Meet the digital project manager for GPI: Matt Keeler
By Michelle Hartz
December 23, 2013
470
Q: What does it mean to be a digital project manager?
A: In my role as digital project manager, I manage the team that designs and implements the digital products our customers purchase from us. What does that look like on a daily basis for me? I make sure communication with our clients is happening in a timely manner, that we have the right team members available to deliver the end product, and that we meet project milestones and deadlines. I think its a fair assumption to make that poor communication and missed deadlines are often what customers experience when working with a vendor to develop their digital product portfolio, and here at GPI my goal is to prove that developing your digital presence can (and should) be a positive experience.
Q: What path led you to this job?
A: During my undergraduate studies at Bluffton University, I had the great opportunity to be a hall director on campus, and I learned very quickly that communication and consistency are two very important skills to have. I think coming out of my college experience, I had a head start on understanding what it meant to be a leader, and more importantly that I enjoyed being in leadership roles. After college, my wife and I moved to Colorado for six years, where I worked for Vail Resorts Inc. in a variety of leadership roles on their customer service team, and then transitioned over to the web development team. In that position, I was introduced to the world of project management, and was given the opportunity to lead many projects that involved multiple functions within the organization. It was then that I really grew to enjoy and understand the role of project manager, and see the value it can provide to an organization.
Q:What are you most looking forward to doing in your new job?
A: To be honest, its probably getting to work with such a great team of passionate IT professionals, and seeing the impact our product has on area business. Its definitely a rewarding job, and one that motivates me to give 110 percent each day.
Q: Tell us a little about your latest project.
A: We are constantly launching new projects, but most recently I really enjoyed working with New Life Hearing Loops, a new company just outside of Wooster. They entrusted us with developing their new website and creating a video that captured the story behind why they started a new business. Our team enjoyed working with them, and the end product was something were very proud of.
Q: How do you think digital projects contribute to the mission of a company like GPI?
A: To me, digital projects are a great complement to the other products and services that are offered at GPI. There arent many places where you can take care of nearly all your business digital and print needs. We are truly a one-stop shop, where we put our customers first and help where we can to make their business grow. We know there are needs in the surrounding area for reliable and affordable access to the latest digital products, and Im glad so many people are seeing us as the solution to their needs.
Q: What else would you like readers to know about you?
A: Im married to my awesome wife Katie, who is a teacher in the Triway School District, and we have a very loving (but needy) dog named Bella. In my free time, you will most likely find me on the golf course, skiing the slopes of a local ski area, out on a fishing excursion, or working on DIY projects at home. Also, I probably shouldnt say this, but thanks to my wife Im a huge Friends fan, and we usually make it through all ten seasons once per year!
