This “Faces of ECI” profile focuses on Matt Short, an Account Executive with Exhibit Concepts. From a career in museums to automotive history, Matt is opening up in our latest “Faces of ECI” profile.
When did your career at Exhibit Concepts begin?
I started with the company in March 2022.
Explain your role.
My role is to bring in clients for the museum side of our business and also look at some other permanent installations.
What is your background?
I’m an automotive historian and my passion is for the cars of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. It’s kind of a bad habit in that it’s taken over my life in a lot of ways. I’m the founder of the National Association of Automobile Museums. I’ve helped dozens of museums with projects over the years. I give lectures. I’m a Concours judge. It’s what I wake up every morning and start thinking about.
How did you get into sales?
I was on the other side of the desk for 20 years, so I’ve been a curator, executive director, vice president, registrar. I’ve done every job in a museum and a few years ago, I had the opportunity to join this side of the desk. I realized early on in that, that I could have an impact on instead of two or three museums in my career, I have the potential to have an impact on all of them.
What do you like most about Exhibit Concepts?
What I like most about Exhibit Concepts is the people and the culture of the company. I feel that I’m liked and respected and that everyone here has my back.
Describe your most impactful client moment.
So far, my most impactful client moment was when the Board of Directors of the Ford House, which includes the Ford family, toured an exhibit that we recently completed. The feedback was phenomenal and when you think that we’re bringing their family’s history to life and it impressed them, that’s incredible.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE...
Favorite food?
My favorite food is Chinese food from Sichuan Province.
Favorite band or musician?
My favorite band is The Who and I’ve seen them live 15 times.
Favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show, I think, and I’m a big TV fan, is Inspector Morse.
Favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Casablanca. I think it’s a perfect film and I’ve probably seen it 50 times or more.
Favorite book or author?
My favorite book is Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and he’s also my favorite author. Once upon a time, I got to spend a little time with him and talk.
What are your secret talents?
They’ve faded a bit, but I have a Masters Degree in Chinese Studies, and I used to be fluent in Mandarin.
What is your ideal place to live?
My ideal place to live would be, I think where I live now. I live in Houston and I love it.
What charitable cause is important to you?
Watsi. It’s an international charity that donates money to give people specific treatments or surgeries.
Who is one person you’d want to have dinner with? Past or present? Why?
I think the person that I would love to have dinner with is John Candy. He’s my favorite and he’s been gone almost thirty years. Everything I ever read about him or heard about him is that he was just a kind soul and a brilliant wit.
What is a super power you wish you had? Why?
A super power I wish I have is time travel so that I could go back to the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s and experience my passion in real time. My passion for the automobiles of the era, the culture of the era, the fashion, and the design.
