SRQ Magazine | 35 Under 35 Honorees | Matthew Kern

MATTHEW KERN

FINANCIAL CENTER LEADER, HANCOCK WHITNEY

35 Under 35 Honoree - December 2022

Share a recent achievement for which you are the most proud.

A personal recent achievement is coming up on my 20 year anniversary from beating a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma as a teenager. I found out I had cancer while playing football my freshman year of high school back in Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved to Houston, Texas, where I went through almost 2 years of chemotherapy and many surgeries. The experience has taught me countless life lessons ranging from never taking a day for granted, seeing how family and friends step up through the toughest times, and to never ever give up. A professional achievement that I am really proud of was being selected to the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2023.

What is your formula for success?

I have always aligned myself with people that already are successful or people that share my desire to grow in their career field. I often remind myself of the adage “Never ask advice of someone with whom you wouldn’t want to trade places.”

What is the first job you ever held?

Working for a famous restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio known for their ribs, Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Moving to Florida in my early 20s. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and would vacation to Siesta Key often as a kid. I never imagined actually living and contributing to the area that I used to vacation to, but to this day moving to Sarasota, Florida is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What’s your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?

I am one of those guys who probably takes fantasy sports a little too seriously. This time of year I’m often listening to podcasts around topics regarding fantasy football.

What movie, show or cartoon character would you like to play in real life and why?

Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He seems to have the most fun of the group and besides, what’s there not to like about beating up the bad guys with nunchucks and eating pizza all day?!

What are the top three items on your bucket list?

Hike the Appalachian Trail with my mom. My grandfather has stated that he wants us to do this for him since he never got the chance so we decided to start training and will be hiking it in different increments with a Go Pro on so he can watch! I’d like to go to a Super Bowl. This would be even better if the Bengals were in it and won. I’d like to watch the USA Basketball team live in the Olympics.

When things get tough, I just remember . . .

I have been through some of the toughest times and I always make it to the other side.