Lee Harle founded Bastrop River Company in 2012.  Since then, the business has grown to be one of the most recognized outfitters on the Lower Colorado River. It is a key component of the tourism industry in Bastrop and the Lost Pines Region.  

 

Prior to his work in river recreation and tourism, Harle was a credit analyst and commercial loan officer in Austin, Texas.  While living in Austin, he was an active member of the Young Men’s Business League and served as the treasurer for the Bridgeway Villas Condominium Owners Association where he owned a personal residence and rental properties.  During his time on the Bridgeway board, he served as project manager for a complete renovation of the neighborhood’s common areas and implemented new standard operating procedures for the board of directors. Lee developed both five and 10 year plans to insure the upkeep of the property while maintaining financial stability.  At the end of Lee’s tenure, the association was set to begin reducing dues while still subsidizing responsibilities that had historically been the burden of the individual owners (such as roof replacement, and sidewalk repairs).

 

After completing his service to Bridgeway Villas and leaving the banking business, Harle eventually found his way to Bastrop where he began renting kayaks and canoes on the Lower Colorado River.  As the business has grown, so has his involvement in the community.  He currently serves on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors where he has chaired the Governmental Affairs committee for the past 2 years.  He also has served on the City of Bastrop's Parks Board, the Downtown Business Alliance steering committee, and the Main Street promotions committee.  He was also the Parks Board representative on the city's Comprehensive Plan steering committee.

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Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a M.B.A. in general business administration from Texas Tech University.  He is a seventh generation Texan, born and raised in the rural community of Baird in west Texas.  

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