After college, Matt joined the United States Army. He completed basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 2008 as a Transportation Officer. Matt’s first duty station was Camp Casey, Korea, as a distribution platoon leader with the 1-72 Armor Battalion. Matt led a team of 63 Soldiers within a multi-functional logistics group. His team was responsible for the supply chain operations and sustainment of an 800 person organization. After Matt’s successful completion of his tour in Korea, he volunteered for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation New Dawn.

In Iraq, Matt served as a supply-chain transportation platoon leader for a group of 36 Soldiers within the 1st Infantry Division. Matt was later chosen by the Brigade Commander to create a Convoy Operations Management Center for strategic project planning within Southern Iraq. Upon completion of Matt’s time in Iraq, he would continue his Military career progression as an Executive Officer (XO), Assistant Operations Officer (S-3), attend Army Logistics University, and serve as a Battalion Supply Chain Officer (S-4). Matt exited Active Duty in 2015.In 2016, he joined the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) within the Army Reserve in Orlando, FL.

Although Matt has traveled around the world to support and defend the Constitution, he never forgot where he came from. In Iraq, Matt flew a Florida flag over his living quarters to show that Florida was in the fight for freedom. When asked what he loves about Florida, Matt references the old Florida state song “Florida, My Florida” Written by Rev Dr. C. V. Waugh. The song says: “Land of my birth, bright sun kissed land. Florida, my Florida. Laded by the Gulf and Ocean grand, Florida, my Florida. Of all the States in East or West, Unto my heart thou art the best. Here may I live, here may 1 rest Florida, my Florida”. Florida is Matt’s home.

Matt loves this State and is proud to be a Veteran bom, living, working, and succeeding in Florida. He also recognizes that there are over 1 million Veterans that call Florida home. To better unite Veterans with available resources, Matt has made it his mission to connect with as many Florida Veterans as possible. Recently, Matt joined the Central Florida Association of the United States Army Sunshine Chapter, became a protege with the Orlando Camaraderie Foundation Mentor Leadership Program for Veterans, and participated in a Combat Veterans study with UCF Restores at UCF. Matt is serious about helping Veterans succeed after service and proactively connects with other Florida Veterans to help them any way he can.

In 2018, Matt was one of two Veterans at his company to achieve his Six Sigma Green Belt. This accomplishment further proves the value added to the workplace by employees with a Military background. Because of his newly acquired skill set, Matt was able to establish a digital time keeping & payroll program across 20% of his strategic transportation / logistics supplier fleet. Additionally, Matt reduced his company’s carbon footprint by 21 metric tons of CO2 per 1,000 miles driven on Central Florida Expressway asphalt paving project. Results like these prove that Matt continues to use his Military mindset to leave an organization better than he found it. His focus on reduced emissions and increased sustainability fosters a belief of a greener Florida for the next generation.

Major General Steven Ainsworth recently thanked Matt for his help coordinating the 2019 2nd Quarter General Officer Huddle in Orlando, FL, with the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). Matt assisted with building security operations to ensure the General Officers could successfully conduct their meeting. In May of 2019, Matt represented the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) at the 2019 Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce members meeting. Matt was one of three Veterans chosen to represent the Central Florida Veterans in business population. Matt was able to share his Veteran experience with local community and business leaders in an effort to increase the amount of Veterans considered for open career opportunities.

Matt’s dedication to Florida stretches beyond his passion for helping local Veterans. In his role at Preferred Materials as the Logistics Manager, he simultaneously serves as the Director of the Central Region Green Team, which is his company’s community outreach program. Since taking over as the group leader in 2015, Matt has planned, organized, led, and successfully executed 20 events that positively impacted Central Florida. He coordinated three Volusia County beach cleanup events where his team collected hundreds of pounds of trash. He also spearheaded two Touch-A-Truck events where he coordinated 20+ volunteers across four lines of business to display construction equipment. These events were attended by 1,000+ Floridians. Matt organized four Share-A-Meal events at the Central Florida Ronald McDonald House, feeding over 120 people. Additionally, he coordinated two US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drives collecting over 400 toys for Orlando children and two Corporate 5k runs where money was raised to combat homelessness in Seminole County, FL. Combine all the events above with his time coordinating volunteer events at Give Kids The World, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Feeding Children Everywhere and it’s easy to see why Matt is the perfect candidate for the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Award.

In the pictures that follow, it is clear to see that Matt is focused on deeds, not words. He sees a Veteran population in need and is leading the charge to make a difference in their lives right here in Central Florida. Should you decide Matt is deserving of this prestigious designation as an inductee into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, he would be absolutely blown away. Inducting Matt into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame would show Matt that his work with Veterans and the local Floridian population is appreciated and noticed. I fully support Matt’s induction and hope you share my sentiment that he is deserving of this honor.

Education & Training: 

• The Camaraderie Foundation, 
• Military Mentor Leadership Program
• The Pennsylvania State University, 
• Military Service Organization, Treasurer
• The Pennsylvania State University, WC Sustainability Club, President
• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Veterans at Work Certification
• FDNY Leadership Immersion Course
• Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Online MBA Student
• The Pennsylvania State University, MBA (Project Management and Supply Chain)
• USE Six Sigma – Green Belt Certification – Certificate Number: 2762-24537
• OSHA 10 Hour Safety Certification
• The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Demonstrated Senior Logistician Certification 2014
• U.S. Army Logistics University
• U.S. Army Transportation Officer Leadership Course 
• U.S. Army Basic Officer Leadership Course
• U.S. Army Officer Candidate School
• U.S. Army Basic Training School
• The University of Central Florida, BSBA

Professional & Employment History:

PREFERRED MATERIALS, INC. – PROJECT MANAGER /LOGISTICS MANAGER

• Logistics leadership role requiring successful interface with senior levels of management, customers, and government. Promoted in 2017 from Project Manager to Logistics Manager
  
• Developed and implemented systems now used by entire region that identify and resolve inefficiencies
• Generated a $46,000 savings of cost per ton hauling, reducing transportation requirements by 28%
• Achieved in-transit visibility of 63% of non-organic strategic transportation / logistics suppliers
• Reduced carbon footprint by 21 metric tons of CO2 per 1,000 miles driven on Florida Expressway project
• Established digital time keeping & payroll program across 20% of strategic transportation supplier fleet
• Selected best category suppliers, increasing logistics stakeholder and supplier availability by 167%
• Serves as the organization spokesperson for significant logistics sustainment and transportation projects

UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE May2016 – May 2019 – DIRECTOR – TRANSPORTATION FLEET READINESS

• Provide life-cycle product support that optimizes maintainability, equipment readiness, & strategic advantage
• Developed maintenance and reliability plans, policies, and programs
• Lead the team responsible for executing various logistics sustainment strategic initiatives
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of logistics solutions and used data to communicate best practices

UNITED STATES ARMY May 2008-February 2015 – DIRECTOR – SUSTAINMENT SUPPLY
Responsible for commodity acquisitions, property accountability, budget allocation, negotiation, logistics, and equipment records

• Completed performance reviews, hiring, disciplinary actions, and other personnel related activities
• Saved the organization $2 million by creatively acquiring equipment from deactivating businesses
• Achieved a 100% score during the 2014 III Corps Command Supply Discipline Program inspection
• Tripled critical asset inventory to 6,200+ items totaling more than $63 Million

SENIOR MANAGER – PLANS AND OPERATIONS
Second in command of a 165 person transportation organization; responsible for accountability and maintenance of 140 vehicles valued at $32 million

• Streamlined tasking process of 180 operational orders increasing efficiency and company performance
• Led Fort Sill Emergency Response Team consisting on 191 personnel
• Developed buy-in across relevant stakeholders resulting in employee safety and well-being

SENIOR MANAGER – SUPPLY CHAIN & TRANSPORTATION TEAM
Responsible for accountability, transportation, and supply chain management of Military commodities and general cargo in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Successfully completed over 4,500 transportation movement requests (TMR) in combat
• Managed a 36-person transportation team and a fleet of 25 tractor trailers valued at $5 million
• Chosen by Brigade Commander to create the Convoy Operations Management Center for strategic project planning

MANAGER – DISTRIBUTION & SUSTAINMENT TRANSPORTATION TEAM
Supervisor of a 63 person multi-functional logistics organization; directly responsible for logistical supply

• Managed sustainment support for an 800 person organization
• Planned and led 120 logistical projects throughout the Republic of Korea
• Accounted for and maintained equipment valued at $83 million
• Defined strategic direction and succession planning for 63 person organization

Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:

Captain Matt Franz embodied the Military spirit in 2017 when he marched in the Orlando, Florida, Veteran’s Day Parade within the ranks of Orlando, Florida’s Army Reserve Unit the 143rd Expeditionary $ustainment Command (E$C). During Captain Franz’s three year tenure with the 143rd ESC, he served as the leader of the Equipment Readiness section. He led, mentored, and developed twelve Soldiers in his section and maintained a focus on excellence.

In his civilian career, Captain Franz participates in the Oldcastle Materials Veteran Outreach Initiative which focuses on building a network of former Military members within the corporate environment. In this group are members from the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and the 2nd Battalion, British Royal Parachute Regiment (See picture below). His dedication fostered an esprit-de-corps within the corporate arena that is rare in today’s workplace. Matt goes out of his way to ensure fellow Veterans are not forgotten.

While pursuing his MBA through The Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus, Captain Franz serves as Treasurer for the Military Service Organization (MSO). In addition to his time with the MSO, Captain Franz serves as the President of the Penn State World Campus Sustainability Club. Both clubs have a heavy Veteran presence and diversify the experience portfolio of the Veteran community.

In May of 2019, Captain Franz earned the “Veterans at Work” certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation sponsored by Comcast & NBC Universal. He will be able to use the skills learned from SHRM to assist Human Resources professionals and hiring managers to better communicate what value the Veteran or Military applicant can bring to the organization. Additionally, Captain Franz will play a critical role in the successful transition of veterans from Military service to employment within his company.

In his civilian career, Captain Franz has the role of Community Outreach Director for the Preferred Materials, Inc. Green Team. During his time as Director, he has planned and executed twenty volunteer events. These events assisted the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Feeding Children Everywhere, Volusia County Coastal Cleanup program, Give Kids the World, Ronald McDonald House, and many more. In 2017 and 2018, Captain Franz led the Preferred Materials, Inc. Toys for Tots donation program benefitting the Central Florida US Marine Corps Reserve. Because of Captain Franz’s dedication to the program, 400+ toys were donated to kids in Central Florida.

Civic Activities & Contributions:

• Camaraderie Foundation, Orlando Mentor Leadership Program Member 2019 – Twelve month program for Veterans consisting of mentoring, networking, and community service
• Veterans Beer Club (VBC) Orlando Member 2019 – A group of Veterans passionate about helping Veterans transition into civilian life after the Military
• Association of the United States Army (Sunshine Chapter) Member 2019 – Serve as an advocate for men and women of the United States Army who proudly serve our country
• Army Strategist Association Member 2019 – A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the study and practice of strategy
• US Army Transportation Corps Regimental Association Member 2019
• Promote the Transportation Corps, preserve its history, and foster professional development Military Officers Association of America Member 2019 – A 501 (c)(19) non-profit Veterans organization supporting Military members and their families
• Touch-a-Truck (Preferred Materials Company Coordinator) 2017, 2019
• Coordinated 20+ Volunteers across four lines of business to safely display six pieces of equipment
• Central Florida Construction Career Days (Preferred Materials Company Coordinator) 2017, 2018
• Communicate the benefits of working in the construction industry as a Veteran
• Central Florida Marine Corps Reserve – Toys for Tots 2017, 2018
• Facilitated the collection of 400+ new, unwrapped toys to the Central Florida Toys for Tots event
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (Event Coordinator) 2017
• Our group sorted food donations and assembled five pallets of food items to give to local nonprofits
• Volusia County Coastal Cleanup – Team Captain 2016, 2017, 2018
• Remove trash from beaches, rivers, and parks. Collecting hundreds of pounds of trash over three years
• Feeding Children Everywhere, Central Florida (Event Coordinator)
• Our volunteers packaged 21,407 healthy meals BEATING our goal of 10,000
• The Seminole County Rescue Run Corporate 5K (Event Coordinator)
• The race benefits the Rescue Outreach Mission, Seminole County’s only homeless shelter
• Give Kids the World Village (Event Coordinator)
• Assisting with the serving of breakfast from the buffet line, running food, and cleanup
• Orlando Health Wagon Donation (Event Coordinator)
• Assembled & delivered four custom wagons to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, FL
• Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida (Event Coordinator) 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019
• Prepare well-balanced meals at the on-site kitchen for an average of 30 people per event

Awards & Honors:

• Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Online MBA Student Honor
• Rescue Run Corporate 5k 1st Place & 3rd Place 30-35 Age Group Preferred Materials, Inc. Quality, Safety, and Reliability Award The Army Achievement Medal (x 2)
• The Army Meritorious Service Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star The Army Commendation Medal (x 3)
• Overseas Service Ribbon (x 2)
• Korea Defense Service Medal 2010 
• Army Service Ribbon 2008 
• National Defense Service Medal 2008 
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal 2008