Getting to Know Matt Scanlon

CARING | HONEST | DRIVEN
These are the core values we hold as a team. Part 9 of our “Getting to Know The Hill” series..

This month we are getting to know our owner Matt Scanlon.

“Leadership not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in our charge.”
– Simon Sinek

Scanny is always looking out for the best interest of his athletes and team. Eager to develop them into the best version of themselves, he creates space for people to learn and grow. A true entrepreneur, it would take all day to list everyone he’s currently collaborating with, and  everything he’s working on. Matt is always developing business tools at the 321GoProject to benefit other gym owners, but the thing that excites him the most, is developing the talents and skills of his staff team at The Hill.

We are all lucky to have such a leader.  Let’s get to know more about Matt…

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An Architect.

Where did you grow up? Salina, KS.

Favorite class or activity in high school? Woodshop.

Most known in high school for..? Definitely being the class clown.

Most interesting part time job? Probably telemarketer when I was 15 or working as a horse guide in CO.

Most Quotable movie? “Tommy Boy” for sure.

Got any hidden talents? I initially went to college to play drums. I also play guitar.

What do you like about KC? KC definitely has an entrepreneurial energy amongst 30-somethings. I’ve really enjoyed watching the development of the city since we moved here 7+ years ago.

Coaching: Your Job Title at The Hill. Owner.

How & when did you get connected to The Hill? At its founding in 2011-2012.

How long have you been coaching? I think I started coaching my first 1-on-1 client 12 years ago.

Why Coach? – what motivates you personally? When I first started coaching, I was really motivated by helping people “get healthy.” Nowadays I’m increasingly more interested in the change that occurs in athletes’ minds; seeing them become better humans as they practice making positive choices, helping others, and developing delayed gratification.

What do you love about your job? 100% the people I get to work with everyday. Our staff are easily the best coaches in Kansas City (and arguably the country) but moreover they are some of the best humans I know.

What certifications do you hold and which are you most proud of? I have my CF L1, CF L2, and Movement and Mobility certificates.

What continuing ed are you planning or currently doing? I’m increasingly more interested in getting more education on what motivates people. 

How would you describe your coaching style? It really varies with the athlete. Anywhere from “super positive-everything is awesome” to being a real hard-ass. It really depends on how much trust we have built and the headspace they seem to be in that day.

What’s something you wish everyone knew about health and fitness? Health and fitness is the simplest thing in the world. It is also the most difficult thing in the world. Simple, not easy. Breathe hard, move weight, and stretch – several hours a week. Eat real food, lots of vegetables, and adequate protein – but not too much. There is no magic pill, no “30 pounds in 30 days”, no “secret workout routine” you’ve yet to discover. Just years of consistent work, that is best enjoyed with friends.

What is something you are working on improving as an athlete personally? Having fun. I’m really working on working out hard, competing with myself, and being grateful for movement. As I get older, I realize that some of my best Olympic lifts may be behind me – and that’s OK. I feel super thankful that my body works well, that I can carry big Costco boxes up the stairs to the condo. And that I wake up feeling great.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? I’m excited to create opportunities for our athletes to begin to give back; to invest in one another and their communities. I feel that, through fitness and nutrition, people are learning real self-care for the first time. The continuation of that self-care is building up others along the way. I see great opportunity for that in our community.

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? The members at The Hill are the best people I know. I’m so thankful and happy to be able to see them on a daily or weekly basis. I don’t know of any other situation – ESPECIALLY in a “gym” – where each member would confidently refer one another personally or professionally without hesitation, and we see that everyday.