TLG Foundation

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life—providing career advancement programs, educational opportunities, and reintegration resources—while simultaneously promoting financial literacy in underserved communities through workshops, toolkits, and targeted grants, equipping all individuals with the skills and support they need to achieve lasting economic stability and personal success.

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FOUNDER AND CEO

Eugene 'Gene' Lee

Eugene Lee is the driving force behind TLG Development LLC and its sister company, TLG Management LLC—both minority- and veteran-owned firms dedicated to revitalizing Chicago’s South Side through strategic property acquisition, hands-on management, and thoughtful community investment. An 11-year U.S. Army combat veteran, Eugene served as an Infantryman, Cavalry Scout, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Commander, and Field Artillery Section Chief, including a deployment to Ghazni Province, Afghanistan (2011–12) where he earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. His military career instilled in him discipline, resilience, and a mission-first mindset that now fuels both his business leadership and civic engagement.

Raised on Detroit’s East Side without early access to financial education, Eugene struggled to navigate credit, savings, and wealth-building—challenges shared by many in underserved neighborhoods. Discovering the power of reading and self-education, he mastered personal finance principles and turned to real estate as a vehicle for generational wealth creation. By bootstrapping TLG to $5 million in assets under management—without outside investors—he has proven that strategic vision and relentless perseverance can overcome systemic barriers.

Beyond his real estate ventures, Eugene is committed to empowering fellow veterans and underserved communities. Through TLG Foundation, he champions veteran career reintegration and financial literacy initiatives, and he serves on the Chicago Department of Housing Advisory Committee on Renters’ Rights. Whether in boardrooms or classrooms, Eugene Lee’s personal journey—from combat zones to community revival—drives his mission to create opportunity, equity, and long-term prosperity for all.

Explore Our Programs

1. Veteran Career Transition & Mentorship Program

What it is: A 12-week cohort-based initiative pairing recently transitioned veterans with industry mentors.
Key Activities:

Weekly workshops on resume building, interview skills, and LinkedIn branding
One-on-one mentorship sessions with corporate and small-business leaders
Hiring fairs exclusive to program graduates
Impact: 80% job-placement rate within six months; strengthened corporate-veteran partnerships.

2. Skills Accelerator Bootcamps for Veterans

What it is: Short, intensive training tracks (4–6 weeks) in high-demand fields: IT helpdesk, project management, real estate operations.
Key Activities:

Hands-on labs led by subject-matter experts
Certification exam sponsorships (e.g., CompTIA, PMP)
Employer “demo days” to showcase graduate skill sets
Impact: Accelerated earning potential; bridge programs into high-growth sectors.

3. Community Financial Literacy Workshop Series

What it is: Free, monthly workshops hosted at neighborhood centers across Chicago’s South Side.
Key Activities:

“Money Basics” modules: budgeting, credit scores, debt management
“Own Your Future” sessions: home-buying, small-business startup, retirement planning
Local partner booths offering one-on-one counseling
Impact: 500+ residents served annually; 40% report improved credit scores within a year.

4. Financial Education Ambassador Program

What it is: A “train-the-trainer” model to certify community volunteers as peer educators.
Key Activities:

3-day certification retreat covering adult learning methods and financial curricula
Ongoing support calls and a digital resource library
Micro-grants to Ambassadors to host local events
Impact: Creates sustainable, grassroots delivery of financial education in 10+ neighborhoods.

5. Veteran Entrepreneurship & Micro-Grant Fund

What it is: Seed grants ($2K–$5K) and pro-bono consulting for veteran-led startups.
Key Activities:

Quarterly pitch competitions judged by local investors
Legal, accounting, and marketing clinic days
Alumni network for peer support and co-working space access
Impact: 30 new veteran-owned ventures launched; 70% remain active after two years.

6. Youth Financial Empowerment Summer Camps

What it is: Two-week day camps for high-school students in underserved areas.
Key Activities:

Interactive games on saving and investing
Field trips to banks, credit unions, and real-estate sites
Capstone “Shark-Tank” style presentations with faux budgets
Impact: Fosters early financial confidence; 90% of campers express intent to save regularly.

TLG Foundation empowers veterans through career and transition support while advancing financial literacy in underserved communities to foster economic stability and opportunity.