Matthew Mead
Founder & CEO, Hempitecture
Matthew (Mattie) Mead is the founder and CEO of Hempitecture, a building materials manufacturer that uses biobased, carbon-capturing inputs to create healthier, high-performing products for a more sustainable planet. An Idaho-based, adventure-seeking entrepreneur, Mattie has a passion for re-envisioning the materials traditionally used in construction and beyond. On a mission to discover tangible solutions to the climate crisis, Mattie founded the Hempitecture concept in 2012 during his studies of architecture, environmental sciences, and entrepreneurship at Hobart College in Geneva, New York. In 2016, Mattie had the honor of speaking at TEDx on the topic of "Building a Better World,” and just two years later, Hempitecture was formally founded alongside Co-Founder Tommy Gibbons, as a Public Benefit Corporation. Mattie’s work with the sustainability-driven brand also awarded him a spot on the Forbes "30 under 30" list in 2020. Outside of Hempitecture, Mattie served on the Board of Directors of Idaho BaseCamp, a non-profit organization that connects underserved communities to the outdoors. In his home of Ketchum, Idaho, he served as the Vice-Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission for 5 years, and as the Chairperson of the City of Ketchum Historical Preservation Commission for a year. Outside of his professional life, Mattie can be found recreating in the mountains, whether it be hiking, snowboarding, or backpacking. It is his connection with the natural world that continues to inspire him to build a business that creates sustainable impact for both people and planet.