Today we’d like to introduce you to Tareek Montague

Hi Tareek, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My name is Tareek Montague also known as “OD Reek” and/or “Coach Reek” to others. I was bought into this world in 1993, the son of Tyrone Montague Jr & Tonya Chapman. Hoboken, NJ is where I was born & raised within the Andrew Jackson Gardens Housing Projects. Majority of my upbringing was heavily revolved around sports as I was a multi sport athlete within the city (baseball, basketball, football) as well as my love and passion for music. I’ve had the opportunity to not only play sports for Hoboken but also coach football in Hoboken to jumpstart my coaching career which I am now 7 years into. Musically, I was heavily influenced by others that came before me and it slowly became my favorite form of expression. I am currently a football coach at ‘Hudson Catholic HS’(first high school coaching opportunity), as well as the youth org ‘NJ Knights Elite’(8U); all while still maintaining my creative side by owning & producing for my clothing brand “4L Brand LLC”. My brand is my prize possession as I plan to be my own boss someday without needing to work for others. Overall, I am a man of many qualities & I plan to continue giving back through leadership/coaching, and my art/fashion to help influence others in a positive manner.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

In my opinion you cannot reach the “glory” without dealing with the pain and/or the trials & tribulations of everyday life. We truly learn more from failure or a negative situation because it helps teach us about tendencies , as well as what to do and not to do as we never want to make the same mistake repeatedly. Some of the struggles I’ve encountered have been physical , mental , emotional, financially, etc. — I’ve physically drained myself with no breaks at times to where it begins to effect me in a negative way. I’ve mentally suffocated myself overthinking things or simply not being able to “turn it off” nor allow myself to have a break from things I’m passionate about. I’ve allowed my emotions on somedays to take over my mental space or affect my workload. Lastly, I’ve taken on more of a financial load than I can handle at times because I’m so eager for success and to get some of my ideas out to the world no matter the price. These struggles have all been beneficial because I’ve been able to reflect and grow from them all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

To know me is to know that I have several walks of life that I am very passionate about. I wear many hats and I take pride in every single one of them. First and foremost I am an artist who enjoys expressing himself through music, clothing designs, amongst other forms of art and although I have been on a hiatus from creating music I still create art regularly with my clothing pieces as I sketch all my designs. Secondly, I am coach, mentor, motivator, and inspiration to the younger generation as I enjoy giving back to those from my community as well as the surrounding cities. I like to lead by example and teach others based upon my experiences wether good or bad, so they can learn from them and won’t have to encounter some of the things I had to encounter along my journey. In addition to that I am currently the CEO/Owner of “4L Brand LLC” which is a clothing brand that I officially started after the coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Lastly, I am a loving and supportive son, brother, uncle, god-father to those whom I love the most!

I am most proud of my coaching career because the opportunities just keep getting bigger and better & it allows me to effect the trajectory of the youths future positively. I may not have the same impact on every kid/player but I understand that even the smallest impact can go a very long way. My willingness to help others and my excitement to see “everyone win” is what sets me apart in a “crab barrel” world where others are constantly trying to bring others down, I always intend to do the opposite and build people up!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

My generosity & my leadership has been the most important characteristic qualities towards my success.

Pricing:

• Shirts ($20-$30)
• Bottoms ($25-$65)
• Headwear ($15-$30)
• Hoodies ($40-$65)
• Gift Cards ($10 & up)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://the4Lbrand.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4l_brand?igsh=cW81MGdtZ2lkcXg2&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL28TBec3kacjlO1Xu3vCUULU-EXkJkKiF&si=boBic__hPsxuA2nt
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/motivation_montague?igsh=MWhrbTk1cHZneWVwcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Roberto Rosa (@Roberto_Rosa3rd)
Eddie Gonzalez (@Whyarefilms)