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It is my pleasure to write this recommendation for Whitley LaMontagne. As a Human Resources professional with 25+ years of experience, I have hired numerous C-suite executives, Directors, and managers. I have to say Whitley is one of my most excellent hires ever!! Yes, Whitley checked all the boxes as the candidate of choice for my open position. What stood out was his ability to articulate how he would transform our organization's training & development, culture, and employee engagement, which he provided six months, year, and 5-year projects. Most individuals sell you on an idea but utilize existing industry platforms/systems that are costly; they own the rights. He designed, implemented, and trained end users on his initiatives, which is a cost savings to the organization. In addition to Whitley's intellect and exemplary work performance, he can converse and relate to individuals from C-Suite to frontline workers. His ability to buy in on all levels and execute the vision for end users/customers is rare. Whitley possesses a true knowledge of all facets of any organization, such as (HR, Finance, People/Culture, Sales, Training/Development, and Strategic Planning beyond his years; he functions at a high level with the mindset of a VP / President. He is an asset to any organization!!

Whit- I’ve had the pleasure of working with you for a year and a half, and I can honestly say it’s been an incredible experience. Your strengths are countless, but what really stands out is your humility and willingness to tackle anything, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s training, rolling up your sleeves and working in the shops, or leading a grand opening project, you’ve shown time and again that you’re not only capable but also genuinely dedicated to seeing things through. Your approach to problem-solving is thoughtful and collaborative. You don’t rush into decisions, and you always ensure that every voice is heard, which makes working with you feel like a true partnership. It’s also clear that you build relationships across the company that go beyond surface-level. People trust you, and it’s easy to see why—you’re someone who can always be counted on. To anyone considering working with you, I’d say you’re not just getting a talented director of training; you’re getting someone who cares deeply about their work and the people they work with. You bring heart, patience, and an unwavering commitment to everything you do. I’ve truly enjoyed working alongside you, and I look forward to more collaborations in the future!

•2.5 years • You carry yourself with grace and humility, earning respect not through authority but through example. Always positive and encouraging, you have gift for uplifting those around you, even in challenging moments. Your support is unwavering, fostering an environment where others felt valued, capable, and inspired to grow. With respect at the core of every interaction, you lead with compassion, optimism, and steady strength—leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you. • You face challenges with calm determination and clear perspective. Instead of reacting with frustration or haste, you take time to listen, understand, and consider all sides before moving forward. Your positivity allows you to see opportunities where others might only see obstacles, and your respect for different viewpoints often leads to creative, collaborative solutions. By remaining supportive even under pressure, you create an atmosphere where people feel safe to contribute ideas and work together, turning difficult situations into moments of growth and progress. • If you have the opportunity to work with Whitley, take it—you won’t regret it. He brings out the best in people through his grace, positivity, and unwavering support. Challenges become easier with his steady guidance, and successes feel even more meaningful because of the way he celebrates others. Whitley is the kind of leader who not only achieves results but also leaves a lasting impression on the people around him!

I had the privilege of working with Whitley for 2 years. Whitley brings a full suite of high performance skills and attributes to the workplace. Specifically, Whitley is one of the most detail oriented leaders with whom I’ve worked. He is thorough and does not stop at the finish line - he goes through the finish line. Whitley has a high EQ, a lot of experience and brings a humility to every situation that draws people in and produces results. Whitley approaches challenges head on and proactively. He knows when to go slow in order to go fast. Additionally, he knows when to ask for help and, effortlessly, works through others. I fully endorse Whitley for employment. He has the combination of attitude, IQ, EQ and effort you rarely find in one person. He is extremely self- motivated and defines what it means to have a growth mindset. I am happy to provide more information or expound on any of the thoughts here. Please reach out any time.

I had the pleasure of working with Whitley for three years at Gusto! Fresh Bowls and Wraps. During our time together, I worked closely with Whitley on multiple cross-functional projects, and he consistently demonstrated exceptional strengths and qualities that made a significant impact on our team. Whitley’s standout qualities are his high energy, dynamic, and engaging leadership style. This trait was evident in every project he undertook, whether it was a new store opening, LTO rollouts, or operational training material. He always ensured that all tasks were completed with the highest level of accuracy and precision. Additionally, Whitley’s knowledge of operations and a people-first approach to the business helped us navigate the scaling process as we grew, facilitating seamless collaboration within the team and with external stakeholders. When it comes to problem-solving and handling challenges, Whitley’s approach is both innovative and methodical. He has the unique ability to analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable parts, and develop effective solutions. His calm demeanor and resilience under pressure were particularly noteworthy, as he consistently navigated challenges with a positive attitude and a clear focus on achieving the best outcomes. For anyone considering working with Whitley in the future, I can confidently say that he would be an invaluable asset to any team. His dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit make him a standout professional who consistently delivers exceptional results.

I've known Whitley for over a decade and he's always had a passion for learning and development! He has a tremendous business mind which gives him an advantage when it's time to create, strategize, and present. He's a strategic thinker who implements root-cause analysis based processes that produce long term solutions. He's assisted me in multiple projects and I would never hesitate to ask for his advice, especially when I'm confronted with a problem I can't solve!

How long did we work together? We worked together for about a year in a training and development capacity. What specific strengths or qualities stood out during our time working together? Whitley is exceptionally knowledgeable in his role as a Training and Development Manager. His hard work and intelligence consistently stood out, allowing him to navigate challenges effectively. How would you describe my approach to problem-solving and handling challenges? Whitley approaches problem-solving with a strategic mindset, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to develop practical solutions. His ability to remain calm under pressure has been an asset to the team. What would you say to someone considering working with me in the future? I would highly recommend working with Whitley. His dedication and professionalism make him a valuable team member who contributes significantly to any project. Any additional comments? It has been a pleasure working with Whitley. His insights and support during our collaborative projects have greatly enhanced our team’s success. I truly believe he will continue to be a great asset in any role he takes on in the future.

We worked together for about 4 years. You were always a very good trainer and someone that always spoke with authority and confidence. I never doubted that you knew what you were talking about! I'd say you attacked problems by rolling up your sleeves and getting to work, you were always a battlefield general as opposed to one that sat high on their horse and watched the battle from the sidelines.

I've been very blessed to have been able to work alongside Whitley over the past several years! Whitley is a very well mannered and knowledgable team mate. He's driven and passionate about his work, he's able to listen attentively and be strategic regarding next steps. He always wants to make sure everyone is HEARD. That's very important to him. One of his greatest strengths is his willingness to tackle almost everything and anything to help find a solution. With a small growing company, problem solving and challenges are part of his day to day, and Whitley is a natural at handling! To whoever is considering to work with Whitley, please do not hesitate to begin the process. The moment he walks into your business, he will add creativity, spark, passion, drive and results before he finishes the job! Any company would be blessed to have Whitley on their team!

I worked with Whitley in various roles for almost four years. During that time I watched Whitley wear a number of different hats such as Assistant General Manager, Market Training Manager, and District Manager. While he had numerous responsibilities in his different roles, the biggest thing he excelled at across the board was training and development. He excelled at identifying potential and figuring out how to bring the best out of his direct reports. Our standards and process at Panera were constantly changing and growing. Whitley never faltered in adapting to the changes and was always flexible no matter what changes came down the pipeline. This level of adaptability is something that will take him a long way no matter where his career takes him. Whitley’s mastery of training and development was a key factor in the hiring and training of new staff members each time a new Panera was opened in our franchise. New cafes could see upwards of 50 new hires that needed training and development in as little as two weeks. Whitley’s strong organization skills and flexibility kept training on track. His ability to stay positive no matter the situation made him one on the most respected members of Senior Leadership. Whitley had the biggest impact on my professional development and is as great a manager as he is a person. His next employer will be very lucky to have him.

Positivity, Energetic, Resilient, Intelligent, Professional, Determined, Dependable, Reliabile, Dedicated, Insightful, Capable, Sacrificial, Respectful. These are just a few words that come to mind to describe working with Whitley. We have worked together for over seven years. Whitley is the type of individual that every company should want to employ. His integrity remains high in every possible scenario. His leadership and ability to promote and develop both positivity and camaraderie within a team are perfect examples of why he is successful in his role. He has the dedication and reliability to take on multiple projects at once, as well as complete projects on schedule. He excels at listening and prescribing impactful advice. The perfect example of Whitley contributing to our company comes as he arrived at a remote sight, an hour away at 11:30pm after an entire work day to install some new equipment even though he could have waited until the next day. steadfast to his calendar and commitment. He and I then installed the equipment and spent an additional hour discussing our own personal and professional goals. I've always known that Whitley is someone I can depend on in any situation. however, he really earned my trust that day and he has yet to show me any reason to believe otherwise in countless work projects and discussions. I highly recommend Whitley as a professional colleague and overall pleasure to work with.