John O’Rourke distinguishes himself in many endeavors

JOHN O’ROURKE

By Gloria Burns….

JOHN O’ROURKE

John O’Rourke has distinguished himself as a successful businessman, civic leader and, above all, loving husband and father.

Currently the chair of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, his commitment to the chamber is but one of numerous volunteer positions of leadership that O’Rourke has tackled over the years.

A native of Wayland, MA, O’Rourke’s family moved around and settled in Miami in 1979. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School and then moved back to Massachusetts to attend Boston University.

Following graduation, O’Rourke returned to Miami and had a successful career in private banking with Northern Trust Bank until his entrepreneurial spir- it got the best of him. In 1995, he partnered with his lovely wife, Marichi, and has helped lead Montica Jewelry to what has become one of the premier jewelry stores in South Florida. He currently holds the position of Montica’s president and CEO.

Much of Montica’s success stems from the O’Rourkes’ strong belief in giving back to their community. In fact, they have supported a variety of charitable organizations over the years with John taking an active role on many boards of directors including the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the University of Miami’s Citizen’s Board.

His past board affiliations include that of vice president and board member of the Coral Gables Downtown Business Improvement District, city’s Economic Development Board, Make-A-Wish of South Florida, CHARLEE Homes for Children and the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

In addition, O’Rourke and his wife lend ongoing support to those organizations catering to the needs of the less fortunate with the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and “His House” Foster Care Home, two that are near and dear to their hearts.

Not only has O’Rourke made an impact through his charitable gifts but he has created a store that has brought national recognition to Coral Gables. Montica Jewelry is a recognized leader within the jewelry industry and has been highlighted regularly in the trade publications, National Jeweler and In-Store magazine. As a matter of fact, Harper’s Bazaarmagazine has recognized Montica Jewelry as a “Jewelry Leader” for the past two years in a row.

Montica has been the recipient of the City of Coral Gables and Chamber of Commerce’s coveted “City Beautiful Award,” accolades that have helped keep Miracle Mile in the press. Most recently, Montica was awarded the title of “Best of Coral Gables” for the category of Jewelers.

O’Rourke’s business acumen and expertise have made him a frequently sought out and interviewed “go to” guy for industry publications as well as local for community issues. A consummate professional with the looks and style of a GQ model, the chamber and Coral Gables could not ask for a better representative in the business arena.


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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.

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