About

I am a Performance Optimist… which means that I am a trainer/speaker/facilitator who believes that there are always solutions to the behavioral or performance issues you and your teams may be facing… we just have to look in the right place to find them.

Here is a fancy video I made to tell you more…

How did I get here?

In 1988, I was a high school senior looking for a summer job. My Mom saw that a local amusement park was hiring and suggested I go fill out an application. I rebelled at first, but reluctantly took Mom’s advice. I ended up working with that company for 10 years, holding a number of leadership roles and learning many life lessons along the way.  Thanks, Mom!

My career and learning continued as I moved around the industry with stints in Minnesota and Connecticut, until finally landing at Universal Orlando Resort in 2003. For 8 years I was responsible for leadership development at one of the largest theme park properties on the planet.  Whoa.

And now…

My goal is simple.  I want to help you… the business owner, leader, manager, or supervisor to make sure you are getting the most out of yourself and the people you work with.  This may look very different depending on what’s going on and the desired outcome.  We could decide on a large format session where everyone is brought together, we could do smaller team building workshops or we may decide that one-on-one coaching is the right way to go.  Or, it could be none of the above.  The bottom line is that we will find the solution that is right for you.

One thing you can count on is that I will ask you a lot of questions.  I need to find out what is going on, what you are seeing, and what’s behind what’s going on and what you are seeing.  That’s the only way we can get down to the real reason you emailed me or picked up the phone.

Contact me anytime and we’ll chat.

Professional Highlights

• 23 years in the entertainment industry
  • Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, FL – Senior Trainer of Leadership Development
  • Smiles Entertainment Center, Milford, CT – General Manager
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park, Shakopee, MN – Operations Area Manager
  • Knott’s Camp Snoopy (now Nickelodeon Universe), Bloomington, MN – Team Leader
  • Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH – Assistant Rides Manager
• Featured presenter:
  • Colombian Association of Amusement Parks Conference – Building a Winning Customer Service Culture – May 2012
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park – Pre-Season Leadership Training, “Best Day Ever” – April 2012
  • Schlitterbahn Waterparks – Pre-Season Leadership Training/Train the Trainer March 2012
  • Texas Public Pool Council Annual Aquatics Conference – Jan. 2012
  • Future Theme Park Leaders meeting – Oct. 2011
  • Putting Edge Regional Leadership Conference – Sept. 2011
  • SHRM Jacksonville Conference – July, 2011
  • Space Coast HR Meeting – June, 2011
  • World Waterpark Association Symposium and Trade Show – 2010, 2011 (Best Speaker Award recipient – 2010 and 2011)
  • GOOD Network Best Practice Sharing Session (Building Your Leadership Brand – 2009, The Rhythm of Teamwork – 2010)
  • Lake Compounce Theme Park – Spring Leadership Training – 2009, 2011
  • HR Florida Conference – 2008
  • New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) Spring Supervisory Seminar – 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.  Annual Meeting – 2009
  • Rye Playland Amusement Park- Spring Supervisor Training – 2008
  • International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Annual Attractions Expo – 2006 – 2011
  • Hotel Human Resources Association of Central Florida – February 2009 meeting
• Featured Author:
  • FunWorld – March, 2010
  • FunExtra – June 2011
  • World Waterpark Magazine – July/August, 2011
• Current Chairperson of the IAAPA Human Resources Committee
• 2-time winner of Universal’s Excellence in Leadership Award – 2004 & 2008
  

I’m sure you are very impressed with what I have to say about myself.  Here’s what real people (who aren’t me) are saying:
“Matt – Thanks for being an inspiration and a motivation to me.  Thanks for always being supportive and optimistic.  Thanks for being a positive force that elevates the lives of everyone around you.” Mike Auman – Supervisor, Attractions Operations, Universal Orlando Resort

“Matt takes the time to give advice and is able to consider all sides of a dilemma, opening up new views and different approaches. He encourages a fun atmosphere and is constantly sharing best practices.” Jenny Bordeaux – Manager, Entrance Operations, Universal Orlando Resort

“Matt artfully presented a leadership seminar that was engaging, thoughtful, organized, and extremely well received. His unique blend of humor, information, and insight educated as well as entertained his audience.” Tom Morrow – Former Operations Manager, Canobie Lake Park (NEAAPA)

“Matt’s presentation made me think. It makes me want to improve and grow.” NEAAPA Seminar participant, 2008

“Matt’s just wired differently than any other trainer I’ve had.” -  leadership class participant

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