In the early ’90s, I was working counter sales during the day, taking college classes at night, and cleaning restaurant carpets on a graveyard shift just to make ends meet. Those times were tough and they laid a very strong foundation for my career.
Over the next several years, I completed a two-year vocational program and a rigorous four-year apprenticeship while working full-time as a Mechanical Trades technician. I specialized in systems with complex sequences of operation and became a Certificate Member of a Service Engineers Society.
By the time I was 22, I was also teaching part-time at a local college, serving as Education Director for a professional chapter, while developing and leading in-house training for my company. I wasn’t just building a career. I was discovering how much I loved learning, teaching, and contributing to the growth of others.
Contributing to other people’s growth quickly proved to be a passion.
But life has a way of testing us.
Just before turning 30, a motorcycle accident left me with extensive fractures throughout my skull and upper body, a punctured lung, and a severe traumatic brain injury initiating in a coma. When I finally regained consciousness, I had no memory of life and the cognitive ability of a child.
I’d lost everything—my independence, my home, my career—and rebuilding meant starting over.
That journey became my greatest teacher. I developed a deep passion for understanding the neuroscience behind learning, developing perspective, and human potential.
After six years in recovery and a lifetime still ahead, I was finally able to go back to work.
Six years into recovery, I completed a bachelor’s degree in communication and returned to work as a technical trainer.
From there, I joined an independent manufacturers’ representative agency and eventually became a co-owner and sat as an executive on the board of directors.
Over fifteen years, I led a high-performing territory, grew the business, and earned recognition from several industry organizations.
For more than 30 years, I’ve built a career by contributing to the growth of people and businesses. I’ve also learned not to measure success only by titles, recognition, or business results. For me, it also means continuing to grow, taking on meaningful challenges, and fully living the life I’ve worked so hard to rebuild.
Start a Conversation
I’d welcome a conversation about what you’re working toward and where I may be able to contribute.
Email: matt@mattbutler.org
Phone: 801.244.4844
