ABOUT MATTHEW
A Gwinnett Success Story
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In November of 1985, at the age of 19, one week after graduating from vocational college, I moved from a small farm in Iowa to Snellville, GA, on the advice of a friend who told me the area was rich in job opportunities.
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Arriving in a 1976 Chevy Vega with only $20 in my pocket, I was welcomed with southern hospitality and dishes including black eyed peas and okra. I made ends meet on $5.50 an hour by carpooling, coupons, and having roommates. My first bedroom was actually a couch with my clothes stored in the hallway closet.
During a tour of my new locale, I was driven to Lake Lanier, where I first saw the towers off the interstate proudly proclaiming “Gwinnett is Great” and “Success Lives Here”. It was the confidence and boldness of these statements that told me I had landed in the right place.
Shortly after, I enrolled in adult education night classes at Emory University on how to start a business. This class propelled me to create my 10-year vision to become self-employed and opened my eyes to the possibilities surrounding me.
It’s been 37 years since that move from Iowa. During that time, I have met and married my sweetheart Suzanne, we have raised two beautiful daughters, grown a business from a single customer, and continue to be deeply involved in our local business and church communities.
Gwinnett is Great. Gwinnett is home.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A Record of Leadership
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Owner, CEO, Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning (1996 to present)
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President, Metro Atlanta Air Conditioning Contractors Association (2007)
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Board Member, Gwinnett Technical College Foundation (2014-2018)
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Board Chair, Gwinnett Technical College Foundation (2018-2020)
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Board Member, Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (2016- present)
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President, Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (2021 to present)
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Leadership Gwinnett, Class of 2017
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Overall Winner, Impact Regional Business Awards, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (2018)
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Executive Board, Gwinnett County Republican Party (2021)
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Appointed by Governor Kemp, Board Member, State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors (2021 to present)