Meet OC Executive of the Month Wing Lam

It can be argued that no Orange County executive personifies the relaxed essence of Southern California better than Wing Lam.  While this image may be outwardly cultivated by the fact that you are more likely to see him in a T-shirt and jeans instead of a suit and tie, the CEO of the iconic Wahoo’s Fish Taco captures the true spirit of the Southland by constantly striving to be an integral part of the community at large in its many forms.  This is why Wahoo’s has been such a runaway success since its original Costa Mesa location opened in 1988; under Lam’s humble vision and guidance, his chain of more than sixty restaurants has taken the uniquely familial bond found in SoCal surf culture and infused it into a dining concept that perpetually brings people from all walks of life together through its friendly ambience and killer food.  

OC Executive recently sat down with Wing to talk about his journey to finding success with Wahoo’s, as well as some of the ways he has enjoyed his achievements.

OCE: What did you want to be as a kid?

WL:  An air force pilot.  I wanted to be the world’s best Wingman growing up. 

OCE: What was your first job?

WL:  When I was a kid, I helped out as a dishwasher at my parent’s restaurant, Shanghai Pan Garden.  My first paying job was a YEPS Junior Lifeguard for the City of Newport Beach.

OCE: How many industries have you been a part of?

WL:  I’ve been involved in the aerospace industry, the hospitality industry, financial services, and education over the years.

OCE: When did you figure out what you wanted to do?

WL: In 1988.  I was tired with the whole Corporate America thing, so my brothers and I were looking to do something with our surf friends.  We came up with the idea for Wahoo’s, and I found the perfect restaurant location while looking for investment opportunities.

OCE: When did you feel that you “made it” as an executive?

WL: I guess when I received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001.  In a way, it felt like the scene in the Wizard of Oz; you are not smart or accomplished until someone gives you a degree or an award.  

OCE: What do you enjoy most about what you do now?

WL: The freedom to do what I love and the ability to create a work environment where people feel the same way I do.  Although I really enjoy hearing people come up to me and say, “Man I love Wahoo’s!”  To me, that tells me that Wahoo’s an important part of the community, which is exactly what I want to create.

OCE: What would you want to do if you weren’t doing what you do now?

WL: I would be teaching full time.  Because of the business, I can only teach part time at Concordia and Chapman Universities.

OCE: Is there a person or people that inspire you to remain at the top of your game?

WL:  My friends Noah McMahon and Hal Burg; my business partners Ed, Mingo, Steve and Tom; and my wife Kelly and my son Greg.

OCE: What are your favorite hobbies?

WL:  I’m into surfing, yoga, golfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and eating.

OCE: Where is the one city/country you love to travel to?

WL:  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

OCE: If there would be anything you would love to own, what would it be and why?

WL:  I’d love to own a big sailboat.  It would be great to just be able to cruise around the ocean with friends and family. 

OCE: What is the one thing you do own that reminds you of your success?

WL:  My beach house.

OCE:  What is your one guilty pleasure?

WL:  I love going to visit wineries with my wife and friends.