Summerwood Scoop: Who Was John Monte?

In 2020, Summerwood experienced profound loss at every level with the sudden passing of Area Coach (AC) John M. Not only was John’s death unexpected, but because of the pandemic, our friend’s funeral was reduced to a 15-minute service, a true reflection of unique times.

“He made you feel so important; he’d see things in you that you didn’t see.” – Felecia Martinez, Restaurant Support Manager

Today, we celebrate John’s impact with our namesake John Monte Award, given annually at Summerwood’s State of the Union event.

The John Monte Award is given to a leader who shows integrity, has strong values and beliefs, and leads with the heart while putting others first.

Region Coach Carl C. says it best: “A person like John, who is bigger than life, should never be forgotten. In fact, a person like John should be memorialized so we can grow as people to be more like him.”

Loved by All

John was a Marine vet who started with Summerwood in 2004. He’s been described by colleagues with only the most complimentary words: honest, caring, considerate, insightful, jovial, charming, affable, relatable, the list goes on!

Known endearingly as one of the “good guys,” John was a role model, mentor, friend and revered leader. People gravitated toward him.

“John was admired by many,” says AC Clarence W. “He was the epitome of a servant leader.”

The John Monte Award, introduced in 2021, has helped our company heal; it’s become an outlet for us to recognize leaders who live up to our colleague’s extraordinary standards of how to engage with the world.  

“He really was one of my most favorite people — I know that many feel that way,” Lori G., Director of Marketing, says of John. “He was something special.”

John’s memory lives on! It’s an honor to receive this award — check back to find out who our next recipient is!