Reckner excited for new role as entrepreneur coach
The new Somerset County Startup Alleghenies entrepreneur coach believes that there is a lot of potential for businesses in the area.
Matt Reckner, of Windber, began working in the position on Aug. 3. The 40-year-old brings 10 years of retail management experience, two years in banking management work and five years of selling solutions to small businesses, to the job.
He is the third person to hold the post since its creation a few years ago.
“It has always been my dream to be able to help businesses any way that I can,” he said. “When this became available it was kind of a perfect fit.”
Reckner is a graduate of the Windber Area School District. He received a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He was hired in his first management position right after college.
“After working for other companies for several years you come across different things you wish you could change.” he said.
Despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Reckner said that he believes there is room for businesses to grow.
“There are definitely ways to improve right now, and look for additional revenue streams, and thinking outside the box,” he said. “I always believe when one door shuts another door opens. Once the pandemic is over, hopefully sometime soon, businesses will come out stronger because they will have additional revenue sources. They may have found ways to run more efficiently.”
Reckner said that he has been reaching out to people who have signed up for the program.
“I feel this is a very important program out there, especially being somebody who was just trying to start my own businesses,” he said. “I’ve learned about a lot of the resources in the first two weeks that really would have come in handy for me.”
County Commissioner Colleen Dawson said the board is excited to have Reckner in the position.
“This position has been vacant since the end of last year, leaving those who are in need of the services of an entrepreneurial coach in the hands of other coaches outside the county. While we know their needs are being met, we are very happy that they may, once again, interact with Somerset County’s own dedicated coach,” she said. “We look forward to the ongoing and future success of the entrepreneurial program under Matt’s capable guidance.”
Reckner will make $51,500 in the post.
The position was created by the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission with grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Reckner encouraged anyone with an idea to contact him. His email is startup@co.somerset.pa.us. His phone number is 814-445-1569.
Reckner replaces Joe Fetzer, who left in December. Fetzer replaced Dan Parisi, the original coach. He left in 2018 to work as the vice president of sales for a company he helped through the program.
