Private: Digging In with Matt Bixler

Digging In is a regular series of blog posts profiling UDig employees.  We hope this series helps you to get to know our team and understand why we dig what we do!

Today’s interview is with Matt Bixler, Strategic Account Executive in our Richmond office. Matt is the quiet force behind some of our deepest client relationships and a consistent top performer in the organization.  It was great to get his unique perspective on the evolution of our organization, reveal some hidden talents and of course, hear why he digs what he does!

UDig: Tell us a little bit about your background and your role at UDig.

MB: I have always been in sales.  I love the process, the autonomy and the excitement.  Prior to joining UDig, I worked in the wholesale mortgage business, which became challenging during the financial crisis.  I’ve known Andy since school and loved his excitement and passion for the business, which led me to join the team in ’07.

I’ve been with UDig for a while so I’ve seen us grow from a small shop to our current business, which is continuing to grow and expand.  It’s been really exciting to be a part of the evolution.  Today, the conversations I have with our clients are much different.  We are able to engage differently, have deeper dialogue about the business problems they face and we have the technical capabilities to solve them.  It’s more proactive, more challenging, and more rewarding.

UDig: What does Do What You Dig mean to you?

MB: I think it’s a great tagline and a great representation of our brand and what we try to do.  For me, it encapsulates the entrepreneurial spirit at UDig.  The idea that we have the opportunity to do something extraordinary each and every day.

UDig: What is the best career advice you ever received?

MB:  It’s not new but a professor in college first exposed me to Stephen Covey and “beginning with the end in mind” has always stuck.  It’s critical in my role to have a plan and execute on it.  Visualizing the outcome first and then making in happen.

 UDig: What is your favorite online procrastination tool?

MB:  Mostly news, current events, staying on top of what’s happening, keeping up to date on the real estate market and perhaps a little fantasy golf.

 UDig: What is the most played song in your library?

MB:  My kids think I’m ancient but I still love the 90’s classics.  Most played would probably be from Foo Fighters and REM.

 UDig: What did you want to be when you grew up?

MB:  When I was young I thought I was going to be a rock star!  My brother played guitar and I played the drums.

UDig: You’ve been told you are not allowed to work tomorrow, how do you spend your day?

MB: A round of golf with extra holes (because 18 isn’t enough!), a day on the beach followed by a seafood dinner with family and friends.