This month’s First Story Hi-Five goes to Dave Montagne. Dave, a proud Oregon State Beaver alumni and ambassador, is one of First Story’s newest partners and recently made homeownership for our Independence, Oregon, family possible by orchestrating an affordable land deal. Often times land prices make homeownership prohibitive to deserving families, especially along the I-5 corridor. Without invaluable partnerships with investors like Dave, grant homes in many of our regions wouldn’t exist.

Dave is the owner and operator of MDI Management and Montagne Development, successful real estate ventures with interest in several projects that represent more than 1000 doors! Dave’s drive, talent and competitive nature have rapidly grown his businesses and he currently owns and manages several properties and is currently working on several residential and commercial projects including a storage facility.

With a front-row seat to the entire process of real estate, Dave has a unique perspective into the real-life struggles, challenges and roadblocks that working families that try to secure stable, permanent housing encounter. This knowledge motivated Dave to do something to change the narrative for families living and working in the communities he has seen so much success in. And because Dave believes in a hand up, not a handout, he chose First Story as the perfect organization to partner with. Dave shares, “it is not about the money but the success we get from our work, I like to create and the end product fuels me”. This mentality creates a connection between Dave and families that work hard to live in the homes that First Story builds.

Not only is Dave a champion for us, but he is also a champion in his community. He donates large amounts of time and resources to causes and organizations near and dear to his heart, especially those that serve underprivileged youth. Dave embodies the heart of First Story and we are so honored to salute him with this month’s Hi-Five!