Portrait of a Lady - Lynette Montes

Where are you from? 
Originally, Wisconsin in a small town of 300 called Kingston.  I moved to Oshkosh for school after high school and eventually ended up in the Quad Cities for work but now reside in Asbury.

What did you do before?  
I was a General Manager for the Davenport Country Inn & Suites for 4 years, but I have worked in the hospitality field for 12 years.  9 of the 12 were with Tharaldson Lodging were I started as an intern on the front desk and worked my way up to Management.

What brought you to your current position? 
My husband worked for Wells Fargo Financial and was promoted to a Branch Manager in Dubuque so we decided to relocate.  I drove to Davenport for 3 months but could not continue the commute and accepted work in Dubuque.  Fortunately, I found that the Galena Country Inn & Suites was looking for a General Manager so I applied and could not be happier to be working there!

What has been the most interesting aspect of your work? 
The people!

What has been your biggest challenge? 
Adapting to Destination location vs. Corporate.  I enjoy the challenge everyday, it really keeps things interesting.

Tell me about your family. 
My husband is originally from California and was recruited to Iowa for football.  We both moved to Davenport for work and met through a mutual friend. 

Any pets? 
One dog (beagle) 5 years old named Sandler Bing Montes (my baby).

Who are you inspired by? 
My mother, she can do it all.  I wish I would of paid more attention growing up so I could cook, sew, etc... like she does.

Favorite Movie? 
Happy Gilmore, I am a big fan of Adam Sandler (named our dog after him).

What is in your refrigerator? 
Milk, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, bread, etc... nothing exciting just the basics.

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party dead or alive, who would you invite?  
Adam Sandler, of course.

What is your favorite vacation spot?  
Anywhere with warm beaches.  Will be in Aruba January 17-24, 2009.

Your favorite pastime is... 
Wii

What has been your largest personal challenge? 
My independence, it can be very lonely to move from town to town for work.  I feel like I missed out on a lot of time with my family and friends.

What are you most proud of? 
My independence, I think I have learned to adapt to any environment and am able to overcome tough obstacles now.  I have also made a lot of good friends along the way.

Are you living your dream?  
I believe so... all anyone can ask for is to be happy and I am definitely a very happy and thankful person!