John Montague, co-founder of Aspire Beverage Company, will be the program speaker at the Thursday, May 19, Rotary Club of Edina meeting. Montague, an Edina resident, will speak about "Aspire to Greatness: How Two Minnesota Hockey Dads Solved a Real Problem and Built a Great Company." 
 
John Mazzara will give his classification talk at the meeting.
 
The Rotary Club of Edina will welcome John Montague as the program speaker at the Thursday, May 19, meeting. He will speak about "Aspire to Greatness: How Two Minnesota Hockey Dads Solved a Real Problem and Built a Great Company." 
 
Montague is the co-founder and chief aspiration officer of Aspire Beverage Company, a Minnesota-based maker of natural sports drinks. During his presentation, Montague will talk about entrepreneurs being problem solvers. He will tell the story of two Minnesota hockey dad that couldn't find healthy sports drinks for their active families—so they created one. Montague will talk about how the "why" behind their business has provided a mission that drives everything that the company does. He shares how they are building a great company with an innovative, grass-roots approach that sets them apart in the beverage industry. Aspire sports drinks have rapidly grow from the ice arenas and ball fields of the Twin Cities to retailers, schools and sports facilities throughout the United States. He encourages everyone to "Aspire to greatness!"
 
Prior to Aspire, Montague founded and built two software businesses. As an entrepreneur, his primary expertise is building strong brands to drive marketing, sales and business development. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he began his career in the financial markets and advertising/marketing industries. He was awarded the Minnesota Cup in 2007. Recently, he was named to the Minnesota Business "Real Power 50" list and was an ACG "Bold Awards" recipient. 
 
Montague is an Edina resident, and father of two children—Evan, 11, and Elle, 7. He coaches youth hockey, football and soccer. He actively consults with companies, large and small, on marketing, sales and business development.
 
John Mazzara will give his classification talk at the meeting.
 
The Rotary Club of Edina meets at 12:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Edina Country Club. All are welcome. Cost for lunch and the program is $19 for adults, $12 for children.