THE MONTERO FAMILY

Hugo attended South Forsyth High School in Georgia. After graduation, he dove headfirst into the insurance business, eventually obtaining a securities license to expand his client base. Three years ago, he founded his own company, Herman Montero Insurance Agency, in Canoga Park. As CEO, Hugo helps local residents in the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, West Hills, and Woodland Hills discover their best options for auto, home, life, business, and health insurance; financial services; and more.

“We are very fortunate to know so many wonderful people through our membership in the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce (WVWCCC), including our amazing Chamber CEO Diana Williams,” notes Leslie. “Hugo and I attend the food and wine events all the time to support the chamber and fantastic local restaurants.” Leslie also led the chamber’s lawyers’ networking group, bringing together attorneys in her penthouse office to share their expertise. She also gave an interview to the chamber’s Valley Biz Buzz podcast about pivoting in business and currently hosts her own YouTube channel, sharing insights from her journey as a businesswoman.

Amid busy schedules, the couple somehow manages to balance work and family life. “Our days are long and often end very late,” says Leslie. “Staying in the present and recognizing that you cannot go back in time is the foundation of everything we do. We know children grow up fast, so creating a strong bond at an early age is important to us. Starting a business years before we met was a blessing that allows us to have a lot of flexibility while raising our son. We strive for balance to create a healthy and happy body, mind, and soul in order to do our best personally and professionally. Growth is our motto, and variety brings a nice added spice to our lives.”

The family also travels together to recharge their batteries, frequently returning with great business ideas. One of their favorite trips was to Rouen, France. “It was like being in a fairytale,” recalls Hugo. “We really got lucky with the weather. It was perfect. The food was also magnificent and the infrastructure beautiful.”

Locally, these self-proclaimed foodies frequent the Calabasas Farmers Market. They recently dined at the hot, new Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. They also love El Incomparable Peruvian Cuisine and Maggiano’s Little Italy, which quickly found its way into pasta-loving Hugo’s heart. Fortunately, he’s always played soccer and football and done kickboxing with an emphasis on martial arts, which helps him work off any unwanted calories. Leslie relishes golf, tennis, and swimming. They both keep fit hiking nearby trails and climbing the Calabasas Stairs, 375 challenging steps in the Santa Monica Mountains below Calabasas. Leslie also practices artistic pursuits like oil painting and has been featured in juried art exhibitions. More than anything, Leslie and Hugo love spending time with their family.

“This area is simply a beautiful community boasting great restaurants and shops while still being familyoriented,” says Hugo. “It’s got plenty of parks for kids and less congestion than other parts of the city. We believe Woodland Hills could be the next Downtown L.A., just more family friendly.”

“We’re both really into fitness, food, family, work, art, and the outdoors,” shares Leslie. “Thanks to our child, we’re also inspired to make the world a better place and enjoy giving back to multiple charity organizations. We count our blessings that we were lucky enough to find each other after coming here on our own.” The community is truly fortunate as well. n