Our fearless leader and CEO Matt Bernhardt is an honoree for Gulfshore Business’s 40-Under-40 Award!

Matt was selected from a field of nearly 170 nominations. The diverse and inspiring group hails from a variety of fields, such as medical, finance, real estate and development, nonprofit, law, public service and the arts, and includes many entrepreneurs.

The judges’ panel weighs professional achievements, volunteerism and other recognition, as noted by the candidates’ nominators.

On any given weekday, you can find Matt serving our clientele with sincere devotion. After hours, Matt serves on the board of the SWFL Regional Technology Partnership, has volunteered at Big Brothers of SWFL, and enjoys traveling, shooting hoops and spending time with his family and friends. 

I sat down with Matt to learn more about how he became the successful entrepreneur he is today.

Here’s what he had to say:

• Name the most important lesson or lessons you have learned in your career.
  • “The most important lesson I have learned in my career is how crucial it is to focus on what your strengths are and focus on growing those. Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses early on will save you time and allow for you to grow in the areas that will benefit you the most.”

• What advice would you give to someone just beginning his or her career?
  • “Get several mentors – people that are where you want to be someday. Ask questions and learn from them as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to ask anybody for advice no matter how big they may seem. Most people are willing to help as long as it’s genuine.”

• • How would you describe your approach to business/your profession?
    • “Always do the right thing, no matter what the situation may be. Always be honest and always do the right thing for your employees, customers, or whomever you may be doing business with. Your reputation is everything. My parents and my mentor instilled this in me and I live my life by it.”  
• Name a major challenge you have had to overcome or problem you have solved.
  • “One major challenge that I’ve faced throughout my career stems from hiring the right kind of people. Early on, we would hire for skills and not worry so much about the candidate’s personality. We found that going about the hiring process the opposite way is a much better approach because as long as the employee has the right attitude and is eager to grow, they can learn the skills to perform the job correctly. If you have a great team member, keep an eye out for what position they would be best suited and don’t be afraid to try them in different roles that they can grow and thrive in.”

Congratulations on being recognized for your achievements, hard work and dedication, Matt!

Read more about the 40-Under-40 Awards ceremony here: 

http://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/September-2017/2017-40-Under-40/