Baking Competition Multi-award Winner 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005! ©2008, Monte's Pies LLC	The Monte's Pies Story
	While a mortgage loan officer with Countrywide Home Loans, Monte's baking notoriety really spread a few years ago when he began giving his home-made goodies as closing gifts to clients and associates.  "I started getting as many thank you cards for the pies as I did for the great financing", he recalls.  "Some even suggested I open a bakery selling my treats." In 2002 he fulfilled a dream of entering the Tennessee State Fair baking competition and winning two First Place Blue Ribbons.  He had great success at the 2004 Tennessee State Fair as well, winning five ribbons out of six categories entered – including a First Place Blue Ribbon for his Peanut Butter Pie.  The 2005 competition was very important to him.  "I had been working on a pecan pie recipe for months and felt that it was finally perfect so I entered in the state fair."  The judges agreed and awarded it another First Place Blue Ribbon to add to his growing collection.  His apple pie won first place in the fruit pie category.  "That really meant alot.  Not only was I competing against all other fruit pies, but the recipe came from my mother.  I called her as soon as the winners were announced to share the exciting news.  She was proud." Finally, at the repeated urging of friends and colleagues, he started Monte's Pies with phenomenal success – completely selling out of inventory for Thanksgiving and barely able to keep up with Christmas demand.  Once the holiday season was over, Monte began selectively marketing his goods to local establishments.  "You won't find my pies just anywhere, because they're about quality, not price.  I can't, and won't, compete with the assembly line manufacturers in that arena.  But I do offer a superior product that they don't.” He has no plans to quit his day job yet but is growing Monte's Pies into a thriving small business.  "Regardless of how large the company gets, Monte's Pies will always be about quality, homemade goodness, and customer service.”