Retailer Spotlight

Meet “The Mayor of Chinatown”

We’re shining the spotlight on Ken Leon for his impressive commitment to serving his community. A Retailer since our founding in 2012, Ken saw an opportunity to bridge his passion for education with affordable wireless when he was invited to the Chicago Chinatown Back to School Drive in 2014. Today, Ultra Mobile has participated in the Drive every August since, receiving the Chicago Police Department’s Outstanding Service Award. Thanks to Ken, we took the opportunity to give back in ways we never thought possible. We hope his story inspires you to embrace that next adventure!

When did you start selling Ultra Mobile? How did you hear about us?

I wanted to offer my customers affordable Long Distance Calling, and Ultra was the best option for them because Ultra offers unlimited calling to China. I reached out to a local distributor I knew and started selling Ultra Mobile in October 2012.

When did you start working with the Chicago Chinatown Back to School Drive? How did you get involved?

I started working with the event 9 years ago. I had a long-standing relationship with the Chicago Community Policing Department in my area, and they asked for local businesses to contribute. I quickly fell in love with the idea of helping my community through this event, and I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish year after year.

Describe the energy of the Chicago Chinatown Back to School Drive to someone who wants to participate.

The event is very busy and fun! The community is very engaging and we always have a great turnout. The kids look forward to the activities, and the parents appreciate the back-to-school supplies that we provide to help carry some weight off their shoulders.

What inspires you to give back to your community in this way?

The community here is very special to me. I’ve seen these children grow up, go to school, and then come back to the community as successful adults. I’m a huge fan of education, and I feel that helping children in this fashion gives them an added advantage. Not all families are in a position to provide for their children’s school needs every year, so we try our best to give them a helping, supportive hand.

Do you have advice to share with the Ultra Retailer Community about helping our own students, teachers and neighbors during this time of year?

I would recommend getting in touch with your local school, library, alderman and police department. Ask them for volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to understand the needs of the community, not just during the back-toschool season but year-round. Our community is vital to our success, so we have to engage to reciprocate the support.

What are you most looking forward to as you continue to work with Ultra Mobile?

The continued support that I have received from Ultra in the last 11 years has been unmatched! I’m excited to see what the future holds as Ultra continues to grow as a leader in the telecom industry and as a staple throughout the communities. I am confident that our partnership will continue to thrive as we continue to focus on doing good.