TEAM MEMBER

Matthew Essner is a proven leader in business, leadership, teamwork, and adapting to change. He has an undeniable passion for bringing out the best in individuals by living each day with purpose.

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Essner has deep roots in the school lunch arena where he is currently the Coordinator for the USDA Food Distribution Program in the State of Missouri and the active President for the national organization, American Commodity Distribution Association (ACDA). His remarkable turnaround of an outdated Missouri program and dysfunctional team has now become a business model countrywide. Sitting in meetings with USDA officials, Congressional committees, and CEOs of major national companies, he has learned what it takes to make the program thrive.

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Growing up the eldest of four siblings in a rural Southeast Missouri town, Matthew learned the value of a strong work ethic from his parents and worked his way through college, becoming the first member of his family to graduate. Earning both a B.S. in Agriculture Economics and B.S. in Agriculture Systems Management in 4 years set him up for quick entrepreneurial success in a snack business he created upon college graduation. Matthew achieved Category Leader in each of his first two years, and also the Distributor of the Year his second year in business.

 

Matthew receives requests from associates countrywide to provide speaking engagements and educational opportunities. He prides himself in custom-creating presentations to fit the needs of the organization by encompassing real-life scenarios to drive home the agreed upon message. 

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Essner is an avid Mizzou Tiger fan traveling from Columbia, MO, where he lives with his lovely wife Jody, and their two boys.