Matthew Bland is the asset manager for Travois New Markets and has been with the company for six years. In his position, he manages the loan portfolio of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) investments.
1. What education and/or certifications do you have?
I have a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a master’s degree in accounting from University of Missouri-Kansas City, and I am a certified public accountant.
2. What attracted you to Travois?
An opportunity to work with my family in a challenging and very rewarding field was hard to pass up.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?
My most valuable experience was my education at University of Missouri-Kansas City. It helped prepare me for a very accounting-centric position.
4. If your job involves traveling, what places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to New Orleans a few times for conferences, and the food alone makes it one of my favorite cities.
5. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you?
My dad wanted to name me Elliott after the boy in Stephen Spielberg’s “E.T.”
6. What is one of your favorite economic development projects that you have worked on and why?
My favorite project that I have been involved with is the Lac Du Flambeau Community Dental Facility. The facility is spectacular, and it provides essential care to the community.
7. What did you want to be as a kid?
I think I dreamed of being a basketball player until I stopped growing.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m a very good dancer when no one is watching me.
9. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet?
My dog, Stewart, is a 5-year-old Labrador mix. I’ve brought him to the office, but he still acts like a puppy, and I can’t get any work done while telling him “no” every five seconds.
10. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is a southern dish called Brunswick Stew.
11. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be?
A flare gun?
12. What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could paint or play a musical instrument.
13. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Watch/read about/absorb/breath baseball.
14. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
Take my son to Kansas City Royals games.
15. What do you like about Kansas City?
I like that Kansas City provides a lot of big city experiences with sports, restaurants and live music but doesn’t have traffic and parking problems like other major cities.
16. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I like baseball.