buy/sell policies for BA members and other business owners.

I also have EncompassPay, a payment-processing company focused on what we call “Faircharging”, a transparent, compliant way for merchants to offset the bulk of their credit-card fees. Customers who pay with credit cards cover the fee, while debit, ACH, and cash transactions remain fee-free.

All three businesses, ACS Associates, EncompassPay and Oceans Financial are members of BA now. I love being there. It’s not just business; it’s a community of people who challenge, support, and inspire each other to keep building.

Q: How do you feel about personal branding now?

Honestly, I’m a total beginner. The only social media I use is LinkedIn. No Facebook, Instagram or anything else. Somehow, I’ve managed to succeed without it.

That said, I understand that when someone researches me after meeting me, there should be a solid representation there. I don’t want or need sizzle videos or fancy cars. That’s just not who I am. Still, polishing my LinkedIn profile and adding interviews or posting content seems like a smart move.

Most of my business comes from referrals. I don’t advertise or do any marketing. However, I realize that for people discovering me for the first time, having an online presence that reflects who I am, someone accomplished, trustworthy and approachable is important.

Somehow, I’ve succeeded in spite of myself, but I realize there’s a middle ground between being off the radar and being a “titan of industry.” One thing about being an entrepreneur is that there’s always room for growth and improvement.

Q: Italy seems to hold a special place in your life. What is it about living there that resonates with you the most?

Italy is my happy place. I spend about a hundred days there each year, usually in Chianti, Tuscany. I ride my bike almost every day there.

I don’t eat as cleanly there, but that’s part of the charm and fun of immersing yourself in the local culture. The landscape, the food, and the rhythm of life are all captivating and habit-forming. Addictive, really.

Often described as a quiet mentor, Lee Krajian has become something of a docent within the Board of Advisors community. He helps newcomers understand the landscape, find their footing, and connect with the right people. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his steady presence and openness make him a trusted guide for those experiencing BA for the first time.

Q: You’ve been in BA for years. What would you like new members to know about you?

The beauty of BA is that it genuinely feels like a family. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in that room, it probably doesn’t exist.

I like to be a resource for people, whether it directly benefits me or not. Over the years, I’ve met so many first-time members who walk in, pick up their badge, and just stand there with that deer in the headlights look. It’s a lot to take in, like drinking out of the proverbial firehose.

So I make a point to slow things down for them. I’ll say, “Take a breath. You’re in the right place.” I’ll introduce them around, help them find their footing, and show them how to navigate that first overwhelming experience.

I’m not the guy who’s always grabbing the microphone or raising my hand, but I am someone you can come to. I’d like new members to see me as approachable, someone who can help them integrate, connect, and make BA feel manageable rather than intimidating.

If I can mentor even a few of the new faces, help them understand what to expect and how to make the most of the amazing BA community, then that’s time well spent. That’s what family is about.