Today we’d like to introduce you to JD Matthews.
Hi JD, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path to entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly planned. Before starting Matthews Media, I spent nearly 20 years in the corporate world in leadership roles including CEO, Vice President of Operations and Director of Finance. I learned a lot about building teams, solving problems and growing businesses, but I always had an interest in photography and creating content.
In 2022, my wife Mercedes and I started Matthews Media. What began as a side business quickly grew into something much bigger. We saw an opportunity to help real estate agents market properties with professional photography, video, drone content, 3D tours and social media content, while providing a level of service and responsiveness that can be hard to find.
Like most small business owners, we started with more hustle than resources. We wore every hat imaginable and learned plenty of lessons along the way. Over time we built strong relationships with agents, brokers, builders and business owners throughout the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches. Those relationships have been the foundation of our growth.
Today Matthews Media serves hundreds of clients each year and has grown into one of the area’s leading real estate media companies. What I’m most proud of isn’t the growth itself, but the trust our clients place in us and the fact that many of them have been with us for years.
Outside of business, Mercedes and I are licensed foster parents, so life stays pretty busy. Looking back, it’s been a rewarding journey from the corporate world to building a family business from the ground up, and I’m excited to see what comes next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not.
One of the biggest challenges was simply making the jump from a stable corporate career to running a business. In a corporate role, you generally know what your paycheck will be and there are teams and resources around you. As a business owner, you’re responsible for everything. If something goes wrong, there’s nobody else to point to.
Building a client base took time and patience. In the beginning, every job mattered and every new client had to be earned. There were long days, plenty of mistakes and a lot of trial and error as we figured out what worked and what didn’t.
As we’ve grown, the challenges have changed. Hiring the right people, managing growth, keeping up with technology and navigating shifts in the real estate market all come with their own learning curves. Some years have felt like everything was clicking and other times we’ve had to adapt quickly when the market slowed down or client expectations changed.
Looking back, those challenges were probably the most valuable part of the journey. They’ve forced us to become better business owners, better leaders and better problem solvers.
As you know, we’re big fans of Matthews Media. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Matthews Media is a real estate media company based on Florida’s Treasure Coast. We help real estate agents, brokers, builders and business owners market properties and brands through professional photography, video, drone content, 3D tours, floor plans and social media content.
While real estate photography is the foundation of our business, we’ve grown into much more than that. Today we’re just as likely to be creating content for a luxury listing, a custom home builder, a mortgage lender or a local business looking to strengthen its online presence.
What sets us apart is our business background. Before starting Matthews Media, I spent nearly 20 years in executive leadership and finance roles. That experience shaped how we operate. We don’t just think about taking great photos. We think about customer service, reliability, communication and helping our clients achieve their business goals.
We’re also a family business. My wife Mercedes and I work side by side every day and we’ve built the company around relationships. Many of our clients have been with us for years and some have become close friends. In an industry where people have plenty of options, we’re proud that so much of our growth has come from repeat business and referrals.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is our reputation. We want people to think of Matthews Media as dependable, professional and easy to work with. We show up when we say we will, deliver when we say we will and genuinely care about helping our clients succeed.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that we’re not just creating photos and videos. We’re helping people market their businesses, sell homes and tell their stories. That’s what drives us every day.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family, faith and integrity.
At the end of the day, business is important, but it’s not the most important thing. My wife and I work hard to build a successful business, but we also want to be present for our family and make a positive impact on the people around us.
I also believe your reputation is one of the few things nobody can take from you. Whether it’s with clients, employees, friends or family, I try to do what I say I’m going to do and treat people fairly. Business comes and goes, but your character sticks with you.
Pricing:
- Real estate photography packages typically start around $300.
- Commercial photography and video projects are quoted individually.
- Most projects can be tailored to fit a client’s budget and objectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matthews-media.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewsmedia772
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewsmedia772
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewsmedia772
- Other: https://linktr.ee/matthewsmedia
