Forty Under 40: Matt Machen

Matt Machen’s early interest in business just seemed natural.

“My dad was a business major and had a car dealership in Forest City, and that kind of got me interested in the business world,” Machen said.

Add summers spent working at banks in his hometown, and Machen’s future was cemented. Nowadays the University of Arkansas graduate is one of the youngest vice presidents at First Security Bank, where he manages a loan portfolio of more than $20 million.

But what does Machen, 28, like most about his job?

“You get a mix of all kinds of businesses when you’re a banker,” he said, “and that really interests me.”

The most challenging part of Machen’s career also has been the most rewarding.

“My biggest achievement is just being able to manage my loan portfolio through the last 18 months,” Machen said. “Just working with my customers and coming up with solutions to make them successful during some hard times.”

Machen is a member of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and a board member at Fayetteville Country Club.

More pressing, though, is his desire to find new and better ways to help his customers.

“I want to continue to learn my craft and be a better banker,” he said.