The Inspiring Journey of Manny Montanez: From Combat to Construction

Manny Montanez, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, shares an inspiring narrative that intertwines military service, personal discipline, and entrepreneurial success. His compelling life story begins with a profound sense of duty inspired by his uncle Santos, who fought valiantly in The Battle of The Bulge. Motivated by the ethos of service championed by figures like President John F. Kennedy—“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”—Manny enlisted at the young age of 18. His journey took him to the Republic of Vietnam from 1967 to 1970, where he honed his skills as a Tank Commander and learned invaluable lessons that later shaped his approach to business and life.

Manny’s military experience provided him with vital skills and insights that transcended the battlefield. Through the Art of War, he emphasized the principles of success, survival, and triumph. His greatest realization was rooted in discipline, closely tied to the wisdom from his grandfather. The analogy of baseball taught him that life involves numerous steps—success does not come effortlessly, and one must navigate the entire journey to achieve true fulfillment. The distillation of such life lessons equip individuals not only in military service but also in their civilian careers, solidifying the belief that every challenge faced is a step toward personal growth and achievement.

However, the reality of deployment was daunting. The prospect of leaving his loved ones to fight in a foreign land weighed heavily on Manny, forcing him to confront the fragility of life. Yet, this sense of volatility served as a catalyst for his determination. "There are many steps to survival and success in life, and you don’t get to skip any of them," he shares, emphasizing the value of resilience. This tenacity became a cornerstone of Manny’s character and later served as a driving force in his business endeavors, underscoring the critical connection between military discipline and civilian success.

After a successful 22-year corporate career, culminating as a division head at MetLife, Manny made the unconventional decision to retire in 2000. Rather than resting on his laurels, he sought greater purpose. Despite friends questioning his logic for volunteering to serve again and later starting a construction business during a recession-era economic downturn in 2008, Manny’s resolve only strengthened. "I was driving to the Long Beach VA Hospital, praying for a clear direction, and that’s when I realized I wanted to do something more impactful," he reflects, illustrating his unwavering commitment to service and community.

This moment of clarity propelled Manny toward entrepreneurship in construction, a field his family had long been involved in. Upon witnessing the extensive construction projects underway at the VA, he recognized a significant opportunity— there was a shortage of Disabled Veteran Contractors, and the VA preferred working with veterans. "God had answered my prayers," he says, marking a pivotal turn in his life. Despite the challenges, starting a construction business became a fulfilling journey where Manny could focus on mentorship, volunteerism, and connecting with the community.

Manny Montanez’s life exemplifies that true leadership embodies integrity and a commitment to service. His experience in the military has shaped his posture in business— one of presence and understanding. By concentrating on the stories of others and aiding them in their growth, he fosters a culture of support and community within his company, EG Montanez Construction Inc. His journey from combat to CEO illustrates that with resilience, faith, and dedication, it is possible to transform one’s life challenges into a thriving business, ultimately serving the greater good.