Hapi People Spotlight: Joe Monette

At Hapi, our people are the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Joe Monette, a key member of our Implementation and Support team. Joe embodies our 2025 theme, Propel, by constantly asking how we can do things better, supporting others, and helping move the business forward… one process improvement at a time.

Let’s get to know him better.

From Hotel Operations to Hospitality Tech

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Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work for Hapi?

I worked with a variety of hotels, including Marriott and AmericInn, and met a lot of wonderful guests. But one memory that stands out was a platinum Marriott guest yelling at me for not getting a complimentary upgrade. He was furious, and it made me realize that there are far more important things in life. Some people don’t have a place to sleep or can't afford to travel at all. That moment eventually led me out of hotel operations. But I believe my background in operations is exactly what helps me to be successful in the role I’m in now.

After four years in hotel operations and following Oracle’s acquisition of Micros I was hired by Hyatt to lead user acceptance testing and manage their non-production Opera environments. That is where my transition into hotel technology has started. I stayed with them for six years.

Finally I met Brian, Brad, and Cesar through the industry, and it was Brian who encouraged me to join Hapi. I'm truly glad he did. It was absolutely the right decision! 

Behind-the-Scenes Impact and Proud Moments

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What has been one of your most memorable experiences or achievements at Hapi?

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I've always had a hard time recognizing my own contributions, but I know they’re there. And I think a lot of people feel the same way.

One thing I’m especially proud of is helping build the Implementation and Support team. When I started, it was just Martin and me, with almost no structure or processes in place. Today, we’re a team of six with clear protocols,  tools, and a growing knowledge base.

It’s not always the flashy work, but those behind-the-scenes efforts really matter. I also played a key role in developing the Hapi Support Procedures - the guide we share with clients on how to get support and what to expect. It might seem simple, but it took countless hours to put together.

My advice? Keep a running list of your contributions — big or small. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve accomplished until you take a moment to look back.

How long ago did you join Hapi, and what differences have you noticed since then?

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I joined Hapi in September 2021, when we were a team of around 30. Now, we’re over 100! Back then, I was in a small office with a few colleagues, trying to define our roles and build a structure from the ground up. Since then, our teams have expanded significantly!

Our values have become more defined, but they haven’t fundamentally changed. Things like “help each other,” “do your best,” and “find better ways” were always part of our culture, they just didn’t have names yet. As we grew, leadership put those values into words, helping us stay focused on what drives our success. These aren’t just words on a wall; they’re flexible, realistic values that support growth while allowing room for mistakes.

A quote that really resonates with me is: “We don’t hire smart people to tell them what to do. We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” That perfectly captures Hapi’s culture, everyone has a voice,  whether they’re leading projects or making things happen quietly behind the scenes.

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Living the Value: Propel

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This time, we’re highlighting the theme of the year "Propel." How do you personally connect with it? How do you incorporate the “Propel” approach in your daily work?

To me, “Propel” means always asking, “Does it have to be this way, or is there a better way?” Whether it’s a process or a routine task, I’m always thinking about how we can improve - how we can make things smoother, more efficient, and more supportive for each other and for our clients’ journey.

One of the best things about Hapi is that we’re still small and agile enough for good ideas to become real changes. That openness to improvement is empowering. As long as we stay curious, collaborative, and open-minded - in how we work and how we support our clients - we’ll continue to grow. And I see that mindset in action here every day.

Adventures Around the World

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Tell us about your favorite travel experience.

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One of my favorite travel experiences was spending a month in Italy — living the farm life, cooking Italian food, and immersing myself in the culture. During business trips with my previous company, I traveled extensively across North America. One of the most unique destinations was Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and another standout was Alaska, where the sun barely set during the summer — blackout curtains were a must just to sleep! I spent time driving through bison reserves and exploring bays lined with seaplanes and houseboats.

Beyond that, I’ve really enjoyed my time in Europe — especially in the Czech Republic, Scotland, and Germany. Next on my list: somewhere in South America.

Outside of Work

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What's your secret talent or favorite hobby?

I really enjoy planting — it’s a relaxing hobby for me.I’ve always had a few plants, but over time, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown, I found real peace and satisfaction in caring for them and watching them grow.

One of my favorite plants started out around 18 inches tall and now it’s grown to about 6 feet!

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What makes you Hapi?

Helping others - especially when they don’t ask or can’t help themselves. Whether it’s supporting a teammate at work or volunteering at an animal shelter with scared and lonely cats, I find happiness in making life a bit easier for others. Sometimes, just a kind word or a small gesture can make a big difference in someone’s day!

Final Thoughts

Joe’s story reminds us that growth doesn’t always come from grand gestures, sometimes it’s the steady, behind-the-scenes effort that truly moves us forward. His quiet leadership, commitment to improvement, and unwavering support for others are exactly what make Hapi… Hapi.

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