Matt Bower's Resume
I am proud of my Resume published here. As part of my campaign and as your County Commissioner I promise to be open and honest with you. As a word of advice - you will no doubt see negative ads and texts my opponent and his developer supported PACs under made up names; "Leadership for Florida's Future", "Citizens Alliance for Florida's Economy PC" and even a website (Factcheckmanatee) originating from Panama of all places. I think you will agree how you run your campaign is how you will act as a commissioner. An important part of my resume is a positive campaign. Credibility is a value I have, and that alone should give you confidence that you can trust me to represent your voice. Unfortunately my opponent has chosen to deceive the voters to win at any cost. Your vote for Matt Bower is a vote against unethical behavior and in support of the most qualified candidate.
I am a native of Bradenton, Florida and returned to my hometown after my seven years as an Army Non-Commissioned Officer. I thoroughly enjoy networking, meeting people and making a difference within the community while I build my business and serve my clients with their best interest at heart. I’m self-motivated and never quit. Thinking outside of the box is my specialty with a common-sense approach to nearly everything I do. Admittedly, I thrive as a "David" versus Goliath.
CAREER INFORMATION AND HIGHLIGHTS
1992 – 1999: US Army; Legal Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), squad leader, Training NCO and various other positions while stationed at five (5) different duty stations. Highly decorated: Five Army Commendation Medals; four Army Achievement Medals; Two Meritorious Unity Awards; Two General Letters of Commendation; Twice Battalion Soldier of the Quarter; 1995 Post Athlete of the Year; and several letters of accommodation.
2000-2015: Luhrsen Law Group’s COO/CMO I was responsible for nearly every aspect for the success of the law firm. Negotiations with insurance adjusters and medical facilities, trial strategy, jury selection, logistics (technical and otherwise), cash-flow, business development, marketing, leadership, morale, and fire-missions: These were all part of my everyday responsibilities.
2013-2017: Manatee County Planning Commission: Appointed by the members of the BoCC, I was the only non-developer commissioner serving on a volunteer basis. Over the four-year period, I was often sought after to be the voice of the people. Without a developer background, I was able to preside over matters with a common-sense approach with an emphasis on irresponsible development, environmental impacts, traffic and infrastructure problems and impacts to schools. Over time, the board became less of a rubber stamp and more of a board discussing real issues. I voted on hundreds of issues over the four year period and proud to have carried the voice for the every day citizen.
2015-Present: Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, West Bradenton office. Serving the community by providing overall financial services by meeting the needs and goals of my clients where clients always come first, without exception.
WHAT ELSE ABOUT ME?
· Bayshore High School Graduate (1992; Top 10%)· Bachelor of Arts Degree (Business Administration); St. Leo University (2009) (I managed Luhrsen Law Group while finishing three years of full-time college)· Vice-President, Manatee Tiger by the Bay· Past Vice-President, Paws and Warriors· 2014-2015 Manatee Leadership Graduate· Past-President; Sarasota/Manatee Chapter, Association of Legal Administrators· Region Representative for the Association of Legal Administrators· USCG Captain's License· Former fishing guide with a love for the water· · 2011-2013 – Volunteer lobbyist for Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse· Active community volunteer. My community involvement is well established and will continue as it is part of my passion for public service.
Key Endorsements
· Sierra Club
· EMS Union
· Manatee County Commissioner Robin Disabatino
· Former Commissioner Joe McClash
· Former Commissioner Jane Von Hahmann