Matt Maasdam

Matt, a former Navy SEAL and University of Michigan graduate, dedicated over two decades to military service, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Pacific. His distinguished career saw him disrupt terrorist networks and lead under immense pressure. Notably, he served as the lead instructor for “Hell Week” at SEAL training, instilling core values in aspiring SEALs, and later attended Harvard’s Kennedy School to further his expertise in leadership and teamwork.

His leadership continued at the highest levels, as he was selected to be President Barack Obama’s Military Aide. In this critical role, Matt was responsible for planning the President’s emergency responses and famously carried the “nuclear football,” ensuring national security in crisis situations. These experiences honed his ability to unify teams and deliver results in high-stakes environments.

Transitioning from active duty, Matt applied his mission-driven approach to the business sector. He held a leadership position at Under Armour, overseeing significant aspects of their online operations, and subsequently founded two successful e-commerce businesses. Through these ventures, he gained firsthand experience in team building, job creation, budget management, and supporting working families in a dynamic economy. Matt resides in mid-Michigan with his wife, Laura, a veteran naval helicopter pilot, their two sons, and their cat.