About a decade ago, in a bustling local Costco, I encountered a fellow Fresnan whose warmth and kindness were as memorable as they were genuine. Nathaniel “Nate” Montgomery Jr. wasn’t just an employee assisting with my weekly hauls; he was a beacon of encouragement and a friend in the making. Nate possesses a rare quality—the ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, a trait that turns strangers into friends with remarkable ease.
This story delves into the life of Nathaniel Montgomery Jr., a gem of a human, a dedicated local business owner, and the mind behind a game that could revolutionize your family nights, classrooms, or babysitting gigs. Please, join me on this journey to uncover why Nate is a true highlight in our “People of FresYes” series.
Nate’s story begins with his roots firmly planted in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, only to find himself suddenly transplanted to California’s bay area during high school and eventually Fresno, where he attended and played football for Fresno State.
He has since met his wonderful wife, they’ve raised children here, and he loves Valley life. “I’ve built meaningful connections with so many wonderful people here. I love the supportive community and Fresno’s, central location to a vast opportunities for fun and relaxation. A scenic 2-3-hour drive in any direction will offer you beach, mountain, desert, rural country-side, and big city views.”
Nate’s early life was marked by joyful memories of family game nights playing a special game his father, Nathaniel Montgomery Sr., invented in 1992, and dubbed “Seek and Find,” this game was more than a pastime for the Montgomery family—it was a conduit for laughter, learning, and togetherness.
The game’s premise was elegantly simple: players would draw a card depicting an animal and then reach into an octagonal box with cut-out openings, using only their sense of touch and memory to find the corresponding animal figurine. This tactile exploration not only made the game exciting and competitive but also honed fine sensory motor skills. The concept quickly gained traction among friends and family, becoming a staple of Montgomery family gatherings. It was this initial version, brimming with the potential for fun and educational engagement, that Nathaniel Sr. envisioned sharing with the wider world.
Nate’s life in recent years has been far from easy. The year 2020 brought with it not only the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also personal battles, including the devastating and sudden loss of his father, Nathaniel Sr. and Nate’s own diagnosis and battle with stage 4 Lymphoma.
Of his father, Nathaniel Jr. says, “My dad was kind-hearted, humble man that loved to talk and meet new friends. There wasn’t a person he wouldn’t speak to and he made everyone feel like a friend. His warmth, charming personality, and light-hearted spirit was contagious.”
Despite the challenges Nathaniel Jr. faced, he resolved to honor his father’s life goal of bringing the joy of his game (which Nate has renamed to “Seek Then Find”) to families and educational institutions around the world.
Nate’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, as he navigated the complexities of cancer treatment and loss, self-funded further developments of the game scraping together every spare dime to bring his visions to life, and working hard to make the game even more fun, more educational, and even introduce two new versions.
Seek Then Find now comes in bilingual Land and Sea Animal editions as well as an Alpha Numeric edition, too! He’s added fun facts about the animals featured in the Land & Sea games on each card, “As an animal lover, I wanted to focus on fun facts about animals that may shock and surprise players with lesser-known facts that would stick out in their mind and hopefully spark an interest in exploring more about that particular animal. Additionally, I also incorporated a second language (Spanish) because I believe that exposing children to multiple languages is beneficial in so many ways, plus this opens up the opportunity for more families to enjoy the games.”
Seek the Find games have found their way into schools, daycares, and homes across the United States and beyond. Nathaniel’s commitment to honoring his father’s legacy while making learning fun and accessible is evident in every aspect of this work.
In Nathaniel’s own words, “Seek Then Find” is a “labor of love, a tribute to a father’s vision, and a call to bring people together in an increasingly disconnected world.” His message to players and fans is one of gratitude and hope—a hope that “Seek Then Find” will inspire creativity, learning, and joy in all who play it.
Nate’s journey is a reminder of the enduring power of family, the transformative potential of education, and the boundless possibilities that arise from honoring a loved one’s legacy. In the spirit of Nathaniel Montgomery Sr., “Seek Then Find” continues to unite families, ignite curiosity, and foster a love for learning that transcends generations (not to mention, it’s chock full of good ol’ competitive fun!).
For those intrigued by the story of “Seek Then Find” and inspired by Nathaniel’s dedication, visiting the game’s website offers an opportunity to explore this innovative educational game further. By purchasing one or more editions of “Seek Then Find,” you not only bring a piece of this heartwarming legacy into your home but also support a vision that transcends entertainment, aiming to educate and unite families in the spirit of discovery, joy, and friendly competition! Whether for your family or as a gift to loved ones, “Seek Then Find” promises to be a source of learning, laughter, and memorable moments, just as Nathaniel Sr. envisioned.
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Hi, where is the game sold?
Hi! You’re able to purchase directly through their website, (or the link in the article) – then click the “Let’s Play” button under the game version you want to purchase. You can then add it to cart and check out. Happy playing! I know you’ll enjoy it! Our family has really enjoyed the game.
Hi Natali thank you for the information. Much appreciated.
Grace