Tom Funk provided a brief introduction of outstanding new club member Matt to the club
Matt provided members with a very personal and at times an emotional portrait of the life and times of Matt Webster from day 1 - May 5th, 1885 - to the present.
Borington
Born and raised along with sister Alisson in Burlington by lifetime Burlington residents mum (Cynthia) and dad (Ian). Burlington was also known as “Borington” by Matt in his youth. However, on reflection, Matt now recognises that Burlington is, and was, a great place to raise a family.
Matt was a high school student of Burlington Central notably on opposite sides of the “double cohort” year with sister Alisson. The fact that they both would be graduating in the same year only further strained their relationship. Luckily for Alison Matt loved playing varsity sports and decided to stick around high school for an extra year to play one more season of Baseball, Hockey and Football and was recognized as School Valedictorian of his graduating class.
Life Lesson 1
Note 1: One of the first life events that Matt remembers (Grade 9) that helped shaped his current personality and health consciousness was his dad’s diagnosis with Colon Cancer. A quick diagnosis and surgery solved the problem, albeit, after a prolonged and potentially fatal period of procrastination on getting a nagging condition checked out. This event created Matt becoming an early advocate for proactive men’s health care. So, Matt’s Soapbox Moment – “Men around the world live an average of 6 years less than women and for reasons that are largely preventable. See your doctor regularly and don’t be scared to speak up if you don’t feel well, and help shake the idea that if you’re a man being stoic and tough is a Mandatory part of your persona”
Discovery
Following the influence of his high school Chemistry Teacher Matt decided to study Chemistry at Wilfred Laurier University. While at University Matt discovered three major things:
- Chemistry was not his life’s passion
- A prospective wife Melissa
- Sales
Notwithstanding, these discoveries Matt completed is 4-year degree in chemistry with honours. However, his part time job at Future Shop selling computers on a 100% commission, basis incorporating the ability to write his own pay cheque, struck a significant chord with Matt. He could work the same number of hours, less than his friends and classmates did at their part time jobs and make more money.
Note 2: The aforesaid Chemistry Teacher, Mr. Duggan as well as past president Marty always referred and / or refer to Matt as Max (No Relation) Webster. The no relation reference is to “Max Webster” who if you don’t know is Kim Mitchell’s former Band’s mate - not as I believed it to be club member Carl Webster
The part time job at Future Shop ended up turning into Matt’s career for nine years and with his keen analytical and sales capability eventually led to sales manager positions at various levels of responsibility. After a subsequent difficult unrewarding stint at SAIL Canada in Cambridge Matt pursued and found his dream job of real estate sales. Matt loves the life of a real estate sales person. It again provides the opportunity to work for himself, and again the ability to write his own pay check. What’s more he really enjoys working for his current real estate agency - a full service agency that is focused on being truly local with a vision and goals that are aligned with his own – a great fit for Matt.
Move to Guelph
When he completed university, Melissa was still finishing up her degree at Ryerson University and needed a roommate for her last semester. So, he transferred his part time job from Cambridge to Toronto and moved in together.
Matt indicated that they were in a strange spot compared to most people. They were living in mid-town Toronto and commuting out of the city, paying for 2 Toronto-priced parking spaces, Toronto Rent and spending most of their time out of the city. We loved the neighbourhood near Young & Eglinton and ideally would have liked to buy a house somewhere near where we lived. Unfortunately, as first-time home buyers, that neighbourhood was WAY out of their budget. So, we started looking outside of the city in areas that were closer to their respective families. Guelph was the perfect city for the young couple. Melissa could commute to her job, we were about a 45-minute drive from both of our families and they could afford to buy a house here.
Loves of his life
Notwithstanding his current employment activity and appreciation of living in Guelph and love of the outdoors the real love of Matts life is his wife Melissa, the recently arrived twins Olive and Maddox and Wally the dog. Two-month old Olive and Maddox are obviously a challenge but a welcome one given earlier disappointments.
All in all, Matt cannot believe his good fortune – His sunny disposition, caring and diligent approach to life and his industry probably account for most of it.
Richard Broadwith thanked Matt for painting an engaging and detailed personal profile of the life and times of Matt Webster. Richard also thanked Matt for his support re Canada day fundraising activity and welcomed his joining and prospective participation in the Clubs Corporate Coordinating Committee
50/50 Draw – Jim Fryett
Luisa Del Roasario - is wondering if anyone would like to accompany her to Africa in the next few weeks to do due diligence for the latest round of her sewing project. Please contact her directly luisa@luisasdraperies.com
