Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Givot. Matt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
You know, they’re always those moments you can go back to. For me, it was around 2010. I pretty much lost everything financially. I had to move out to Palm Springs for work while my family stayed here in Orange County. I’d commute home on weekends. It was not an ideal situation. During this time my father passed away.
In those very hard times, you just reflect on what you’re doing. Sure it’s a hard time, but those are the times you are challenged, and pushed, and although you may not feel like it. It’s in these times that we are being shaped for what we were meant to be.
I will spare you all the “hard times” stories — fast forward, I had these fond memories of doing photography with my dad. He was an amateur photographer. So I said to myself, I’m going to buy a camera. I probably won’t be able to pay rent, but I’m going to chase this passion I used to have. And yeah, it doesn’t make sense. Yeah, I actually couldn’t pay rent. Yeah, I struggled for many 10 years. But I never lost sight of pursuing that passion and keeping an absolute curiosity for everything.
I think life is about those calculated risks: you have to take them. I turned that photography into a career, spent about a decade working for some of the top agencies in the world, and most importantly met incredible people. After working in the industry and seeing the opportunities, I wanted to take this next step into creating a creative studio.
Forge was formed. But not alone. This journey led me to many amazing relationships and in 2020 we founded Forge. I think we all have challenging times in life, but in the fire that we are formed. This is what Forge is.
At the end of the day, to bring it all back: I would answer this question simply: take risks and stay curious. How did I get to where I am today? Perseverance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it’s never smooth. That’s what makes it great. We started with the idea of Forge in 2019, and by 2020 we were open for business.
We had just finished a large project across the country for Epic Games and almost got stuck at London Heathrow due to Covid. We made it home, but the world shut down about 3 days after we got back.
I know we all went through those uncertain times, but it was definitely challenging; normal relationship challenges with partners and cash flow issues. If it was all sunshine and kittens I would be bored out of my mind.
This is what I signed up for. This is what drives me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have had a few jobs in my career but very little. I have always been building things. I guess they call it an entrepreneur, but I don’t like titles.
What matters most to you?
That’s a loaded question. Of course my faith in God, my family, and my loved ones. Those are the driving forces that push all of it. But in business, what matters most for me is: not being complacent, to keep building without limiting beliefs, and to help others find that in themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.createdbyforge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createdbyforge/
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