Matt Watkins is a 2007 graduate of Nashville’s Belmont University, earning a degree in business, with a marketing emphasis. Watkins is Vice President of Marketing and Company Operations, recently upped from Director of Operations. He administers all functions of the company, in addition to leading the company’s DownCast service, as well as assisting company CEO, Jeff Walker, with his domestic and international consulting business, Jeff Walker & Associates and the company’s online digital distribution service, called GMV Nashville. Watkins also supports the company’s PR division, Aristo P.R. From 2006-2008, he coordinated the CMA Music Fest Daytime Stages talent bookings and coordinated selection and logistics of the CMA Global Artist Party, which showcases Country music artists from around the globe.
Q: Where is your hometown? And why did you decide to come to Nashville?
A: I was a military brat and was born in Aurora, Colorado. I moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then to Fort Campbell, KY then to Clarksville, TN then to Brentwood, TN to Franklin, TN and finally, to Nashville, TN proper.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you?
A: a. I have a slight obsession with reading books.
b. I love history and enjoy learning.
c. I love classical music.
Q: What is your favorite Nashville eatery?
A: Sam’s is my go-to place I cannot get enough of that place. I also eat frequently at Whiskey Kitchen and Boscos and of course Sub-stop.
Q: What is your favorite music venue? (Anywhere)
A: It was Starwood but we all knew the fate of that. So my second favorite would be The Ryman.
Q: If you could only pick one, what would be your all-time favorite song?
A: Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Learning, reading, history, cooking and always trying to better myself.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville on the weekend?
A: Absolutely nothing.
Q: If you could have any super power, what would it be?
A: The ability to see which stocks would do well!
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: Being a dad and trying to be good husband, person and employee.
Q: What is something interesting that is on your bucket list?
A: Skydiving and boating the entire Mississippi.
Q: What is one type of food that you could not live without?
A: Tacos, all kind of tacos.
Q: What actor would you want to play you in the movie of your life? Why?
A: Johnny Lee Miller because he is one of the coolest actors I know. He is super quirky and smart.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: Waikiki, Hawaii and I’m not sure I would ever come back!
Q: How would your friends describe you?
A: Hopefully caring, honest and loyal.
Q: What TV or movie series are you obsessed with right now?
A: Game of Thrones and Deadwood.
Q: What did you ‘want to be when you grew up’ as a kid?
A: An FBI agent. I guess that isn’t going to happen now!
Q: If time or money weren’t an issue, what would you be doing right now?
A: Investing in people and in products to help bring them to the market. I would be doing so on a beach of course.
Q: What are the top five albums that have shaped your life?
A: 1. Korn – Follow The Leader – I just really love this album from start until finish. I remember seeing it on TRL and voting everyday when I got home from school.
2. Tool – Aenima – Not sure why or how I found this album but once I heard it I just knew it was going to change me. I never saw TOOL live, but I did see a Perfect Circle, and I hate that!
3. Nirvana – Nevermind – I remember listening to this with my brother and thinking how cool and new this sounded. I had the haircut and wanted to get ripped jeans and keep everything grungy.
4. Metallica – Metallica – This was really my first “rock” album that I fell in love with. It’s just such a great album.
5. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill – The first CD I ever bought with my own money. It was such a great feeling.
Q: An “important” piece of music you just don’t get:
A: Prince. Pretty much all of Prince.
Q: A television show you can’t miss, but hate to admit you watch:
A: I’m pretty confident in my TV choices!
Q: If you could spend the day with any person (living or deceased), who would it be?
A: My first choice would be Jim Cramer – Investing Guy. Next would be Thomas Edison, Nicolli Tesla or Cornelius Vanderbilt or John D Rockefeller.
Q: What is your life goal?
A: To do as much good in the world as possible.
Q: What is your favorite joke?
A: Knock Knock? Whose There? Nobody. Nobody Who? Exactly.
Q: Daily necessities in your desk drawer, pocket, or purse:
A: Medicated Chapstick, two Uniball Vision Elite Pens, and pictures of my wife and kids.
Matt Watkins
Vice President of Marketing and Company Operations
mwatkins@aristomedia.com
615-269-7071
