Team Before Self

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

Helen Keller

At Team Before Self (TBS), our mission is to empower veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life through transformative leadership and professional development experiences. We prioritize teamwork over individual pursuits, cultivating a culture rooted in stoic principles that emphasize mentorship, accountability, and resilience.

By harnessing diverse perspectives aligned with our core values, we equip leaders with the skills necessary to navigate complexities and build trust within teams. Utilizing insights from thought leaders and strategic frameworks like the OODA Loop, we enhance decision-making capabilities, enabling organizations to adapt to changes and challenges in an ever-evolving environment.

Together, we unlock the potential of cohesive teamwork and collective success, fostering a vibrant community focused on collaboration, connection, and mutually beneficial outcomes for all.

"Team Before Self" is a phrase commonly used in sports and military environments. It is the foundation of our brand, our mission!

It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the success of the group over individual achievements. By putting the team's goals ahead of personal desires, individuals can work together more effectively and achieve greater success.

This mentality also promotes a sense of unity, accountability, and mutual respect among team members. Overall, "Team Before Self" highlights the value of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success!

Who We Serve

Service members, military veterans, and family members transitioning out of military service who are driven, humble and willing to do the work.

What does it mean to put the team before yourself?

"As a servant leader, you're a "servant first" – you focus on the needs of others, especially team members, before you consider your own."

Robert K. Greenleaf
(First coined in 1970, however, an approach that people have used for centuries, as servant leaders...)

Team Before Self was founded by Command Master Chief Michael "Mongo" Minotto. He is a highly decorated, three-decade active duty Sailor in the Navy. He started his military life in the Marine Corps in 1985, and has served in 15 deployments around the globe. Currently Command Master Chief and senior enlisted leader, he brings a wealth of experience in security operation, combat skills training, and expeditionary warfare to his current role at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, in Dahlgren, VA.

"While TBS has stayed true to this original mission, as the military need has shifted, TBS has continued to evolve. Focusing on the areas of identity and purpose and building a supportive community, TBS strives to ensure that all service members can achieve a meaningful life post-military service."

Command Master Chief Michael "Mongo" Minotto.
Founder of Team Before Self.

Michael "Mongo" Minotto

C0-Founder & Chief Visionary

Team Before Self (TBS) was founded by Command Master Chief Michael "Mongo" Minotto. He is a highly decorated, three-decade active duty Sailor in the Navy. He started his military life in the Marine...

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John Lees

Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer (COO)

John Lees is Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition Sourcing and Outreach. He is a 30-year Navy Veteran currently located in Norfolk, Virginia. After John’s service in the military, he transitioned i...