With my wife Lisa of almost 30 years, I have lived in Poway since March 1997. We raised two children in Poway who both went through the Poway Unified School system and are now college graduates from San Diego State University and the University of Denver. I am a 28-year employee of Hyatt Hotels, mostly as on-call and part-time, and am now the President of the Poway Chamber of Commerce.
About Mike Leland
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Lisa and I are both San Diego State University graduates, and we have two children, David age 25, and Lauren age 23. We have two rescue dogs, Maggie and Buddy.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been the President of the Poway Chamber of Commerce since January 2021, and I love the challenges and opportunities of this job! I most love bringing people together and developing business and personal relationships.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Seek to understand others and not make it about yourself.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years I see myself still being the President of the Poway Chamber of Commerce, and in 10 years either still the same or maybe finally retired and just a volunteer with the Chamber when I am not traveling.
Mike Leland & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We have many great restaurants in the Poway Chamber of Commerce, so I can’t single anyone out.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Poway since 1997 and worked here since 2021.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Vern Marston.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Poway Chamber of Commerce with our 72-year history.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Poway is a very special community that we had heard about during our time in San Diego, which is why we moved here.
The schools are great, and the community is very safe. There are many great outdoor activities and things to do here.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
If I could do lunch with any living non-relative, I would choose Rickey Henderson because he is my favorite baseball player of all time, and he is really funny. We would meet at one of my favorite Poway Chamber of Commerce restaurants or pubs.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Caddyshack or Shawshank Redemption, depending upon my mood for movies, and for television shows, probably good old Friends or Cheers, maybe? I’m not too serious about my TV except for sports.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I want to play in the World Series of Poker one day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Relaxing on the beach on a perfect summer day with perfect water temperature and a proper beverage.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Grandfather, my Dad, and Vern Marston all inspire me to be better.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rest, relaxation, and comfort.
