by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion
ALUMNI IN ACTION: Matt Koziol ’93
Matt Koziol ’93: ‘WMA allowed me to explore in any direction I wanted to go’
W
ilbraham & Monson Academy’s Matt Koziol ’93 had visions for his farming business. He pictured an agritourism spot, where people could enjoy all aspects of a rural property. He estimated it would take him 10 years to get there. Then the novel coronavirus struck in 2020. For many business owners, COVID-19 was crippling. For Mr. Koziol, it turned all of his dreams into a reality—in a hurry. After 10 years as a financial counselor and nine more as the owner of two companies, the multitasker completed a farming internship in 2009 and rented a farm in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, a year later. “I took money from my solar business and put it into purchasing cattle and farm equipment,” the Ludlow, Massachusetts, native said.
40
AC ADEMY WORLD SPRING 2021
“Farmer Matt” owned 200 cattle and had a seasonal farm stand, with his biggest source of revenue coming from beef and hay sales. He was financially fine, although he was in no position to buy his own farm. COVID-19 trickled into the United States during the early months of 2020. Mr. Koziol recalled the day that changed his life and shaped his future. “It was March 10,” he recalled. “It was my birthday, and we were having a party. Nobody had beef in the local grocery stores. The phone started ringing off the hook. March is usually our slow time. People aren’t thinking about grilling until May, June, July, August. “I quickly caught on this was possibly a major event about to go down. On March 10, people weren’t sure what was happening. But I secured
butcher slots; I went into overdrive. I was taking a big risk but I could sense something big was happening. I purchased additional freezers, I ramped up production as much as I could and it never really slowed down.” Sales quadrupled. That’s right—quadrupled. In a matter of months, Mr. Koziol’s business had completely changed. He suddenly saw his dreams were within reach, prompting him to purchase a 214-acre farm in neighboring New Braintree in September 2020. “Things went off the charts for me,” Mr. Koziol humbly said. “Things have stayed steady, and that allowed me to open this property, which allowed me to open up a myriad of new possibilities because we have this new, beautiful spot. “Agritourism is on its way. We can picture what this is going to turn into this summer.” Hikers and horseback riders went to the farm in the winter to enjoy the paths, which connect to a larger trail system. With commercial kitchen space, Mr. Koziol hired an experienced chef to make entrees for takeout orders, as well as a baker and pastry chef. He uses flour provided by a company owned by his sister, Andrea ’94. “We’re making homemade bagels, cheesecake,” he said. “It’s morphing as we speak. No time to sleep.” Trout fishing in the brook, a comforting view and cozy fire pit are other amenities. There’s also a building that was remodeled by the previous owners to be a restaurant/brewhouse. “It will be a fun place to bring the family,” he said. “That’s what it will be this summer—a fun place to bring the family.”
