Matt was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. He attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa where he earned a B.A. in Communications: Electronic Media and Journalism. Upon graduation, Matt was commissioned as a 2LT in the United States Army, branching Aviation and Military Intelligence. Matt flew UH-60 Blackhawks, RC-12X Guardrails, and EMARSS aircraft from the Army. Matt retired from the Army in 2014 after being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three oak leaf clusters, amongst others. Matt has an amazing wife, Megan, who has supported him throughout his Army career and now within Ministry. Matt and Megan have three boys, Jack, Harrison, and Benjamin as well as two dogs and a cat. Matt previously served as Pastor in Bellingham, Appleton, Correll, and Marietta Minnesota. Matt loves to attend sporting events, cook, and spend time with his family.