A Brief Timeline

FIRST LEAP

Moving to Panama & Building a Boutique Hospitality Brand

In the early 2000s, Matt moved to Panama and began operating a historic fleet of vacation rentals in Casco Viejo (then a forgotten district, now a cultural gem). Matt's team prioritized the local neighborhood and authentic guest experiences. And as the only place to stay in town (at the time), they became a sanctuary for travelers seeking something more meaningful. In hindsight, this was the first glimpse of Matt’s choosing to build human-centered business from the ground up.

 BOLD MOVES

Co-Founding Esperanza: From Violence to Vision

While working in the neighborhood, Matt co-founded a groundbreaking gang demobilization program that offered young men a path away from violence via entrepreneurship. What began as a social experiment with a local real estate developer K.C. Hardin, evolved into a beacon of hope for the Casco Viejo community. Esperanza taught everyone power of trust, dignity, and creative problem-solving. Which deepened Matt's understanding of what it means to build communities that heal.

GLOBAL CONNECTION

Launching VRMB: A Global Community of Hospitality Leaders

After stepping away from day-to-day operations in Panama, Matt launched VRMB.com, a platform that united independent vacation rental operators from around the world before Airbnb ever existed. By connecting like-minded people and sharing best practices, VRMB became a trusted thought-leader for entrepreneurs redefining the now booming vacation rental sector. 

INFLECTION POINT

"The Barcelona Incident"

Devliering the keynote speech at a 600-person conference in Barcelona, just weeks after the October terrorist attacks in Israel, Matt decided last minute to scrap his data-driven slide-deck to share a deeply personal story from his own trip to Israel months before. When colleague Guy Fomin stepped up to share how he’d housed refugees during wartime, the room was moved to a standing ovation: an unforgettable moment of unscripted vulnerability, love and transformation.

SHARED COURAGE

Here Goes Nothin’: The Next Chapter in Creative Leadership

Here Goes Nothin’ is the natural evolution of Matt's leadership journey. A space for anyone spearheading change and transformation in their business. Born from a personal pivot and a desire to help others embrace theirs, Here Goes Nothin' invites people from all walks of life to invest in creativity as the antidote to commoditization, loss of soul, and burnout. 

NEXT CHAPTER

Let's Put Soul Back in Business!

In an era of disconnection, Here Goes Nothin' is a rallying cry to step bravely into the unknown not alone, but alongside people we admire on new levels. Here Goes Nothin’  is a meeting ground for leaders to navigate their next breakthrough with creativity and grace. And to do so together :) 

If Matt's story resonates and you'd like to explore a way to work together, schedule a Discovery Chat with Matt today!