State Farm agent, Matt Watson, has set a goal for himself.
The goal is to continue to run a successful business, allowing him and his family the great fortune to provide for themselves, and to give to others.
Matt strives to better his community through a wide range of philanthropic causes. His State Farm office is a drop location for Toys for Tots, and many food drives throughout the year. “We have donated school supplies and backpacks to Heroes to Hometown, and are always finding ways to donate to those in need at different times of the year,” Matt stated.
The staff at the office is passionate about all of the giving. There is a certain excitement and boost of morale that comes with donation. The workplace culture is improved with employee involvement and the general feeling around the office is excitement when there is a food drive or toy drive. “There is no requirement from the staff,” Matt said. “I simply ask what sources staff members are passionate about and we take the day to a different level by jumping in to help those causes.”
State Farm is a great fit for Matt because the company’s values aligned perfectly with Matt and his wife Bree’s family values. This made the transition from his corporate position at Sherwin-Williams to small business owner at State Farm the perfect partnership. “It’s not business to us, it personal. We don’t quote business, we are risk advisors that learn what is important to you, what is at risk, and put a plan in place specific to your needs. In addition, I make sure that you know 100 percent what you are paying for and why. State Farm has amazing rates right now, and finds ways to say yes when others say no.”
“I want people to know that my team and I truly care about their best interests. We are not quoters, or salespeople, we are risk advisors. With that, our discussion is always related to a needs-based conversation.”
In this unique time of crisis, Matt’s professional recommendations are as vital as his charitable contributions. State Farm currently offers an analysis risk assessment to anyone seeking answers to the what ifs as well as options for filling in the gaps with families that may be impacted adversely by current economic conditions.
Shaping a Humanitarian
Matt’s background of helping others can be traced back to his childhood roots. He grew up in a single-parent home and saw, firsthand, the challenges as well as the great fortune that resulted from kindness and generosity.
His giving spirit began to take shape at age 7, back in the small farming community of Ithaca, Mich., where Matt was raised. His mom got him involved with an organization he continues to support today — Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. Her intentions were that Matt might enjoy experiences that, as a single mother, she was unable to provide for him.
Those positive experiences, delivered by the Big Brother/Big Sister husband/wife team, brought him outside the boundaries of his tiny hometown in the Midwest, to faraway places like Disneyland, the beaches of Cancun, and snow skiing in Northern Michigan and Utah. The married couple who took Matt under their wings raised his awareness in the significance of giving to a cause greater than oneself.
Those younger years were merely the beginning of a meaningful relationship with individuals he continues to refer to as his second family. He remembers those adventures as his first opportunities to get a taste of what life could be like, if he worked hard. Matt is forever grateful his mom put him in the position to experience things which were best for him during those younger years.
Because of the impact of her selflessness, he continues with gratitude to pay forward the gift of giving in order to positively influence others’ lives. Generosity toward others is something Matt says has always been a part of his life.
Matt’s transition from little brother in Ithaca, Mich. to State Farm agent in Mesa, Ariz. is a long and winding road. Today, he is the husband to his wife, Bree, whom he refers to as the “heart of our home operation.” He’s also dad to three boys, Jaxson, 8, Hogan, 6, and Gibson, 3. The boys keep Matt and Bree busy with Boy Scouts, wrestling, baseball, soccer, karate and a variety of community service projects.
Unfortunately, Matt wasn’t always available to be vested in the boy’s activities. He remembers a time when Bree did most of the day-to-day shuffling between school and play. “I was previously the national sales manager for Sherwin-Williams, and having a family, along with 70 percent travel, was challenging. I knew I wanted to do something on my own, be home each night with my family, and be in a position to help people. State Farm Insurance gives me this opportunity.”
Matt keeps a full calendar, balancing client’s needs, home life, and contributing to his community. He has a method for choosing the charities he supports. “It’s simple,” he says. “If you need help, I’m in.”
Some of the local organizations Matt has recently contributed to are Paz de Cristo, College Bound AZ and Soldier’s Best Friend. He is also active as a Big Brother with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Arizona. He proudly declared his little brother, Nick, is currently a junior at NAU. Nick and his family are also considered part of the Watson’s extended family.
Time spent with Nick in this organization once again proved the positive impact charitable contributions can make in both the giver and recipient’s life. Matt looks forward to continuing the relationship with Nick and someday, he says, will watch his little brother walk down the aisle. “I’ll be there to welcome his first child,” says Matt. “His future will be a part of mine.”
Need is the main factor he considers when contributing to his community. Matt emphasizes contribution isn’t always financial. In fact, he looks for ways to be helpful with his time, manpower, and through supply donations. One of his favorite gestures of charity is bringing smiles to faces through the delivery of birthday cards to children at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, right here in Mesa.
In addition, he champions a local nonprofit — The Kindness Revolution. Through the form of kindness bracelets, he encourages acts of kindness by sharing a thank you gift (bracelet), with encouragement to pass along compassion to someone else. A Thank You for Your Service bracelet is a perfect token to share with our veterans, active duty, firefighters and police officers.
Whether it’s his own family, work family, or extended Big Brothers/Big Sisters family, Matt has certainly upheld kindness to humanity through service projects, donations, manpower and time. And his energy for giving is limitless.
“The smile on the face of those who receive is priceless. Knowing that everything we do is received with gratitude and appreciation, well I know that feeling, so it is simply amazing.” — Matt Watson
For more information, visit matt@mattwatsoninsurance.com, call (480) 830 – SAVE (7283), or connect to Facebook.com/protectedbymatt. The office is located at 6836 E. Brown Road, Suite 101, in Mesa