Honorably discharged from the Marines, and back in his Detroit home, Montee started designing classic, high-fashion suits for friends, which in turn generated more attention and buzz. But his penchant for assembling unique looks in men’s clothing remained just a hobby as he completed graduate school, tried his hand at teaching high school and was then recruited by Pfizer where he worked as a sales representative for seven years. All the while the call to make clothing design more than a side gig became louder until he could no longer ignore his passion.
Newly determined to turn his avocation into a small business, in 2003 Montee loaded a trunk with his most dapper suits and displayed his Tayion brand (his middle name) at a booth at the Las Vegas Magic Garment Industry Convention. Would-be buyers stopped in their tracks to admire his eye-popping collection, including TV celebrity Steve Harvey, host of Family Feud.