We got a chance to get to know the Cultivator’s new Community Manager when he gave us 30+ minutes to ask him anything we wanted.

Jeff Montegut is our new Online Community Operations Manager with a vision for growing the Cultivators community into a bustling center of active changemakers. With more than 16 years of community management experience at the American Cancer Society, Jeff knows that the key to any successful community is the relationships that its members build with one another. To that end, he shared a little bit about himself in a 30-minute “Ask Me Anything” sesh with the community:

Jeff:
I was born and raised outside of New Orleans. Today, I live a bit further north (in the center of Louisiana).

And yes, this means that you may hear me eliminate some r's and g's when I get excited. And I won't hesitate to tell you the best way to boil crawfish or share a recipe for gumbo! And if there are any football fans in here - I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to debate over why Drew Brees is the greatest quarterback of all time!

Jeff:
The most fun part is that I get to appeal to my social/friendly nature and meet new people. I love to learn from others, and I love helping other people reach their goals. The most boring part is probably the monotonous paperwork type stuff. Even though I know its value and I know it must be done, I naturally look forward to the times we get to chat, instead!

Jeff:
I actually had thought of a non-fiction person just a couple of weeks ago, but that answer usually changes, depending on what I'm reading, watching, or experiencing. So, instead of giving the standard Steve Jobs or former president (which it would probably be)…

Since I recently finished re-watching the tv show, Fringe, I would have to say Walter Bishop (the lovable scatter-brained scientist) because of his love for simple things in life combined with his vast intelligence and ability to explain the most complex ideas in the simplest ways.

Jeff:
Thanks to Covid-19, like many others, I found myself in a position where I needed to find a new place to work. After researching a bit about Cultivate and the type of work being done...as well as they type of community that Melissa, Molly, and Steve built, I felt that it would make a fantastic fit with my passion and personality. Fortunately, the people at Cultivate agreed!!!

Jeff:
Does the Gamestop story that I posted in here yesterday count?

If not, I used to read books, but in the last several years, I guess I've spent more time reading blogs, Reddit threads, emails, etc. that I definitely like to discuss with anyone who shares similar interests. I may have opinions, but I'm always open to change them if/when I'm introduced to new information that makes sense.

Jeff:
You do NOT want to hear me sing, but if I HAAAAAAD to, it would probably be anything from Jimmy Buffet's playlist. A Pirate Looks At Forty is one of my all-time faves.

Jeff:
You got a couple of hours?
Actually, I have met so many interesting people in my Relay For Life of Second Life community. These are people who "live" in the virtual world and are some of the most talented artists I've seen. They volunteer their time to build an entire virtual world around you with 3D mesh modeling, photoshop, etc. so that your avatar can walk through, interact, and experience hope from the comfort of your own home.

Jeff:
Since it’s Mardi Gras season, I have to say King Cake!!

Jeff:
My parents instilled a strong work ethic and an appropriate balance of pride and humility in me. I feel that I have an obligation to the community (to you all) to make sure that I give you the best of myself so that you find value and fulfillment in being an active member of this community.

Jeff:
I will start with my LEAST favorite: Starbucks. I'm sorry but it tastes like cardboard to me.

As a Louisiana native, I'm required to mention Community Coffee (from New Orleans). Also, here in Louisiana, we have Community Coffee shops - and they sell a king cake coffee frappe. That is the BEST!

Jeff:
Do you know my mom and my wife??? haha
The only time I really get JEFFREY!!! - is when I'm in trouble!

Jeff:
I've worked on the Small World Labs (now Personify) platform, which is a complete online community (forums, groups blogs, file sharing, etc.) I've also built and/or managed communities on Drupal, Facebook, Discord, and the virtual world, Second Life.

Share your ideas. Solve problems. Make a difference.

We’re building a community where your voice is heard, solutions are shared, and changemakers around the world can mobilize for change. If you are passionate about change, culture, and innovation, this is the place for you.