John Montague

Hello, I'm John Montague, a Minneapolis entrepreneur. I have lived and worked in the Twin Cities for my entire life. In 2007, I founded 40 Ventures with a goal to help fund and build forty new companies before I retire. In Minnesota, we are lagging most of the nation in entrepreneurial activity, venture funding, and economic development related to start-ups. As someone who loves my hometown and its people, I am committed to do whatever I can to help improve our entrepreneurial, creative and financial communities.

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John Montague, Founder and Manaing Partner of 40 Ventures, is an innovative, entrepreneurial-minded executive with experience in all aspects of creating, developing and growing innovative businesses. His primary areas of expertise include strategy, branding, business development, marketing and sales. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to drive revenue in competitive markets with efficient use of capital and resources. He possesses a powerful combination of right-brain creativity (vision) and left-brain business acumen (execution).

Vice President at TripleTree

October 2011 - October 2012

TripleTree is an independent advisor focused on mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring and principal investing services. For over a decade, the firm has worked with high-growth, innovative businesses in healthcare and other industries.

Vice President at Warm Health

August 2009 - May 2011

Warm Health is an innovative healthcare services company with an integrated IVR telephony and Web-based technology solution that enables efficient communications and care management between payers, providers and patients. Responsible for a variety of sales, marketing and business development activities.

Founder and CEO at Muve (Mayo Medical Ventures)

February 2007 - August 2009

In 2005, the Mayo Clinic concluded a comprehensive 10-year study on obesity. Muve was founded in 2007 to commercialize weight loss/management products, services and programs leveraging the intellectual property that resulted from this landmark study. Muve was honored with the 2007 Minnesota Cup Award as the state's top "breakthrough" company. Responsible for all aspects of building the business with a focus on the creative vision, strategic planning, fund-raising, "Gruve" product design and development, industry/media relations, marketing and sales.

Founder and CEO at GOLF Intelligence, Inc. / National Golf Network

February 2000 - January 2007

GOLF Intelligence built the first and foremost online community in the golf industry, National Golf Network (www.NGN.com), that connects millions of golfers with golf clubs, courses and retailers throughout North America. Responsible for all aspects of the business with a focus on the creative vision, strategic planning, fund-raising, product design and development, industry/media relations, marketing and sales. Founded the company, raised capital, designed and built Web-based software product, drove marketing and sales, established market leadership, acquired and merged two competitors, and sold the combined entity.

Director of Marketing, Director of Investor Relations, Channel Sales Manager, Practice Lead at Zamba Solutions / Technology Solutions Company

March 1997 - February 2000

A pioneer in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, systems integration and services industry with expertise in technology-enabled sales, marketing, and customer care. Responsible for all marketing communications, public/media/investor relations and channel sales operations. Created, developed and managed the firm's Branding and Customer Experience practice, serving as a billable consultant with key accounts.

Account Executive, Director of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at Colle + McVoy

January 1995 - March 1997

An integrated marketing communications agency. Assisted in the management and planning of key agency accounts. Consulted agency's service integration strategy and development of interactive media practice. Served as member of business development team. Created, built and managed a new practice delivering innovative integrated marketing solutions in the sports and entertainment industries.

Account Executive, Institutional Sales at Paine Webber

June 1993 - January 1995

Responsible for business development and sales of securities to institutional clients. Youngest member of institutional sales team and President's Club honors. Collaborated with investment banking and research groups to create, write and distribute "Objectiviti" newsletter covering the rapidly developing technology industry. Founded ICE (Interactive Content Expo) which became the largest technology industry conference and trade show in the Midwest.

Trader, Analyst, Financial Markets Division at Cargill

June 1991 - June 1993

Recipient of MacMillan Economic Fellowship while attending the University of Minnesota. Worked as analyst supporting portfolio manager in the summer after junior year and retained to work as a full-time trader during senior year. Developed and executed macro-economic trading strategies in the global equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets. Created and built regression analysis software. Attracted interest of world-renowned trader and economist George Soros.

Co-Founder, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at ASPIRE Beverage Company

November 2012

ASPIRE Beverage Company manufactures all-natural drinks that are formulated for active children, adolescents and young adults including the great-tasting FIRE, ICE and STORM sports drinks that provide pure performance enhancement and health benefits with B vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes. All good stuff, no junk. ASPIRE to greatness.

Writer and Producer at Origin Entertainment

October 2012

Origin Entertainment is a broad-based film and television production company focused on producing transformative entertainment. It is comprised of experienced, creative professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on the industry and the modern world through entertainment. The company is actively producing a slate of feature films including A GUY CALLED MICHAEL EGAN, written by John Montague, which is planned to begin principal photography in 2013.

Managing Partner at 40 Ventures

March 2008

A beautiful thing happens when a startup succeeds. Dreams are realized, problems are solved, jobs are created, customers are served, profits are reported, taxes are paid, and investors are rewarded. We think this should happen more often. 40 Ventures provides consulting services to empower high potential ventures with the experience, expertise, systems, and practices that are essential for success.

Golf, soccer, hockey, boating, sailing, biking, travel, screenwriting, filmmaking and music.