Matt McGauley
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MATT MCGAULEY, 38
President and sole shareholder of Fidelity Trust Company, Chattanooga's oldest real estate firm; director of First Volunteer Bank and elected to the board at age 37 - the youngest ever; developed many of the spaces in downtown Chattanooga, including the first LEED-certified building in Hamilton County (some of my tenants have dubbed me the unofficial "Mayor of Cherry Street"); recipient of the Sophia Long Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation from Cornerstones Inc.; director of Bright School alumni board; advisor to RiverRocks; development manager of Miracle League of Chattanooga; married to Emily with two daughters: Cate, 3, and Claire, 1.
What's your anthem or theme song?
"Livin' On a Prayer," by Bon Jovi.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
When I was younger - much younger, with longer hair - people thought I looked like the bad guy from the "Karate Kid" movies, Johnny. In college, my fraternity brothers gave me the nickname Johnny Karate. That sounds like a pretty good/cheesy stage name.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
Definitely my wife and daughters. Nobody makes a better backup dancer/vocalist than my wife, Emily, and my girls are "excellent" percussionists.
Which member of the band would you be?
Lead singer and guitarist.
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
Championing the betterment of Chattanooga and never settling for the status quo.
Random green room demand?
103 Nutty Buddies perfectly stacked into the likeness of a skyscraper.
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
I have been influenced by countless people over the years as I've worked to mold my own personal way of doing things - more often than not, taking away from experiences what not to do going forward.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
I listen to almost everything and love diversity in music; however, nothing beats the live performance of a good jam band.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
Tough question! I'd say Keller Williams. He's eclectic enough to put my life into a soundtrack.
First album you bought for yourself?
I really cannot remember, but I think it was either The Beatles, Widespread Panic, Rush or Metallica.
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
Education. I believe the education system will be the single greatest impediment to our future success. We have amazingly talented people moving to Chattanooga, but they will not stay here when they start having children and cannot find acceptable public schools. Chattanooga has come a long way over the past decade, but we should expect a "brain drain" to occur in the near future if we cannot educate the next generation.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
A mentorship program to get inner-city children introduced and connected to the business community.