Meet Red Bank Volvo’s Rich Matthews
Rich Matthews, President of Red Bank Volvo
Born in June 5, 1972 in Middletown
Resides in Shrewsbury with his wife Jessica, son Jake, and a new child on the way
Brother Jimmy, body shop manager, sister Shannon, controller, and brother Michael, who also works in the body shop.
Favorite food: Hamburgers
Favorite book: Any book about business
There are some car dealers who like to appear in TV commercials, or act as dealer spokesperson, but Rich Matthews, President of Red Bank Volvo, has a more Zen-like view of the auto industry. He is a quieter, centered spirit who lets the Volvos do the talking. Rich is the son of Jim Matthews, who managed the dealership, and the grandson of Dick Matthews, who founded the car dealership in 1952. Born in Middletown, Rich has lived his whole life near the dealership that is central for his entire family. His brother Jimmy manages the body shop, sister Shannon is the controller and brother Michael also works in the body shop. Rich says he hopes to be a good caretaker of the business, and wants to someday pass it on to his young son. That would make a fourth-generation of Matthews in this dealership genealogy.
Rich always knew he wanted to be in the car business and started at 16, like so many, hanging around the dealership, learning the business from the ground up. His first real job was as an auto technician. He moved into the role of the parts manager in 2000. He then went into sales and finally took on the role of general manager in 2005. Rich used his acquired knowledge from reading so many business books, to take on this leadership role. (PS: Rich spent several years without using a TV and finally got cable when he got married.)
Even though he has a fleet of Volvos at his disposal, Rich is an avid cyclist and could often be found riding his mountain bike along Route 35 from his home in Avon to the dealership in Red Bank, a 13-plus-mile commute, that takes him about an hour and 20 minutes, depending on the wind. “It keeps me healthy and gives me a chance to really see the area.”
He supports the work of many organizations in the area and looks forward to a time when he can really get more involved. For now, Rich chooses to focus all his time, energy and attention on the dealership, which, next to his growing family, is his passion. He says that he believes the success of the dealership follows the satisfaction of the customer. “The customer comes first at Red Bank Volvo, we stress that everyone who works here pay attention to detail and do the best they can.” For Rich and Red Bank Volvo, the key to success doesn’t always mean to have one big thing after the next. “Sometimes it’s as simple as being there every day, paying attention to the details, satisfying customers and making sure everyone is happy.”
