MY PHILOSOPHY
Embracing Servant Leadership
SMALL TOWN VALUES
Growing up in a small town has shaped my outlook on community relationships. Many believe the problem with small towns is that everyone knows your business. However, the greatest part of a small town is that everyone knows your business. If a family is in distress, the community steps in to help; it’s both a privilege and a responsibility.
THE DIGNITY OF WORK
The responsibilities of local government include strong schools and safe communities. After this basic need is fulfilled, then it is up to citizens, businesses, community-based nonprofits and houses of worship to work hand-in-hand in creating our quality of life. The dignity of work should be accessible to all citizens with a safety net in place to care for those going through health or economic transitions.
INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE
As a parent who has raised two daughters here in Gwinnett, I am in tune with the need for families, schools, businesses and nonprofits to jointly invest in the future, our young people. This means a public school system that reflects the needs and wishes of local parents, with businesses and nonprofits who are actively involved in providing internships, scholarships, training, and job opportunities. This is a smart investment.
GETTING INVOLVED
A Desire to Serve
The success of our business has allowed Suzanne and I the opportunity to give back to the community in which we live and work. Our first big community undertaking was during the 2008 downturn. After seeing the shortages in local foodbanks, we initiated the Gwinnett Can Challenge. Partnering with over 40 other nonprofits throughout the county (many involving schools and youth organizations), over 100 tons of food was collected and distributed to area food banks over a four year period. Today our philanthropic arm, The Holtkamp Family Foundation, provides ongoing support to The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, The Hope Clinic, Special Kneads & Treats Bakery, Suwanee Arts Center and Rotary of Gwinnett.
My first political steps came while serving on the board of the Metro Atlanta Air Conditioning Contractors Association. As Legislative Committee Chairman, I was responsible for communicating the needs of our industry to state lawmakers. During my time as President of the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia, I had the opportunity to build relationships with legislators across the state. That experience led to my appointment by Governor Kemp to the Conditioned Air Licensing Board. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and learning from passionate Georgians who care deeply about their communities and their craft.
In the spring of 2021, I was elected to the Gwinnett County Republican Party Executive Board where I lead fundraising efforts to help Republican candidates win local elections. This also includes helping district and precinct managers promote the mission and candidates of the Gwinnett County Republican Party.
Elected as your Gwinnett County District 4 Commissioner in 2022, I have spent my first term focused on delivering real, measurable results for our community. We’ve strengthened public safety, with our fire department nearing full staffing and our police force growing to historic levels, while reducing 911 response times to just seconds. We’ve invested in advanced training, smarter crime prevention, and the tools needed to help drive crime down across our county.
We’ve also remained committed to responsible, conservative fiscal leadership—fighting to lower taxes and reduce the burden on families while ensuring your government operates efficiently and delivers value. In my office, we’ve made responsiveness a priority—cutting constituent response times from months to about an hour—because when you reach out, it matters.
And we’ve prioritized transportation and traffic relief, working to prepare for major SPLOST investments and advocating for critical infrastructure improvements, including projects like the Hamilton Mill Road widening. I’ve also remained committed to being present in this community—showing up, listening, and engaging every single week.
Grounded in over 30 years of serving this community through business and civic involvement, I remain committed to leading with integrity, delivering results, and showing up for the people of District 4. I look forward to continuing to serve.
Matthew at his Swearing-In by Governor Kemp for the Conditioned Air State Licensing Board