Get to know the incredible staff at The Independence Hotel.
Today’s spotlight: The one and only Matt Smith, our General Manager! Matt is one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet, so it’s no wonder that his favorite aspect of working at the hotel is his amazing co-workers. The Independence has so many local team members who have pride in their work, as well as the surrounding area. It also doesn’t hurt that the hotel is gorgeous, as Matt remembers falling in love with it the moment he first walked in. He also enjoys sharing knowledge and helping people grow. Whether they’re guests at the hotel or fellow employees, Matt’s goal is to be of assistance in helping them experience the best of what The Independence has to offer.
Matt started in the hotel industry when he was only fifteen years old, helping his aunt in the housekeeping department during his summer break. He has learned a lot since then, including his current hotel philosophy that “perception is reality.” If a guest sees something out of place, that can change their perception for the rest of their stay, so taking care of the little things is important. Originally from Amity, Oregon, Matt knows the Willamette Valley like the back of his hand and recommends checking out downtown Independence. Get to know the community and give back by experiencing the local shops, restaurants, and business owners. Through the hotel, Matt hopes to make this a priority, always supporting the local community in whatever ways The Independence can!
In his spare time, Matt enjoys camping and being outdoors. He loves Oregonian summers and soaking in those warmer months. But above all, Matt loves spending time with his kids, and considers being with them for all of their special moments to be his top life highlights.
Make sure you say hello to Matt next time your at the hotel!
