Where are you from? And how did you end up here?
I was born in Vermont, grew up in there, went to college there, and lived the first 23 years of my life there. I figured it was time to go out and see the world, give living somewhere else a try.

How long have you been with Protein Bar?
I started in mid-February, so going on 6 months.

Biggest Passions?
Three come to mind:

Traveling—I went on a three month trip around Europe last fall. That was an once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love all the distinct and different cultures that are so close to each other. One thing on my bucket list is to visit all 7 continents.

Politics—I studied political science in school. I love to watch the news, I eat it up. I’m a politics junky. Another item on my bucket list is to run for office someday in some capacity.

Sports—I am a die-hard Washington Redskins fan. My mood for the week is affected by their results on Sundays.

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Passionate. I always want to jump whole-heartedly into whatever I am doing. And I am driven to make a difference in what I do.

A goal you have achieved that you are proud of?
Making my trip to Europe happen. I blew all my money, which was kind of scary, but it took a lot of guts and hard work to make it happen. I’m proud of myself for doing it. And it’s an experience that I’ll look back on as one of the highlights of my life, I’m sure.

What’s your personal motto?
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” –John Muir. I love nature and the mountains. So it speaks to me from an environmental standpoint, as a reminder to help preserve and protect the land. But also, Vermont and its Green Mountains are still very much in my heart. My dream of dreams is to move back and be Governor one day.

Do you have any unique talents?
I did musical theatre all throughout high school and in college, so I sing, and dance, and act. There are some scary photos from my Junior year in college of me as the Emcee in Cabaret.

Something surprising about you?
I’m little now, but I used to be tough. In 5^th and 6^th grade I won back-to-back state championships in wrestling. (I still brag about it).

What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
Moving to Chicago was a really big deal for me, and kind of scary. I’ve lived in Vermont my whole life—I’m a country bumpkin. So moving to the big city was definitely scary.

What is the coolest thing about your PB team?
Everyone comes from all over and has their own story. It is really nice to get to know new people, who are eager to teach, learn, and grow. And because healthy food and living are a part of Protein Bar’s DNA, everyone here is united in a purpose.

If you could eat one PB item forever what would it be?
My old standard is the Southwest Salad. But I load it with Kale and Sriracha. Literally everything is better with Sriracha.

If you could add one item to the PB menu what would it be?
Fresh-brewed, unsweetened iced tea.

If you could manage a Protein Bar anywhere in the world where would it be?
Tough, tough call. I can speak German, so anywhere in Germany would be really cool. But I’d have to say Protein Bar: Istanbul would be my choice. So much amazing history there—it is the crossroads of the world, where East meets West. Many people speak English, but there is such an incredible culture. And it is beautiful with all the gigantic mosques and the Sea going through the city.

Matthew’s LOVE List