Hi everyone, Matt here! By now you probably know all about our Airbnb business and our origin story, but I wanted to share a little bit about my first career in the freight business. From my humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the industry, I wanted to share my story and give you some helpful tips to grow in your career, whatever it may be. Let’s dive in!

The Passion That Started It All

Following in my dad’s footsteps, I started working in the freight business right after high school, and I quickly developed a deep passion for the industry. I dedicated myself to honing my work ethic and excelling in my role. What fascinated me the most was the intricate logistics of how things operated, how freight seamlessly moved through the system, and the satisfaction of ensuring products reached consumers. You might think I’m weird, but I found it incredibly interesting to witness different items moving through the facility, knowing that our efforts played a crucial role in getting those products into the hands of consumers.

After only two years, I achieved the supervisor position at Consolidated Freightways. At that time, I believed I had found my calling. Making $50,000 a year while my friends were in college or working fast food jobs, I thought I had it all figured out. But as is often the case with plans made in our 20s, I soon realized that the position was not a perfect fit for me. Being a young supervisor trying to lead and manage a team of older, more experienced individuals proved challenging. I felt the weight of my age and lack of experience in effectively guiding and motivating the team.

Determined to find my true path, I decided to finish college and initially planned to pursue a career in teaching like my mom, brother, and other family members. However, my love for sales and fascination with the allure of being a sales representative drew me in a different direction. The idea of having a company car, a credit card, and flexible hours intrigued me. I seized the opportunity and became a sales rep at Yellow Freight, which eventually led me to Frontline Freight where I joined as a District Sales Manager. As time went on, I progressed through various leadership roles until I finally reached the pinnacle of my career - becoming the CEO of Frontline Freight. My journey in the freight industry has taught me endless lessons about being an impactful leader in all aspects of my life.

The Transition of Companies

After successfully tripling the size of Frontline Freight since I joined, an exciting opportunity presented itself - the chance to be part of a significant business transaction. In this transition, we were absorbed by another freighting company in the area and ultimately partnered to fly our ship under one flag. The process took about 18 months and was both time-consuming and stressful. As the CEO of this smaller company, you can imagine the stress it put on me and my team! However, when the deal finally closed, it surpassed our expectations. Witnessing the culmination of our hard work and dedication was a truly awe-inspiring moment. We felt incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity. I initially took on a contractual partner role in the newly acquired company to facilitate the integration process. I expected this phase to last around a year, but to my surprise, it ended after just three months when we mutually decided to part ways.

That leads us to where Lisa and I are now! I am currently learning how to become a business and life coach to some incredible people. We have also hosted our very first Airbnb Masterclass, just opened our fourth vacation rental property, and have our eyes on the horizon to acquire more properties soon to keep on adding to our empire!

Three Tips for You to Take Into Your Professional Career!

Throughout my journey as a young leader, I have gained valuable expertise that I want to share with you. These tips are not limited to the freight industry; they are versatile and applicable across various fields.

1. Communication is key: Whether it's a verbal conversation or a phone call, always document your communication in writing to ensure clarity. Putting things in writing guarantees a mutual understanding, which in turn leads to smoother operations and sales.
2. Treat people well: Success is not solely about numbers; it's about how you treat people. Our purpose is to help others, and by treating people well, we enable them to excel. When employees feel valued and respected, they are happier at work, resulting in improved productivity and creating a positive environment everyone desires. Remember, when you treat people well, they will return the favor.
3. Empower others for growth: As a leader, it is essential to prioritize empowering others and promoting their success. Acknowledge their contributions and provide opportunities for advancement. By giving credit where it's due and creating a culture of recognition, you foster a motivated and engaged team that will drive positive results.

What’s Up Next?

Looking ahead, our journey continues with exciting adventures in our Airbnb business, Lisa's design business, and our newly launched Masterclass. While I still engage in freight consulting because it runs in my blood, I'm amazed by its complexities and remain fascinated by the industry. Freight and logistics have consistently played a significant role in our lives, and they will always hold a special place in our hearts. Who knows? Maybe in the future, as our business evolves or becomes more passive, I might once again dive back into the freight industry. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can share to assist you on your journey to success!

In conclusion, my transition from the freight business to becoming a CEO and entrepreneur in the vacation rental industry has been a transformative experience. It all started with a deep passion for logistics and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Through perseverance, self-reflection, and embracing opportunities, I've learned invaluable lessons about leadership, communication, and treating others with respect. As I continue to embark on new ventures, I carry these lessons with me, eager to learn and grow along the way. Remember, no matter where you are in your career, embracing change, and following your passions can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths!