Matt began working at Sweet Basil in 1987 as a bus boy. He moved to Vail with a friend “just for the season”, because the ski bum lifestyle had been a youthful dream. Growing up in Denver, he would ride the ski train to Winter Park, so the mountains were always calling.
Over the years he was a server, bartender and manager. In June of 1999 Matt hit a career landmark and was asked to become Managing Partner of Sweet Basil from the founder Kevin Clair. Matt and Kevin opened Mountain Standard, their second restaurant together in Vail village in the fall of 2012. The relaxed, casual and tavern-like new concept became an instant success. After Kevin retired in 2017, Matt purchased his shares to become the owner of Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard. That same year, he also opened an elevated counter service concept in Edwards, the Craftsman—serving chef inspired sandwiches and Colorado craft beers.
Matt has always been an active part of his community coaching youth baseball, being on the Hospitality Committee for the 2015 World Championships, serving on the Vail Economic Council and participating in the Vail Indeed program by purchasing several apartments in Vail and preserving them for employee housing. Matt instills genuine hospitality in his staff and strives to live it every day. However, he never forgets his start and to this day, his self-proclaimed title on his business cards is the "busboy with keys".
Today Matt lives in Edwards with his wife, Jana, and teenage twins, Jack and Grace. As a family they love to travel, have family ski days, camp, hike, and enjoy all the Vail Valley has to offer. “Do it now, life is too short!”
