In business and in life, we are all called to be a positive influence in the world.

How are you called?  

Business

A seasoned entrepreneur and restaurant executive, Deacon RJ has successfully developed multiple companies throughout the US, Europe, Central America and Asia. The founder of Fortis Advisors (www.thefortisadvisors.com), Fortis specializes in leadership development, strategy, and growth, assisting both owners and management. The Deacon and the team at Fortis consult to real estate developers, senior living community developers, investment bankers, technology and restaurant companies, moving their businesses to the next level.  

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"If you judge people you have no time to love them."

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

Living Catholic values in and out of the board room

Deacon RJ serves on the Board of Directors of companies including his role as Chairman of the Board of Zullee Mediterranean Grill.

To truly be a Catholic leader we must live a life of Christian values without preaching rather being and doing.  

In today’s secular world this can be challenging but for Dourney he has long embraced striving to be ‘of Christ’ at all times.  Treat people with respect, encourage, give a hand up.  It is possible to develop successful companies with Catholic values and not worry about offending others.  Christ’s directive is clear for those in leadership positions; lead by providing opportunity and always with respect. 

“Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”
— St. Francis

Servicing as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church   

Diocese of Burlington, Vermont

Ordained in 2022, Deacon RJ has long committed much of his time to the Catholic Church and now serves the Diocese of Burlington in the following ways;      

  • Serving as Deacon to a collaborative of three parishes in Southern Vermont, St. Charles in Bellows Falls, Our Lady of the Valley in Townsend, and Chapel of the Snows on Stratton Mountain, Deacon RJ is grateful to God for the opportunity to be a part of three diverse, wonderful Catholic communities.

  • Deacon RJ brings Christ to incarcerated men through prison ministry in Southern Vermont. Regardless of what some may think of the past mistakes of these men, Deacon RJ focuses on helping men in prison move towards Christ and prepare to reenter the outside world as a positive influence.

    "If you judge people you have no time to love them."

    -St. Teresa of Calcutta

  • Supporting Deacon Phil Lawson, Deacon RJ serves at the Diocesan level focused on evangelization and parish life.

  • A Distinguished Fellow at CUA, Deacon RJ also serves on the Board of Advisors to the Entrepreneurship Program, part of The Busch School of Business.

  • A member of the Hope Expansion Council, Deacon RJ considers himself blessed to serve the Brotherhood as they bring Christ to secular universities, providing a wonderful alternative to today’s pressures for young men and women.

  • The Deacon is available to speak to companies, university students, parishes and Diocese on subjects including how to make ethics in business and life a competitive advantage, integrity-based entrepreneurship, and discerning God’s call. Please reach out via email for availability.

 

 RJ attended Villanova University where he studied business and economics and is a frequent radio talk show guest and a university-level guest lecturer on subjects including entrepreneurial leadership, ethics in business and bringing Catholic values to the boardroom.

RJ and his wife Nancy have three daughters and live in Vermont with frequent trips to Boston and Kiawah Island.  

 

Life lessons we live by

  1. You have the ability to be a positive influence in the world. Trust in God and make an impact.

  2. Make all decisions with integrity first and you will never make a bad decision.

  3. Pray often and give thanks always.

  4. Forgive. Hold no grudges. You will benefit in more ways than you know.

  5. Let no one tell you being driven for results is a bad thing. You can be both a person of strong character and the best at what you do.

  6. Be nice, not weak.

  7. Be thankful for the faithful among us. People of faith, especially the ordained are the Warriors for God who protect us.

  8. Don't let 'losing' define you or others. Teach the value of learning from it and recovering quickly.

  9. Encourage, be charitable and give back. Devote yourself to the betterment of others.

  10. Life is short. Live with humor and eat ice cream.