Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Montague
Hi Willie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in a small town—Morehead City, North Carolina—and raised by my mother in a single-parent home. My father was in and out of my life, but my mother, who had me at 20, was my rock. When I was two, her mother passed away, and two years later, my brother was born. From an early age, I was drawn to the church. I remember sitting with my great-grandmother as she played the organ at various churches, moments that instilled in me a deep connection to faith.
I was a shy, quiet child, often seeking solace in family rather than friends. I didn’t quite fit in but found ways to stand out—like carrying a briefcase instead of a backpack in middle school and dressing in slacks and button-downs. By high school, life brought challenges, including losing our house to a fire during my sophomore year. My brother and I also endured difficult personal experiences, but those challenges shaped my determination to make a difference.
At 16, I had a dream to start an organization. Inspired by a local figure in the community, I decided to take the initiative when mentorship opportunities didn’t come my way. With no prior experience, I researched how to start a business, gathered support from high school friends, and hosted my first gala at a seafood restaurant where I worked. That event sparked my passion for community service and leadership.
In high school, I dove into politics, serving as freshman and sophomore class president, junior advisor for athletics, and senior advisor. I stayed busy with extracurriculars and ministry, eventually moving in with a cousin and starting a ministry from their house. A college advisor later encouraged me to attend school in Oklahoma, and despite the challenges of relocating at 18 with no connections, I followed through. Those years taught me resilience as I moved frequently and worked hard to make my dream a reality.
It was during this time that the seeds for House of Timothy were planted. Inspired by the struggles my brother faced, including his battle with addiction and incarceration, I realized the need for a program to mentor, coach, and support young men. In 2009, while working in ministry and spending time in India, I began forming the concept that would later grow into House of Timothy. I housed young men in apartments and homes, creating a safe, structured environment to help them heal and thrive.
In 2011, I ran for city council in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at the age of 23—a powerful experience that deepened my passion for leadership and community service. Shortly after, I founded my first business, Gents and Co., in 2013, bringing my entrepreneurial vision to life.
After founding Gents & Co., a modern twist on vintage style, I felt proud of the progress I had made. But in 2014, life shifted. My mother required surgery, so I returned home to support her, a trip that stretched from a planned four to six weeks to nine months. During that time, I was invited to speak at a youth conference in Kissimmee, Florida, in September. That event marked a turning point. As people prayed over me, I felt a clear calling to work in Orlando. By December 2014, I relocated to Florida, and I’ve been here ever since.
The journey wasn’t easy. I worked at House of Hope, a boys’ home where residents aged out at 18. Inspired to help those beyond 18, I reimagined House of Timothy and opened a home near UCF for men ages 18 to 25. But in 2016, tragedy struck—the landlord sold the house, leaving us homeless. Despite the devastation, I pressed on, determined to continue serving young men. I began working in schools, traveling to Miami to mentor boys and feed the homeless on weekends, and returning to Orlando during the week.
That year was filled with heartbreak. In February, I lost Joseph Maldonado, affectionately known as Uncle Joe, a pillar in my life and work. The grief was compounded by the loss of our home shortly after. Yet amidst the challenges, I experienced a profound blessing: I adopted my first son, Jerome. Jerome had faced a difficult life, and adopting him on Easter Monday brought hope and joy in the midst of turmoil.
The challenges didn’t end there. In 2017, while still without stable housing, I adopted another son. We stayed in hotels, persevering through tough times. By 2019, I became increasingly involved in politics, advocating for change despite my personal struggles. I traveled, spoke at events, and engaged in the political realm—all while navigating life’s uncertainties. Many didn’t know my story, often questioning how I managed to show up and contribute while facing so many obstacles.
Despite these challenges, my vision for House of Timothy never wavered. In 2023, after years of prayer, perseverance, and the generosity of donors, we secured a house for young men ages 13 to 17. We overcame licensing hurdles in 2024 and officially reopened, ready to serve with renewed purpose.
Today, I wear many hats: a business and development coach, the founder and president of House of Timothy, and an entrepreneur. I’m passionate about helping others thrive, whether through nonprofit work, mentoring, or coaching business owners. My mission remains the same: to transform lives, build futures, and empower others to overcome their challenges and fulfill their destinies.
As I step into 2025, I am filled with gratitude and hope. This year, I’m committed to growing House of Timothy, expanding my business coaching, and surpassing lifelong goals. My story is one of faith, resilience, and overcoming the odds. I am here today because of God’s faithfulness, and I know this is just the beginning. The full story has yet to be told, and I’m excited for all that’s to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road at all. But you know what? As I was telling my story, I’m an overcomer. There have been countless moments where I’ve wondered, “What is my ultimate purpose?” Yet deep down, I know my purpose is to serve others.
Some of the greatest struggles I’ve had to overcome stem from growing up in a fatherless home. It hit me hard not having a father figure or role model to guide me. Simple things like learning how to tie a tie or shave became challenges I had to navigate with the help of other family members. I didn’t realize how deeply that impacted me until I got older and started working with youth and young adult men. That’s why I do what I do—because I want to give others what I didn’t have.
Even sharing this now brings up so many emotions, holding back tears as I reflect on everything I’ve overcome. I’ve had to face the pain of abuses—my brother and I both endured sexual abuse, which was incredibly difficult to process. I was bullied and picked on in school, never fitting in, always labeled as a nerd or “that kid.” Overcoming these experiences wasn’t easy.
The struggles didn’t end there. Struggling to start businesses. Struggling to keep them running. Struggling to manage house activities. Struggling to get people to see that we are an organization worth donating to. Each of these challenges was a part of the journey, and each tested me in ways I never expected.
But I don’t believe our struggles keep us from the promise. While the road has been far from smooth—filled with pain, setbacks, and hardships—I’ve had to overcome every step of the way. And through it all, I’ve learned that the promise is still ahead. The struggles may have hurt, but they didn’t break me. I’m still standing, and I’m still here to serve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about House of Timothy, Inc.?
House of Timothy is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit Christ-centered residential regeneration program helping young adult men between the ages, 13-17 who struggle with physical, sexual, psychological, spiritual trauma, alcohol and drug addiction, pornography and sexual addiction. This 12-month program consists of a rigorous work schedule, class work, group and individual counseling, medication (if needed), administration and implementation of spiritual practices.
What makes you happy?
Whoo, loaded question—what makes me happy? Outside of all those tear-jerking, emotional moments, what makes me happy is waking up every single day and realizing I have another opportunity to prove to myself that I can do this, to serve others, and to do better than I did yesterday, last week, last month, or even last year.
What makes me truly happy is seeing other people smile. It’s in coaching and mentoring people and hearing them say, “Willie, thank you, I really appreciate you,” or, “I love you, thank you for helping me.” That means the world to me.
There are so many young men who have come back over the years and started calling me “Pops” or “Dad” because they didn’t have that figure in their lives either. Hearing that or getting text messages that say, “Man, I really love you, thank you for helping me,” brings me so much joy.
What makes me happy is knowing that what I’m doing genuinely means something to others and is helping them improve their lives. That’s the kind of fulfillment that keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houseoftimothy.org/ & WillieJMontague.com
- Instagram: @WillieJMontague
- Facebook: @WillieJMontague
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williejmontague/
- Twitter: @WillieJMontague
- Youtube: @WillieJMontague
