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Writer's pictureMatt Slonaker

My Story Thus Far: Life of Resilience, Leadership, & Service

Updated: Aug 27




My story begins in 1969 in the charming town of York, Pennsylvania. Raised in a close-knit community with great parents and a great brother (Richard, Sharon, & Jeremy), my childhood took a transformative turn when my parents divorced when I was just 12. This pivotal moment shaped my character, instilling a sense of resilience and determination that would guide me through life's challenges and triumphs.


After graduating from West York High School in 1988, I sought to serve a greater purpose and joined the U.S. Navy. As a Crypto Petty Officer Third Class aboard the U.S.S. Arkansas (CGN-41), I participated in critical operations, ranging from peacekeeping efforts in Panama to drug interdiction missions off the South American coast. Witnessing the seizure of 50 tons of cocaine and serving during Desert Storm—earning the National Defense Medal—taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and the importance of serving a cause larger than oneself. I'm thankful to have served under LTCDR William Calderwood, SCPO Franz Ott and many others during this time!


Upon completing my military service, I married my wonderful wife, Christine, in 1992. Balancing part-time retail jobs and junior college in Ventura, California, our partnership became a cornerstone of my ambitions, providing unwavering support through the highs and lows of my career. Love ya Christine!


My journey into the finance industry began as a loan processor at Weyerhaeuser Mortgage Company. Under the mentorship of Simon Cobbin, I honed my analytical skills and discovered my passion for helping others navigate complex financial landscapes.


This path led me to REO asset management at Great Western Bank, where I had the privilege of working alongside another incredible mentor, Andi Harris. By the mid-90s, I had achieved remarkable sales success at GMAC-RFC Homecomings, earning over $50,000 a month by the age of 25. However, I quickly learned the importance of managing newfound wealth wisely, realizing that financial prudence is essential for long-term success (work very hard & played even harder).


My career trajectory continued to rise rapidly. Before I turned 30, I became a Vice President at The Money Store in Sacramento, where I successfully turned around their default operations. This period was especially meaningful as I welcomed our daughter, Sailor Ashley, into the world—a joyous moment that redefined my professional ambitions.

Throughout my career, I was fortunate to encounter exceptional mentors, including John Vella at HFC Auto Finance. Together, we pioneered the first internet auto decision application, HAFC Superhighway, which streamlined the decision-making process to under a minute—showcasing my ability to integrate technology to enhance operational efficiency.


My next chapter led me to Washington Mutual, where I served as VP in the MIS department under Tony Meola. During a critical merger of mortgage operations, I provided essential analytics and reporting, solidifying my skill in high-pressure environments.


A call from Vella then brought me to Option One Mortgage, where I established the servicing analytics and MIS group, eventually overseeing loss mitigation and command center teams.


In 2006, I joined EMC Mortgage, part of Bear Stearns, where Vella and Dave Little entrusted me with leading the REO division during the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Under my leadership, we saved over 1,500 borrowers, providing a lifeline when they needed it most and reinforcing my commitment to making a difference in people's lives.


My career continued to flourish at Auction.com/REDC, where I was recruited by Jeff Frieden to launch a real estate company across multiple states. This role allowed me to oversee large banks' REO and real estate disposition efforts, blending cutting-edge online strategies with local expertise in a rapidly evolving market.


At Carrington, I helped with building out their third-party asset management and real estate brokerage business, securing significant accounts like Bank of America and Nationstar. My tenure as Chief Revenue Officer at Matt Martin Real Estate proved transformative, as I oversaw substantial growth and rebranding initiatives that propelled Chronos Solutions forward. In 2017, I achieved a personal best in sales—an accomplishment that reflected my dedication and hard work.


In 2020, amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I took a bold step and founded my company, M. Allen LLC. Serving as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer and revenue growth advisor, I’ve had the privilege of generating over $200 million in opportunity pipelines for clients across various industries. This venture has allowed me to marry my passion for leadership with my unwavering commitment to driving results.


In April 2024, I was thrilled to announce the publication of my first book (The Art & Science of Selling), which earned top seller status in the sales category in the first month of it's release. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement but also provides me with a platform to share the insights and experiences I’ve gathered over my career, empowering others on their journeys.


Throughout my career, I've collaborated with global brands like JP Morgan Chase and H&R Block, and my analytical talents have earned me recognition as one of the top sales influencers in financial services. Giving back has also been a major part of my journey; since 2017, I have been a coach for military veterans transitioning to civilian life, providing guidance and support to those who served our country. This experience has deepened my commitment to mentorship, allowing me to share not just my professional insights but also the life lessons I’ve learned along the way.


Today, I stand as both a leader and a mentor, reflecting on a career filled with growth, challenges, and immense rewards. My journey has taught me that success is not solely measured by financial milestones but by the impact we have on those around us. 





As the founder and CEO of M. Allen LLC (www.mattallendevelopment.com), I embrace the opportunity to shape my own destiny while empowering others to achieve theirs. The diverse clients I serve are a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities. Whether I’m crafting go-to-market strategies, developing business intelligence solutions, or mentoring high-performing teams, my work is driven by a desire to create value and foster success in every endeavor.


With over a billion dollars in revenue managed during this time and a proven track record of success across a variety of projects, I’ve cultivated the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the business landscape effectively. Yet, I remain grounded by the lessons learned throughout my journey: the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the transformative power of mentorship.


I am passionate about continuing to expand my impact within the financial services and B2B industry, contributing to the growth of organizations while nurturing the next generation of leaders. I firmly believe that we can elevate each other, and that the true measure of success lies in the relationships we build and the lives we touch.


Presently and entering the fall of 2024, I continue to embrace new opportunities, I am excited to announce that I am co-founding a new company dedicated to revolutionizing sales and revenue growth through AI-based services and solutions tailored for the B2B market. Alongside a team of visionary co-founders, we are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower businesses to optimize their sales processes, enhance customer engagement, and drive sustainable growth. Our mission is to harness the power of artificial intelligence to provide innovative tools and insights that will help organizations navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace. I am thrilled to be part of this endeavor, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for helping others succeed while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of business. Together, we aim to redefine the future of sales through innovation and collaboration.


I hope my story serves as inspiration for those striving to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. With hard work, dedication, and a strong support network, anything is possible. As I embark on this next chapter—both with my business and my new book—I am excited to see where this journey will lead me, and I remain committed to making a positive difference in the world around me.


Here’s to the future—wherever it may take us, may we continue to grow, inspire, and uplift one another as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of life and business.


Interested to learn more or just chat on any topic? If so, ping me via mslonaker@mattallendevelopment.com or visit my site at www.mattallendevelopment.com.


Connect with me via Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattallenslonaker/






Father's Day 2024 with Sailor:




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