Q. Hi Matt, we appreciate you taking time to answer some questions about yourself. Can you tell us a little bit about your company?
I.M. Manufacturing Corporation is a specialized U.S. manufacturer of narrow fabric solutions serving medical, military and tactical, apparel, outdoor, and industrial markets. We design and produce high-performance products that range from everyday bra straps to heavy-duty industrial tie-down straps capable of securing loads up to 6,000 pounds.
What makes us unique is the breadth and precision of our work—few manufacturers operate successfully at both ends of that spectrum. Our customers rely on us for consistency, durability, and technical expertise, whether the application demands comfort, safety, or extreme strength.
Q. What inspired you to become a CEO?
My path to becoming a CEO was shaped by a diverse career across design, business, education, and publishing. Over time, I became drawn to the intersection of creativity and operational excellence—where thoughtful strategy meets disciplined execution.
A defining moment came when I realized that ownership would allow me to apply those transferable skills in a long-term, meaningful way. Acquiring I.M. Manufacturing represented that opportunity: to steward a well-established business, invest in its people and processes, and build sustainable value over time. For me, becoming a CEO is less about authority and more about responsibility, continuity, and creating an environment where both the business and the people within it can thrive.
Q. What’s been your biggest challenge as a CEO, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges as a CEO has been navigating uncertainty while making decisions that affect the entire organization. The role often requires setting direction without having perfect information.
I’ve addressed this by building disciplined decision-making systems around me. I regularly consult a trusted network of colleagues to pressure-test assumptions, and I maintain a detailed working notebook to slow my thinking, document tradeoffs, and track patterns over time. These practices help me move forward with clarity and confidence, even when the path isn’t fully visible.
Q. What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your business journey?
I’m especially proud of my decision to acquire I.M. Manufacturing and step into a leadership role that had been held by the same person for forty-five years. While I inherited a strong culture built by Ira, earning the trust of a long-tenured team was both humbling and meaningful.
The fact that the transition was met with openness and continuity—and that the business continued to operate smoothly—quickly transformed early uncertainty into confidence. That experience affirmed the responsibility of ownership and the importance of stewardship over disruption.
Q. How has being a member of Virginia CEOs impacted your leadership or business?
I view VACEOs as a “fourth space,” distinct from family, friends, and colleagues. The members represent a wide range of backgrounds, industries, and perspectives, yet share a common commitment to mutual respect, trust, and support.
VACEOs provides a setting where I can be candid, ask difficult questions, and show vulnerability without concern for politics or repercussion. That level of openness has been invaluable in sharpening my leadership and decision-making.
Q. Do you have any experience to share with a new or aspiring CEO?
I learned to communicate with intention—and listen just as deliberately. A CEO is constantly balancing competing ideas, priorities, and timelines, and clear communication turns complexity into shared direction.
Equally important, active listening keeps me grounded in the realities of my organization. The strongest leadership comes from clarity going out and understanding coming back.
Q. How do you stay sharp as a leader?
I stay sharp by being intentional about how I manage my time and energy. I structure my days around clear short- and long-term goals, while protecting space for family, creative pursuits, and regular exercise, which is essential for focus and resilience.
I also read widely and maintain a digital notebook to capture insights, reflect on decisions, and develop ideas in writing. These habits help me stay grounded, curious, and decisive over the long term.
Q. What’s something about your company culture that you’re proud of?
I’m especially proud of our culture because it’s grounded in respect, accountability, and genuine enjoyment of the work. We hold ourselves to a high standard around professionalism and collaboration, and we actively work to avoid the kind of internal friction that erodes trust.
That culture is reflected in our people. Most team members have at least ten years with the company, and one has served for more than four decades. That level of tenure reflects a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and committed to one another.
Q. How do you define success — for yourself and your business?
For me, success is earned flexibility—the ability to focus on what matters most each day because the business is well-led and well-run.
For the company, success means the factory operates smoothly and consistently, supported by strong people and reliable processes, so performance doesn’t depend on any single individual. That resilience is the standard I work toward.
Q. What’s your favorite thing about doing business in Richmond?
Richmond’s geographic position at the intersection of major transportation networks—road, rail, and water—makes it an excellent place to operate a manufacturing business with national and international supply chains.
Just as important, the region retains a deep base of industrial services and expertise. Having access to local shops, suppliers, and skilled partners has been invaluable in supporting efficient and flexible production.
Q. What’s next for you and your company?
Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our capabilities and capacity through targeted technology investments, pursuing synergistic acquisitions, and developing a direct-to-consumer branded product line. Each initiative is designed to reinforce our strengths and support long-term growth.
Q. Fun fact: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My brother, father, and I summited Mt. Whitney—the tallest peak in the contiguous 48 states at 14,505 feet—in a single day: 23 miles and 15 hours round-trip from the portal trailhead.
The climb, especially the 99 Switchbacks, reinforced the importance of steady focus and patience—keeping long-term goals in mind even when the immediate steps ahead feel demanding or unclear.
Huge thanks to Matt Woolman for taking the time to share his perspectives and experiences with us. We’re proud to have him as part of the VACEOs community!
