Flamin' Hot

The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive

By: Richard Montanez

Narrated by: Steven Montañez, Richard Montanez

Now a Hulu feature film directed by Eva Longoria

Read the story everyone is talking about: how a janitor struggling to put food on the table invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a secret test kitchen, breaking barriers and becoming the first Latino frontline worker promoted to executive at Frito-Lay.

Richard Montañez is a man who made a science out of walking through closed doors, and his success story is an empowerment manual for anyone stuck in a dead-end job or facing a system stacked against them.

Having taken a job mopping floors at Frito-Lay's California factory to support his family, Montañez took his future into his own hands and created the world’s hottest snack food: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. This bold move not only disrupted the food industry with some much-needed spice, but also shook up a corporate culture in which everyone stayed in their lane. When a top food scientist at Frito-Lay sent out a memo telling sales and marketing to kill the new product before it made it to the store shelves—jealous that someone with no formal education beyond the sixth grade could do his job—Montañez was forced to go rogue once again to save his idea. Through creative thinking, community building, and a few powerful mindset shifts, he outsmarted the naysayers who tried to get in his way.

Flamin' Hot proves that you can break out of your career rut and that your present circumstances don't have to dictate your future.

Critic reviews

“From the moment I heard Richard Montañez’s amazing story, I knew it had to be shared with the world. His journey will inspire you to never give up on your dreams, no matter who you are and no matter where you’re from. The invaluable wisdom he shares in this book makes Flamin’ Hot a must read for everyone looking to succeed.”
—Eva Longoria, actor, producer, and director

“The power of Richard’s story is unprecedented. His ability to inspire and engage our employees is remarkable.”
—Brian Cornell, CEO of Target

“Richard Montañez is a living legend. His story has inspired me from the moment I heard about it, and I have no doubt the wisdom he shares in Flamin’ Hot will inspire millions of readers around the world! Richard Montañez is the ultimate dream catcher and this is a must read for anyone chasing a dream!”
—DeVon Franklin, producer of the Flamin’ Hot movie and New York Times bestselling author

“Richard’s story is a tour de force.”
—Indra Nooyi, chairwoman and former CEO of PepsiCo

“Reading Flamin’ Hot is like watching an outstanding movie. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most importantly you’ll follow Richard Montañez down a life-changing path to being unstoppable at whatever you put your mind to.”
—Tom Greco, CEO of Advance Auto Parts

“Against all odds, Richard Montañez broke racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to become one of the most successful Latinos in America—and in the world. His story, told with his characteristic humor and heart, will grip you from start to finish and encourage you to dream bigger dreams than you ever thought possible.”
—Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and author of From Survive to Thrive

“Richard’s explosive rags-to-riches story will not only inspire you, but it will equip you with powerful mind-sets and tools that I haven’t seen anywhere else. This story will change how you see the world, helping you become an innovator and unique problem solver. You’ll see what others don’t see and advance quickly in your career and life.”
—Benjamin Hardy, PhD, organizational psychologist and author of Personality Isn’t Permanent

very inspiring

I listened to this in one sitting! loved every word! I definitely recommend it!!

DOPEST STORY EVER

this book was an amazing story of the life of Richard Montenez. Don't pass it up

What If…

Richard’s story resonates with millions of Latinos seeking the American dream. From his humble beginnings to his adventures at the White House. His story will inspire you to ask the question what if? What if I can do the same, what if my life doesn’t have end here, what if there’s more for me. Go purchase this book and begin working in your what if story.

Very motivational book.

Nice story, very simple but powerful ideas. Easy to understand ideas, narrator is great.

Great book, the power of a growth mindset

Richard illustrates time and time again what it takes to conquer your dreams and go after your goals with relentless passion. Just the simple fact that he started as a janitor and almost lost that job because he didn’t display enough “initiative” then the simple fact that he went home, asked his wife what the word meant and they had to go to the local library to look it up, so that he could then do exactly that. This is a powerful rags to riches story and filled with dozens of gold nuggets for transformation.