Matthew or Matthews?

“You’re so quirky... Please don’t change.” – My brother
1. My legal name is Matthews, not Matthew. Didn’t change it since it helps make me, me (parents have broken English)

2. During high school, I made my own violin in woodshop class. Made it bright orange to stand out and because I love everything orange.

3. I like dry humor

“Don’t give up. Dig deep. Never accept defeat.” – My father after going from busboy to technology firm CEO
4. Once survived 48 hours alone in the wilderness with water and sleeping bag during a 10 day 90 mile Mexico trek. Made a tent out of a jacket and shoe strings. Learned to never give up.

5. Post-grad, turned down a Taiwan banking offer and asked to work for free at Navigant Consulting because of the personal fit. Became the youngest senior consultant and was up for a manager promotion within 2 years. Learned that I could achieve anything with hard work and perseverance.

6. I absolutely hate heights so I tried conquering it by falling 30 stories into a net. Didn’t work!

“Just smile and make others smile” – Grandmother instilling her life philosophy on me
7. Grew up living with my grandma, who helped raised me. I now help take care of her since she’s 100 yrs old.

8. Occasionally volunteer at a retirement home. Love listening to life stories and making an impact.

9. Most memorable college experience – Organizing Emory's first large-scale fundraiser for Chinese orphans.

Random Factoids

10. Picked up bartending to try something new and out of my comfort zone. I now love creating Japanese style drinks to serve at events and parties.

11. Love hosting themed dinner parties. The best way to form bonds, either through words or adhesives...

12. I write and compose music. Fav song is “Ancient Modern”, which blends U.S. and Taiwanese styles.

13. Most memorable cross cultural experience was living in the Japan rice fields for a summer during an exchange program.

14. MC’ed and participated in a rap battle. I wasn’t the winner, but won a steak dinner.

15. Affinity for math, finance, and creating concrete value = real estate finance. Best career decision I’ve made so far.

16. Helped create the first lease to own condo financing program in the Las Vegas market.