James “Monte” Montague Jr. is a visionary real estate developer, entrepreneur, and community builder with more than 25 years of experience revitalizing underserved neighborhoods and creating transformative, legacy-driven projects. As the founder and CEO of F7 International Development, Monte has led the successful construction and management of multimillion-dollar commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments across North Carolina. 

Born and raised in the Southgate projects of Southeast Raleigh, Monte’s journey from cutting hair in his mother’s kitchen for fifty cents to becoming one of the youngest Black general contractors in his city is a powerful testament to perseverance, faith, and purpose. His work has created economic opportunities, supported minority-owned businesses, and inspired the next generation of developers and leaders. 

Monte is especially passionate about honoring his community’s elders and protecting their right to age in place with dignity. He created Elders Peak Senior Living—a high-quality retirement community built just blocks from where he grew up—to serve as a safe haven for longtime residents at risk of being displaced by gentrification. This development reflects Monte’s unwavering commitment to preserving community and legacy. 

He is also the visionary behind F7 Blackstone Ranch, an emerging sustainable development project that blends real estate, agriculture, and wealth-building education. At the heart of this initiative lies The Blackstone Promise: Faith in Action, Nurturing the Land, Harvesting Legacy—a mission rooted in restoring land ownership and creating generational prosperity through responsible stewardship. 

Monte is the author of the newly released book Hood-Minted: How Hustle, Faith, and Fifty Cents Built an Empire, which chronicles his rise from humble beginnings to industry leadership and offers readers practical strategies for wealth-building, business development, and spiritual alignment. The book is already resonating with aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and community stakeholders nationwide. 

Monte’s mission is simple but profound: to build with purpose, lead with integrity, and leave a legacy rooted in service, ownership, and faith.