Employee Spotlight: Matt LaPorte, Senior Director of Business Development at TMBA
Matt LaPorte (left) with his family
At T.M. Bier & Associates, our success is driven by the dedication and expertise of our team members. This month, we're excited to introduce you to Matt LaPorte, our Senior Director of Business Development, whose career journey and personal passions make him a valued member of our family.
Originally from Staten Island, Matt LaPorte has always been a people person. Before embarking on his professional journey, Matt honed his communication skills as a bartender, a role that provided him with unique insights into human nature and the art of conversation. He has been happily married to his wife, Anna, for 19 years, and they have two children, Ava (15) and Matthew (13).
Matt's journey with T.M. Bier & Associates began in 2003. After an initial stint of eight years, he explored other opportunities but returned to TMBA in 2016, finding that the company still felt like home. Today, Matt serves as the Senior Director of Business Development, where he plays a crucial role in building and nurturing relationships with mechanical contractors, general contractors, and end users. His role has evolved from learning the ropes of sales to mentoring others on the importance of relationship-building.
Some of the projects Matt is particularly proud of include high-profile assignments like 55 Water St, the American Dream Mall, Oculus, and 74 Trinity Pl. These projects reflect not just the scale of his work but also the trust and reputation he has built over the years.
When asked what he enjoys most about working at TMBA, Matt emphasizes the team aspect. "Knowing that our team doesn’t need my help on the technical side, but I get to help them on the relationship-building side is really the most satisfying part of my job," he shares.
A memorable moment for Matt is anytime the team secures a major win, whether it's landing a large project or receiving positive feedback from a satisfied customer. It's these moments that keep him motivated and engaged in his work. Matt believes that the key to success in his position lies in understanding people, knowing their interests, and, of course, having a go-to list of restaurants and bars in every area of the city!
Outside of work, Matt is a devoted father, often playing the role of "DUber" (dad Uber) for his kids as they go to hockey and baseball games. He is also a season ticket holder for the Jets and an avid Mets fan. Balancing work and personal life is important to Matt, and he cherishes family time, whether it's watching a movie together or enjoying a Sunday dinner (where the family debates whether it's "gravy" or "sauce"). In the summer, they love spending time at the beach house.
Interestingly, Matt is also a skilled cook—something his colleagues might not know about him. In his words, he's a "REALLY good cook…borderline Great…."
Looking ahead, Matt’s career goals are simple: to retire someday, knowing he's made a significant impact at TMBA. When it comes to the company culture, Matt describes it as a family. "I left and five years later came back, and it was as if I never left," he says. What sets TMBA apart, according to Matt, is the intelligence and leadership within the company. Having worked at several places in the industry, he firmly believes that TMBA is home to the smartest people, led by the best leaders.
For those considering a career in business development, Matt’s advice is straightforward: "Be yourself, analyze your clients, learn their interests, and don’t be shy." He also emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, something he learned from a course on Developing Executive Relationships and his early career experiences as a bartender.
We’re proud to have Matt LaPorte as part of our team at T.M. Bier & Associates. His dedication to building strong relationships, both within and outside the company, exemplifies the values we hold dear. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights as we continue to introduce you to the incredible people who make TMBA the leader in our industry.
