Meet Matt Haire: a Spotlight Team Interview

Where are you from?

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Tell us a little bit about you.

I’m someone who’d rather be out playing sports than watching from the sidelines. I enjoy various activities like basketball, hiking, and cycling, which keep me active and engaged.

Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for good coffee, great conversations, and spending quality time with friends and family. I believe these experiences enrich life.

If there was a movie about your life, who would play you and why?

I think Henry Cavill would have to play me in a movie about my life. His charisma and physicality resonate with my active lifestyle, and he would bring a sense of fun to the role. Plus, his ability to portray complex characters would shine through in my story, especially as we both enjoy engaging in physical activities and nerdy games.

What’s a ridiculous fact about yourself?

In high school, I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. I played three sports, participated in summer baseball, was part of the school musical and theatre productions, and engaged in AP Studio Art, Concert Choir, Top Choir, and the Church Choir, called Voice of Truth.

I also balanced a part-time job at Zorbaz, which taught me valuable time management skills and the importance of teamwork.

What part of your position provides the most value?

I have a passion for web development and design that I've cultivated over many years. This drive has led me to take on challenging projects that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. My dedication is evident in every aspect of my work, as I continuously seek new ways to enhance user experience and design aesthetic.

I think the greatest value I bring as a Web Project Manager is helping creative teams stay focused and aligned. My role is to ensure that everyone understands the project goals and how their contributions fit into the bigger picture. By maintaining this clarity, I help facilitate smoother workflows and more cohesive project outcomes.

Tell us about your experience.

I’ve been filling notebooks with doodles since kindergarten. That early love for art naturally led me toward a career in design. What started as small projects for friends and family evolved into professional opportunities.

I landed my first design job while still in college, which laid the groundwork for my career. After spending over five years in the design world, I launched my own agency to tackle larger creative challenges, gaining invaluable experience along the way.

About a year later, I met Mike Dragosavich, the owner of Spotlight Media, and decided to bring my experience and passion for design to the Spotlight team as a Matt Haire Web Project Manager, where I could leverage my skills to make a greater impact.

What part of your job do you believe makes the most impact?

I think the biggest impact I make is helping people connect the dots between technology and their business goals. Many clients may not have a technical background, so I enjoy breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms. By doing this, I can demonstrate how our services can significantly enhance their business strategies and drive growth.

Why does our community matter to you?

To me, community is everything. A strong community fosters growth, support, and collaboration. Being part of the lakes area community has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who strive to make a difference. I’m committed to giving back to this community that has shaped who I am today, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply participating in local events.

I grew up in the lakes area and went to school at MSUM, so this community has always been home to me. The culture here is vibrant and supportive; it all starts with the people. The welcoming, down-to-earth Midwest attitude creates an environment where everyone can thrive, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I appreciate how the community rallies together to support local businesses and initiatives, further enhancing our collective growth.

What are some of your goals at Spotlight?

As a Web Project Manager, my goal is to help businesses reach their full potential in a way that’s both effective and enjoyable. I aim to create a collaborative, fun, and meaningful experience for both our clients and our team: one where every project feels genuine and leads to a positive outcome all around. I also aspire to continually improve our processes and outcomes, ensuring we remain innovative and responsive to our clients' evolving needs.

More team news: Mhairi Christopherson joins as Director of Agency Social Media Operations and Sarah Cabler joins as Senior Graphic Designer.

Meet the team today

This is a historical interview. For our current team and services, visit About Spotlight.