Monica is an Entrepreneur, owning several businesses with her husband, Stumpy’s Hatchet House of Green Brook, Elmsgate, LLC and Tyrol Group LLC (both real estate development companies). Owning several businesses and working in the corporate sector for over 16 years has given her tremendous insight on strategic planning, customer service and the important perspective of needs of the small Latinx business owner.
Monica has achieved considerable success over the last two decades -but it didn’t come easy. Born in Newark, NJ and a 1st generation child of immigrants, she can relate to the challenges that many business owners face today. After a couple decades in the corporate world, and a survivor of an almost crippling disease, she decided to leave corporate America, and opened Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Green Brook with her husband (and 2 young children). Her dream was to offer an inclusive space that allows for all to relieve stress and forget about their everyday worries. Many people battle fear and anxiety, so why not offer a safe space that would help empower all people to release their fear and feel accomplished by mastering the skill of throwing a hatchet? She was also told by many, numerous times that she wouldn’t be successful in life, and she is living proof that you can succeed at anything you set your mind to! They own the rights to 2 additional franchise locations.
Recognition and achievements:
In 2019, Monica became a member of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ, #familia, where her contributions were quickly acknowledged with the honor of an appointment on the Board of Directors for the Chamber. She has also been appointed as a Board Leader of Corporate and Social Responsibility for Latina Surge National.
At the State level, in 2020 Monica and her husband Mark were recognized by Governor Murphy for their outstanding work in exemplifying the spirit of small businesses. At the county level, in 2020 the Somerset County Business Partnership and Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders appointed Monica as a task force member to support the Economic Business and Recovery Task Force for Somerset County, and she has been also been enlisted to participate in the Minority Business Leaders Roundtable for Somerset County, NJ, where she helps to foster relationships in our community and connect fellow business owners with the resources they need to succeed.

In 2023 Monica has been appointed as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Somerset County Business Partnership, and slated to be the incoming Chairperson in 2024.

As a leader in the community, Monica’s story has been highlighted in a book, “Uncolonized Latinas- Transforming our Mindset and Rising Together”, by Valeria Aloe. This book takes you on a journey where along the way we meet immigrant Latinas and daughters of immigrants who through trials and tribulations have uncolonized their limiting mindsets. She has been named as 2021 Remarkable Women with the SCBP (Somerset County Business Partnership.)

In 2022 Monica received recognition from The Boy Scouts of America Metro Life Good Scout award for her leadership and service to the youth and families in underserved communities.  She also received the Ally of the Year award by the NJPCC (NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce, NJ) as well as Entrepreneur Business Award of Excellence with Odyssey IP for her outstanding contributions to the business community.

Mrs. Martinez-Milan has been featured in magazines, as recently as, top 2023 ROI NJ- Influencers: Women in Business 2023, as well as, being recognized by ROI NJ- Influencers, People of Color list.  She received a nomination for the Russ Berrie 2023 Making a Difference Award who recognizes change makers that are creating positive impact in their NJ communities.

Maintaining a healthy and positive mindset and paying it forward is Monica's daily practice, and they key to her success!