Matt Keenan is a motivator, a strategic thinker, and a leader who has built his life philosophy on the sands of Ocean City, New Jersey. It might sound unusual, but for Matt Keenan, the beach was not just a place to relax—it was his classroom. From his early days growing up on the boardwalk at 7th Street, to his 17-year career as a professional surfer, the beach shaped his worldview and laid the foundation for his success as a leader. Today, Matt Keenan uses those life lessons to inspire others to harness their unique experiences and turn them into opportunities for growth and achievement.
Matt Keenan’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. As he transitioned from his career as a professional surfer, he faced the daunting question that many athletes and professionals encounter: “What’s next?” Rather than letting this uncertainty hold him back, Matt Keenan leaned into what he knew. He applied the same discipline, perseverance, and passion that had served him on the surfboard to his next chapter in life. This mindset became the key to his success.
For Matt Keenan, the beach wasn’t just a physical location—it represented a mindset, a way of thinking that could be applied to any aspect of life. He often reflects on the long hours he spent working retail jobs and teaching surf lessons in between competitions. Those early experiences, though difficult at times, taught him the value of hard work, patience, and adaptability. “Everything I know I learned at the beach,” Matt Keenan says, and it’s this philosophy that continues to guide him today.
As a strategic thinker, Matt Keenan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. He believes that the skills we acquire through our life experiences are our “secret sauce”—the unique combination of abilities that sets each of us apart. Whether it’s the discipline learned from years of surfing or the leadership skills developed from managing a business, these experiences form the foundation of our future success. Matt Keenan encourages others to start by recognizing what they know and applying it to their current challenges and opportunities. “Your next chapter can always start from an entirely new spot,” he says, but it begins with understanding who you are and what you bring to the table.
Matt Keenan’s ability to motivate others comes from his own journey of self-discovery. As a leader, he believes in the power of action. He frequently reminds those he mentors that success doesn’t come from making excuses—it comes from taking action. “No excuses. Take action. Let’s go!” is a mantra that Matt Keenan lives by. It’s a call to arms for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about the future. For Matt Keenan, the only way forward is through decisive action and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Matt Keenan’s leadership style is his ability to connect his personal experiences with his professional philosophy. He often shares stories from his time as a surfer, not just as anecdotes but as lessons that apply to broader life and business challenges. For example, the unpredictability of the ocean taught Matt Keenan how to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances—skills that are just as valuable in the boardroom as they are on the beach.
Now, as a family man, Matt Keenan finds joy in passing down the lessons he learned at the beach to his own children. He’s raising his family on the same sands where he grew up, instilling in them the same values of hard work, resilience, and curiosity that shaped his own life. For Matt Keenan, there is something magical about seeing his children grow up in the same environment that had such a profound impact on him. It’s a reminder that the lessons we learn from our surroundings can shape us in ways we may not fully understand until much later in life.
Matt Keenan’s journey from professional surfer to strategic leader is a testament to the power of reinvention. When faced with the end of his athletic career, he didn’t shy away from the challenge of starting something new. Instead, he embraced the unknown, relying on the lessons he had learned from his years on the beach. By applying those experiences to his new endeavors, Matt Keenan was able to carve out a new path for himself—one that allowed him to use his skills in new and meaningful ways.
In his current role as a motivator and leader, Matt Keenan continues to inspire others to do the same. He teaches that the key to success is not necessarily found in a traditional education or a linear career path, but in the ability to adapt, take risks, and apply the lessons we’ve learned along the way. His message is clear: we all have unique experiences that shape us, and it’s up to us to use those experiences to our advantage.
Ultimately, Matt Keenan’s life philosophy is about action and self-awareness. He believes that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness, but it requires recognizing the value of our experiences and taking the steps necessary to turn them into opportunities. Whether it’s on the beach, in the office, or at home with his family, Matt Keenan continues to lead by example, showing that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
Matt Keenan’s approach to life is one of strategic thinking, resilience, and motivation. His journey from the beach to the boardroom is proof that the lessons we learn in one chapter of our lives can set the stage for success in the next. For Matt Keenan, it’s all about knowing what you bring to the table, taking action, and never being afraid to start a new chapter.
