Matt is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative here at Proactive Financial Management, as well as a life and health insurance broker in the states of Washington and Oregon.  Starting as assistant to William Whidden in 2007, Matt quickly earned his securities licenses and began cultivating his own client-base.  After several years of working with their respective clients independently, Matt and Bill combined their businesses in 2020 and Matt is now the majority-owner of Proactive Financial Management.

Matt graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Finance in 1997 and has been involved in the financial industries ever since.  Having worked for a public accounting firm prior to joining Proactive, Matt is particularly sensitive to the tax costs and benefits when developing investment strategies.  Additionally, he managed the business affairs of his wife's dental practice from 1998 until her retirement in May of 2024, so he easily empathizes with the small business owner.  He fully understands the challenges they face in providing security to their employees, while staying on course to meeting their own financial needs.

Here at the office Matt's focus is on helping clients develop realistic and sound financial plans and then seeing those plans through.  Matt is adept in all facets of wealth accumulation, preservation and management.  He also thrives on working with small business owners and professionals to develop successful retirement and insurance strategies.  He is very excited and passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals, whether that goal may be to take a dream vacation, send a child to college, or realize an early retirement.  Matt's approach to financial planning is to first gain an understanding of his client’s situation and financial position, and then to develop a plan to most efficiently meet their unique needs and goals.

Matt grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was drawn to the active lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest.  He made the move to Oregon in 1994 where he met his wife-to-be, Staci.  They have lived in the greater White Salmon area since 1998.  Matt has three children: Conner who recently graduated from college with a degree in computer science, Taylor who just started college at Montana State University, and Abby who is wrapping up her high school studies.  In addition to spending time with his family, Matt enjoys wing foiling, mountain biking, snowboarding and is an avid pickleball player.  He also loves boating and has enjoyed several great sailing vacations with his family and friends.  Matt is treasurer and a board member of the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation - an organization with a mission of enhancing and enriching the curriculum of our local school system.