Julie Montague the Chief Operating Officer of Creole Fried Chicken LLC – by Steven J. Austin
Julia Montague
Chief Operating Officer, Creole Fried Chicken LLC
Most tasks and adventures using a ladder begin at its bottom. In the petroleum industry, the climb up that corporate lad-der by Julie Montague represents a story that is both intriguing and inspiring. Growing up in Petal, Mississippi, with two brothers (Jason and Jerald) and two sisters (Janet and Jeanie), Julie Montague will smile and tell you that it was a bit of a challenge at times. She said, “We lived in a small two-bedroom, one bathroom house located in a quiet neigh-borhood. With our parents Jerry and Jean, that means seven people on top of each other most of the time. But I’d never change it for the world. The great part of it was that you were never lonely. We didn’t have a lot of money, but the house was filled with love. Always. Jason and I were the most mischievous. He instigated all the trouble. He may deny that but trust me!”
During her junior and senior years at Petal High Schooljulie worked full time at a local convenience store, Greentree, as part of the school’s DECA program. Julie explained, “DECA helps prepare young people for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and other professions. You could take all your classes and work whenever you wanted to, as many hours as you could fit in. moon a cashier and worked in the kitchen preparing hot food. I loved it from day one, and I always enjoyed helping my neighbors, friends, and other customers.”
After graduation in 1984, Julie was offered several scholarships to continue her education, but decided not to go to college. She said, “For sure I thought about it. However, I was really hooked on retail. I got a call from Mike Smith, Manager of a nearby Junior Food Mart. I was thrilled at the opportunity and began to work for him in Hattiesburg, as the assistant manager. In Dumber 1985, I was promoted to a manager and moved to a different JFM store in Hattiesburg.”
The next step up the ladder occurred in May 1990 when Julie was promoted again, this time to Operations Manager over 13 stores and their managers. Julie said, “There were 11 stores in Hattiesburg, one in Richton and another in Wiggins. Travel was limited except for company meetings that would take place in different places. At this point it really hit me that I was in an industry with a very bright future. Everyone at JFM treated me so well. I learned that hard work pays off. Yes, you earn more money. And you also earn the respect of your bosses, your coworkers, and your peers in the industry … from competitors to vendors. I was learning something new every single day. I was on my way.”
In spring 1997, Julie was promoted to Regional Operations Manager in the JFM South Region, with responsibilities for 35 stores throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and northwest Florida. “Lots of travel but I liked it,” said Julie. “There were times I would visit a location and a dozen things needed attention. Everything from a human resources issue to dealing with a local vendor who was not providing the service we expected. Then you go to another store and it’s one simple item that needs attention. Everyday was different and interesting.”
With her professional life moving along at a rapid pace, Julie still found time for socializing beyond the JFM universe. She explained, “I was living in an apartment in Petal. I had just bought a new car and drove home after playing in a softball tournament. When I was getting out of the shower, I heard a noise outside near my car. I was dressed but my hair was wrapped in a towel. It was the sound of a car door closing, and I was worried it was my vehicle. When I opened the door to look, I saw a handsome young man standing next to his sports car, speaking to an older woman. I said “Hey,” and went on about my business. The next day I learned that he was speaking to his grandmother, who owned the four apartments. I had been living there for six months and had never seen this guy before.”
The young man, visits to grandma increased. No wonder why,. Julie and firefighter Tracy finally met during the summer of 1988. Julie said, “Our initial date was a Petal High School football game. The next date we went to see Die Hard, the first one.” The couple got engaged in November 1989, tying the knot the following April. Daughter, Marlee Miller, was born in March 1992. Son, Josh, followed in March 1994. Tracy is retired from the Hattiesburg Fire Department and is Vice President of Redline Safety. Marlee is a deputy tax collector for Forrest County. Her husband, Connor, is a United States Marine currently deployed in Japan. When he is home, Connor is a deputy sheriff for Pearl River County. Their daughter, Lottie, will be two years old soon, and they are expecting a boy in December. Josh is the warehouse manager for Southern Beverage in Hattiesburg. Ladies, he, single.
In 2003 Julie became Vice President of Operations, then in 2014 she assumed her new position as Vice President of Stores and Marketing. “I’ve had some great mentors, men and women,” said Julie. “Some of them taught me things I should never do. That’s vital. I have been a sponge for their knowledge and experiences and am so grateful for their help. I know that there are more men executives in our industry, but I think many people would be pleasantly surprised to learn how many women are now at the top. I never felt different because I am a woman. Truly blessed.”
In the fall of 2022 Julie got a call from JFM president, Drew Bryant. “Creole Fried Chicken was the creation of JFM in the late `70s,” explained Julie. “He said he wanted to separate Junior Food Mart and Creole Fried Chicken into two companies. Creole Fried Chicken LLC was created as a licensing company, and he asked if I wanted to run the entire operation. I was thrilled and honored. I had never been in direct sales, but I love interacting with people and certainly knew the business inside and out. Most importantly, I was very passionate about the Creole Fried Chicken brand.”
Since Creole Fried Chicken began licensing the brand, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Julie said, “With more than 14 new licensees on board, the growth has been remarkable. The restaurant quality of the chicken is undeniably amazing, but what truly attracts partner operators is the combination of guarantee( territories, low costs, and comprehensive support. This winning model empowers operators to achieve impressive levels of volume and profitability over the long term, making CFC’s licensing opportunity attractive and rewarding.”
In today’s business landscape, maintaining a high-volume and highly profitable foodservice program has become crucial, especially given the challenges of declining cigarette sales and rising labor costs. Achieving long-term success in the food industry can be incredibly difficult, but that’s where our company’s value lies. We offer an additional and thick layer of sup-port to assist businesses in thriving over the long run. With our assistance, businesses can navigate the complexities of the food-service market and ensure sustained success for their operations.”
When not working and loving on their granddaughter, you can find Julie and Tracy scuba diving in the Caribbean and wherever the water is sparkling blue. Julie said, “It’s just a totally different world under water. I really don’t know if we belong there. It is an amazing and spiritual experience.” The couple also enjoys golf, pickleball, and visits to Universal Studios in Orlando.
Julie was a MPMCSA Director at Large in 2017. She said, “I am so proud of our association. So many great members. And Philip and Patches are very special.” In 2017 Julie was chosen as one of the top female leaders in the industry by Convenience Store News.
Before you know it, Julie will celebrate her 42nd year in the business. “When I think back about everything that has occurred, I can hardly believe it. That lad-der was placed in front of me. I’m happy I took that first step.”
Contact Julie: [email protected].