Matt’s favorite pastime is operating a hot air balloon, a hobby he started several years ago alongside his wife, Jessica.
How does a truck driver decide to take his navigating skills to the skies? We caught up with Matt to learn more.
Q: How long have you been a truck driver?
A: I started driving trucks more than 17 years ago. When I heard that Walmart was a good trucking company to work for, I started looking here. It was tough to get on at first because the truck drivers never want to leave! I was originally hired in the St. James, Missouri, area but was eventually transferred to Bentonville. I was really excited about the move because I could be much closer to home. I’ve been driving for Walmart for almost 10 years now.
Q: What is your job like on a day-to-day basis?
A: I drive for both Walmart and Sam’s Club, but my route varies. My schedule is consistent, though, which I really like. I drive for six days and then am home for two days.
Q: Tell us about your first experience with a hot-air balloon.
A: One day my wife asked me if I wanted to go to a glow, an event where several hot air balloons inflate after dark and burners are ignited periodically to make the balloons look like huge light bulbs. I went to the event and was hooked. I bought my first balloon and got my pilot’s license just a few months later.
Q: Can you share more about the process of flying?
A: Here are the answers to the questions I get most from people:
Is the balloon lightweight? No, not at all. The hot air balloon weighs more than 700 pounds.
How many people does it take to operate a balloon? I usually have a crew of three: my wife, Jessica, my son, Luis, and me. And I couldn’t do it without their help. They help me get the balloon ready, and when I get in the air they have to load the equipment up and start following the balloon in our truck.
How do you ensure a balloon is working properly? Each balloon has to be inspected every year or every 100 hours of airtime, whichever comes first.
Q: What’s your favorite part of flying a hot air balloon?
A: I love giving rides to people who have never done it before. It’s the best feeling when they say riding in a hot air balloon was on their bucket list. How cool is it that I helped someone do something they’ve always wanted to do?