Q&A With San Francisco Entrepreneur: Marathon Matt

Matt Forsman spent his early career in Corporate America working as an IT specialist at GAP and ScanOptics. But, he quickly realized that he was not happy with what he was doing with his life. The thought of continuing what he was doing 30 years down the road frightened him. 

He had also just rediscovered his passion for running and met several successful business owners and entrepreneurs who inspired him. One day, he thought to himself, “maybe I should start my own business too.”

Matt’s days in Corporate America are now just a glimpse of his past. Today, he runs a successful San Francisco-based business as the founder of Marathon Matt, Personal Coaching For Runners. He coaches, trains, and motivates his clients individually or in groups for marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. Matt’s coaching programs include partnering with non-profit organizations which provides an opportunity for his runners to simultaneously get into great shape while supporting excellent local causes.

Get to know entrepreneur Marathon Matt as he shares with Examiner readers what inspired him to leave Corporate America, follow his heart, and pursue his passion.

Q: Why should young professional men and women in San Francisco join Marathon Matt’s running groups?

A: While my programs may provide the tangible benefits of getting into the kind of shape in which you can run a half marathon, there are so many other benefits not directly related to running that attract people. Between 150 – 200 people join my programs. This provides an enormous networking opportunity. Whether you’re interested in making friends, dating, or just feeling like you’re part of a team and community, the opportunity is there. I really try to facilitate this as much as possible during the course of my programs with casual social events such as team dinners, bar nights, and engaging as many people as possible.

I think a lot of people are really looking for community. So many of us work crazy hours and just don’t have the time to connect with other people. In my program, you will have the opportunity to meet and get to know people 2-3 times per week. I’ve seen numerous people become great friends. I’ve seen one couple get married. I’ve seen numerous romances blossom. Honestly, this is as cool as seeing any of my runners conquer a half marathon.

Q: Where is your favorite running path in San Francisco?

A: My favorite running route in San Francisco is along the Great Highway on the ocean side. There's something about running near the ocean that never fails to inspire.

Q: What do you do for fun in San Francisco when you are not busy running your coaching business?

A: I love to eat! Running as much as I do makes dining out feel less gluttonous and hedonistic as it otherwise might. Little Star Pizza, Elite Café, and Godzilla Sushi are a few places I love to frequent. But, my schedule is so busy these days that I don’t really get out that much. No matter how well (my business) might be going, I'm always worrying about it, thinking about it, and trying to take care of it. Fortunately, I really love what I do!

Q: What are your 3 favorite happy hour bars in San Francisco?

A: Pretty much any bar that serves me a stiff jack and coke is a “happy” bar in my book. Sweeties in North Beach is one of my favorite haunts. It’s a local bar, typically not very crowded, and one of my good friends is a bartender. I’m a fan of Vesuvio’s as well. No shortage of “happiness” to be had there. I can’t think of a third bar, but pretty much any place that is devoid of pretentiousness and makes you feel like you’re in a glorified version of your living room is my kind of place.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to San Francisco’s young professionals?

A: Question why you are doing something. Try doing something you love. If you don’t know what you love, explore the things you think you may love. You never know where these side journeys and explorations can take you and they may open the door to something that never occurred to you. I explored for years before I launched my business. I took voice acting, psychology classes at Berkeley extension, and screenwriting classes through the Film Arts Foundation. All of this was me trying to figure out what I really loved and what I really wanted to do.

I think so many of us are conditioned to take the ‘safe” path… high school, college (with a safe, marketable major or two), graduate school, and obtain a high paying safe secure job without ever really questioning WHY we are doing it and if it’s really something we want. Look around. How many people who have taken this path are legitimately happy? I know so many people who followed this path, make in excess of six figures, and seemingly have all the accoutrements of “success.” But they hate their job and they are generally miserable. Many of these people participate in my programs!

I have never understood the point of doing something 10-12 hours a day if it doesn’t make you happy. I believe there’s an opportunity for just about everyone to find something they love and make money doing it. It may not be easy, but if you really love it, then it will in time pay off. The highs I’ve experienced doing my own thing blow away anything positive I experienced in Corporate America. When your heart is truly in something, good things will happen if you persevere and you’re patient.

Q: As a San Francisco resident, what is your "insider's" secret for young professionals you want to share with Examiner readers?

A: Find ways to connect and network with people. I was never really this way until I launched my own business. But as a small business owner it is absolutely requisite! Reflecting on some of my ‘wins’, it’s funny how many of them were connected to someone I just happened to meet randomly. Given the large number of people who live in San Francisco, there are countless opportunities to do this. If you need a job, want to explore an idea, need help with something, or anything else in between… having a broad network of contacts to draw upon is priceless.