Facing Your Fears with Rodney Fong

“All of the other things that I have done before just bubble up into this one particular moment in time.” 

That’s how Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, describes getting ready for the challenge he faces today – leading his 170-year-old organization during COVID-19, which has caused unemployment rates to soar and many businesses struggling to survive.
 
Rodney shares his career and personal journey, including his lifelong challenges with dyslexia. Throughout his journey, Rodney has directly faced his fears, which has made him the person and leader he is today. It’s an inspiring story that reminds us of the importance of believing in yourself and being a strong, passionate leadership in times of crisis. 

Meet the Guest
Rodney Fong, President & CEO at San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and President of Fong Real Estate Company, is a native San Franciscan and a third generation operator/owner of the world famous Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, where he had served as President. He is also the President of Fong Real Estate Company, overseeing leasing and tenant concerns for the properties, such as the 100,000 square foot Wax Museum Entertainment Complex building in the heart of historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Broadway Apartments.

Rodney has been working in the tourism and hospitality business since he was a child. Early in his career, he was responsible for the daily operations and management technique at the Wax Museum, a world-renowned tourist attraction. He eventually made marketing his main focus, gradually learning the concepts, strategies and procedures of that profession. Rodney not only directed marketing activities for the enterprises, but also came to oversee all operational and management issues. He eventually managed the successful sale of the Wax Museum in 2013.  Rodney still maintains ownership of the property and manages all leasing and property management activities.  

Rodney has been active and held office in a wide variety of civic, tourist and travel-related organizations including currently serving as the President of the San Francisco Planning Commission and also formerly served as President of the San Francisco Port Commission. In 2009 he became Chair of the San Francisco Travel Association and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California Travel Industry Association, the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Fort Mason, Fisherman’s Wharf Merchant’s Association, Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (in which he was a founding member), Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, and the Bay Institute.  Rodney is the Director of the Fong Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization created by his grandparents to benefit many worthwhile social services in the City, and was honored by the City and County of San Francisco as part of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Links
To learn more about the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, visit: SFChamber.com