“We are a real community of like-minded people who love the basin and are socially responsible business men and women.”
Tahoe native, Leon Abravanel, is the CEO and founder of Tahoe Event Company and co-founder of the recent Tahoe Together 2020 campaign, which created and sold apparel to raise money for locals in need during COVID-19. Leon is also very involved as a volunteer in the community with the Meyers Advisory Council, the STHS Boys Varsity Soccer team, and more.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Leon Abravanel!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
Started the company on the premise that Tahoe is the best place in the world to host events. I built the company with the help of many amazing Tahoe locals. Currently growing the company through expanding our depth (we are running large events now) and breadth of events (example: we are now running a Mountain Bike Festival called “Galena Fest”). My wife, Kree, and I run the company (she is obviously the true boss!).
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Founding “Tahoe Together 2020” (www.tahoe-together.org) with my wife, Heidi Hill-Drum @ Tahoe Prosperity Center & the talented artists @ Rise Designs. We created and sold apparel to raise money for locals in need during COVID-19. The momentum was surprising and impressive – we had a lot of orders from all over the state and raised a nice chunk of money too!
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“Growth Mindset”
“You get what you give”
“You only have one life….the time is now”
Who is your role model?
My wife, Kristen Abravanel.
My dad, Asher Abravanel.
My late mother, Gretchen Abravanel.
My 8-month-old baby girl, Sunny Ray Abravanel.
And, everyone I work with — regardless of whether we realize it, everyone is leading by an example; some better than others; but I like to learn from each interaction I have.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I LOVE TAHOE, and I love running events in Tahoe (corporate, sports, festivals, etc).
For me, Tahoe is the best place in the world to live and raise a family. The people, the lifestyle, the opportunities. We are a real community of like-minded people who love the basin and are socially responsible business men and women.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I love to volunteer and work on Boards (I have an MBA in Organizational Leadership, so email me if there are non-profits who are looking for a board member like me…happy to see if it is the right fit). Here are my volunteer activities:
Chairman of the “Meyers Advisory Council”
Member of “CEDAC” (El Dorado County)
Founder of “Tahoe Together 2020” www.tahoe-together.org
Co-Founder of southlaketahoecensus.com
Founder of “Juggle The World” – 501c3
STHS Boys Varsity Soccer Coach (2018/19)
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Family, friends, golf, soccer, biking, skiing, bbq-ing, starting businesses
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
The Lake, Lake Barron, the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe Golf Course, Edgewood, Tahoe Paradise Golf Course, Aleworx, Verde, South Tahoe Crossfit, Artemis, Steamers for Tacos.