In 1996, Matt attended the University of Tennessee to study Architecture but left to serve an enlistment in the Marine Corps and traveled around the world. Once back stateside, he received a scholarship to East Carolina University and earned a degree in Construction Management. He realized he preferred the outdoors and freedoms of construction, especially in homebuilding, however, he never lost that creative design side and architectural roots.

In 2006, Matt started Grandfather with an emphasis to not only building amazing custom homes but to build ambitious homes for sale with exceptional design and livability and not just driven for profit. He knew that not only unique designs and extraordinary materials were essential, but the very best people to manage and build them. He leads them with empowerment he learned from the service, transparency and commitment learned from his grandfather, and team devotion he has learned in attracting and retaining the very best company talent. All of this molded together is the finest formula for successful and happy homeowners.

In 2016, Matt’s community involvement, leadership, and influence earned him a spot on the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 under 40” list. He is married to Gretchen, who is the proud founder and franchiser of thedogwizard.com, a nationwide dog training company. Together they have two children, Elijah and Willow, and of course the company dog Eddie. You’ll likely see the whole crew out hiking, biking, paddling, or any other ways to best explore the mountains to the coast.