This week DiscoverMukilteo Talks with Insurance Agent and Drummer Matt Martin. Matt has been heavily involved in the community since he moved here, serving on the boards of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, and Mukilteo Police Foundation, to name a few. When he’s not volunteering or working, you can find Matt riding his Harley and playing the drums in the local band, The Legacy.
DM: How long have you lived in Mukilteo?
MM: Moved to Mukilteo in November of 1999. I moved to Marysville in 2002 and right back to Mukilteo in 2004.
DM: How long have you been an agent for State Farm, and how did you get started in the business?
MM: I opened my office on January 1st, 2000. I worked on the claims side of the business for almost ten years. I always enjoyed visiting with the Agents and hearing about their businesses. Most of the agents I worked with were very involved with their communities, and I thought that was right up my alley!
DM: You are very active in the Mukilteo Community. Can you tell us about your volunteer positions and the boards you serve on? Why did you choose these organizations?
MM: I currently serve as the Board Chair of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce. I have been with the Chamber since 2000. I currently serve as the President of the Mukilteo Police Foundation. I served on the Mukilteo YMCA board for 11 years. I was a member and served in leadership for the Mukilteo Kiwanis for many years. I was the Vice President of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival in its first year. When I moved to Mukilteo to open my business, I asked Doug Kimball (formally with the Mukilteo Beacon) who I should talk to to “get involved” in the community. He immediately suggested I speak to Frank Foster, “who knows everyone.” I met with Frank, who suggested the Chamber and Kiwanis, and I was off to the races. Unlike many other new businesses, my marketing plan was ME. I didn’t spend a ton of money on mailers and ads. I just wanted to get involved and serve the people of Mukilteo.
DM: Is there an achievement or contribution you are most proud of, and why?
MM: Not particularly. I think just being around long enough and being present that occasionally someone I don’t know will say, “Oh, you are Matt Martin, the community guy.” It’s much more the association with “community guy” than the recognition. (Editor’s Note: Matt was Mukilteo Citizen of the Year in 2019)
DM: In addition to working and volunteering, you are also a musician. How did you get started playing drums?
MM: I was the typical “pounder on pots” kid, starting back in grade school. My Dad was a choral director, so I had many opportunities to play drums for his programs. I was a band geek in high school and sat in on tons of groups. Playing music is an amazing gift, and I enjoy every minute of it!
DM: What is your favorite music to play?
MM: MUSIC!!!
DM: What’s on your current playlist?
MM: Oh man, everything from, The Eagles, to Tom Petty, to Bon Jovi. And a little of everything in between!
DM: What is your favorite place in Mukilteo to visit and why?
MM: Although I don’t get down there near enough, the Lighthouse Park is amazing! I think currently, one of my favorite spots is Tapped Mukilteo. I love the vibe there, and the food is amazing.
DM: If you could play music with any musician, who would it be and why (alive or dead, real or fictional)?
MM: I would have loved to hang out with the late Neil Peart (drummer for Rush) and jam with David Gilmore (guitar player for Pink Floyd). However, I’m so blessed to play with current band mates Justin Peterson and Josh Stocker, as well as great friend Char Bailey (previous band).
DM: What do you think surprises people about you?
MM: Most people are surprised that I’m in a band and ride a Harley.
DM: Do you have any children? If so, what are their names?
MM: Two amazing Daughters. Taylor is a nursing student in South Carolina, and Megan, her younger Sister, is a Student at Northwest University, studying Psychology. Something about “fixing me”…
DM: What kind of pets do you have, if any? What are their names?
MM: No pets at the moment. It’s challenging enough to take care of myself!
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