My name is Matthew Barlow, and I am from South Bend, IN. Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Since junior high, I have been in the gym, lifting weights. I went on to play football at John Adams High School and was a student-athlete while earning a degree in Business Management at Valparaiso University.
During my undergraduate years at Valparaiso, I told myself, “If I ever move back to South Bend, I hope I can make an impact on my community.” I didn’t know how to do it yet, but I knew I wanted it to be a part of my future.
The winter before graduation in 2014, I accepted a position as a financial analyst (later promoted to Financial Accounts Payable Supervisor) at Schurz Communications in Mishawaka, IN. At Schurz, they gave me the ownership and empowerment to work independently. Their culture made me feel like a valued member of their organization and allowed me to explore and understand what I wanted next for my career.
As I started my career search this past year, I reflected on my professional and personal life. Whether it was in the gym or at work, I considered how much coaching had shaped my life. Not only had I been shaped by athletic coaches, but I appreciated the coaching and independence my work experience had provided me. I wanted to give a piece of my positive experiences to others, and I looked for a work opportunity that would allow me to influence people to strengthen my childhood community.
My values and passions led me to my new role at enFocus. As a project manager, I foster a coaching environment that helps me to mold and encourage Fellows while they navigate extremely meaningful projects that bolster my community. Now, I can continue my passion for coaching and make a difference in my hometown. The work I do alongside Fellows excites me, and I cannot wait to see all the things they will accomplish in their projects and future endeavors!