Our Team
Forrest (Owner)
First car owned: My first car was a 1980 Dodge St. Regis, previously used as a Washington State patrol vehicle. I bought it when my dad was out of town, knowing he probably would not approve. The car took me on many adventures and lasted just over a year before the transmission failed. It proved to be a worthwhile purchase for $800, even factoring in the lecture from my dad. My next car was a 1976 Saab 99, I paid a whopping $50 for that gem! I spent my younger driving days moving from one “cheap car” to another, learning a lot about them along the way.
Favorite things to do outside of work: Spending time with family is my top priority outside of work. I enjoy flying, hiking, camping, fishing, and even yard work. Recently, I renewed my pilot’s license to reconnect with my passion for flying. While my dream is to own my own plane one day, I am grateful to rent Scarlet at W10 and take scenic flights around the island with my son.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: I appreciate working with a positive and supportive group of people; my team rocks! The culture here is so genuine, honest, and caring. I could not ask for a better group of co-workers, nor a better community to work in.
School / work background: I started my mechanical journey with bicycles way back in 1985! Then, after graduation, it was clear that bicycles would not pay the bills. I initially studied Law Enforcement in college, but I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. My enthusiasm for mechanical work led me to the automotive field in 1995, where I worked alongside my best friend. Over the years, I gained valuable experience and knowledge from working with many talented people in the automotive industry.
Kathy (Owner)
First car owned: My first car was a 1980 Datsun 200SX, which I admit I couldn’t afford at the time. Unfortunately, I didn’t own it for long since my boyfriend totaled it in an accident. After that experience, I chose not to own another car for quite some time, opting instead to commute on the Metro bus while working in downtown Seattle. Public transit introduced me to a variety of interesting people and experiences, including making new friends and collecting a few unforgettable stories.
Favorite things to do outside of work: I find peace in nature and enjoy quiet walks on the beach with Forrest, as well as hiking and camping in the woods with my family. Listening to audiobooks is one of my favorite hobbies, especially while doing chores—making tasks more entertaining and allowing me to “read” more. I also love making handmade gifts for friends and loved ones, and selling crafts seasonally at the Co-op.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: Although I’m relatively new to Matt’s Import Haven, I have already noticed the genuine and caring nature of our team. I look forward to building relationships and learning from all of them.
School / work background: I grew up in Burien. I always longed to live in a rural area – a dream I realized nearly 50 years later, on Whidbey Island. I left home at an early age and began working right out of high school, taking on various jobs before finding a position at a prominent club in downtown Seattle. I worked there for 12 years, eventually advancing to a management role, before leaving to become a stay-at-home mom—a role I consider both the hardest and most rewarding I've ever had.
Mark (Senior Technician)
First car owned: 1977 Datsun 280Z, dark metallic blue. This once modified beater still showed signs of its glory days with shiny paint in between the dents and scratches. It had no carpet and holes in the floor. Sadly I got rid of this car shortly after purchasing it. My appreciation of the car grew after I got rid of her.
Favorite things to do outside of work: Boating with my son Matias (7 years old). If you know me or work with me then I have probably talked your ear off about my boat. Any chance to get her in the water year round I will quickly take. Exploring the Puget Sound and fishing are my favorite off work past times.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: I love Matt’s stories about working at the sawmill. It's great being so close to my house so I can quickly get my boat in the water on work days.
School / work background: I spent K-12 on Whidbey Island, so it was very important as an 18 year old to move away after graduation. I got my first technician job at a GM dealership after moving to Olympia. I also attended the South Puget Sound Community College Automotive Technology program. After my son Matias was born I made the decision to move back to Whidbey Island. So glad to be living back on Whidbey, it’s a great place to have a boat!
Alex (Senior Technician)
First car owned: When I turned 16, my family helped me buy my first car. It was a silver 2004 Hyundai Sonata that I put 50,000 miles on in the first 2 years. I drove that car across the state 4 times until it needed a major repair that put it out of service at 200,000 miles. I repaired it in my mom’s small garage with a new cylinder head after saving all of my paychecks to buy the parts I needed. I bought it for $2,000 and sold it for $1,450. I loved that car!
Favorite things to do outside of work: I like to do projects around the house with my fiancé Annie. We take our dogs Bear and Darwin on walks, the beach, and about everywhere else we go. A large hobby of mine is electronics, small and large, either repairing them, installing them, or modifying them. Some of my time also goes into my Subaru WRX whether it be tuning, repairing, or just driving it -- it’s my pride and joy! Most of all I love spending time with Annie and starting our own life adventures, not to mention spending time with both of our families.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: Working with my coworkers and my bosses. To me, they make all the difference in the world. To work as a “family” and to get to know one another personally and professionally is just amazing. I learn something new every single day!
School / work background: I attended the South Whidbey School District until my sophomore year in high school. I transferred into the Running Start program and began as a freshman at Cascadia College, where we shared facilities and faculty with the University of Washington Bothell campus. I transferred from there to Everett Community College after a year to pursue an Associates Degree in Pre-Nursing, but found that my love for the automotive industry was much bigger than practicing any sort of medicine. Before working at Matt’s I was a dishwasher at Gordon’s On Blueberry Hill for almost 3 years, which was also my very first job.
David (Facilities Manager)
First car owned: A 1972 Toyota Hilux pickup truck.
Favorite things to do outside of work: I am an artist; painting (easel to mural), sculpture (mostly multidimensional box constructions), woodworking, and graphic work. I also continue to work on the house I built in 1996 and in our 10 acres of forest. To see my work you can go to davidiles.com.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: I clean the shop by myself. I like how quiet it is when I am there and the paycheck I receive from my work.
School / work background: I graduated from Evergreen State College in 1982. I spent 5 years working on a flower farm, 12 years as a caregiver for a quadriplegic, 6 years as an early learning teacher working with toddlers, and 5 years as part of a two-person portable sawmill business. I have worked for Matt’s Import Haven for 8 years now. I have been lucky enough to be able to work these jobs part-time so as to pursue my artwork as my prime occupation.
Jason (Technician)
First car owned: My first car was a 1987 Honda Civic, which was gray in color. It was a 5 speed manual hatchback.
Favorite things to do outside of work: When not at work I like to spend quality time with my family. I also enjoy gardening and watching UFC.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: My fellow co-workers are a great group of people. I also have the opportunity for growth as a technician.
School / work background: I attended South Whidbey and Woodinville high schools.
Mike (Service Advisor)
First car owned: My first two cars that I owned briefly were an Oldsmobile and a Buick from the 1980s. My first car that I had for a length of time and to this day my favorite car I have owned is a Geo Storm (1993 I believe). Fun little 5 speed that would get me through snowy roads when trucks would be stuck on the side of the road.
Favorite things to do outside of work: My favorite activities when outside of work include spending time with my wife, I enjoy cooking, gardening, woodworking, and playing music.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: Best thing about working at Matt’s is being able to help the community stay mobile and having the reputation people trust to complete services with honesty and integrity. The entire staff gets along well and works together to achieve the best care for the customers.
School / work background: My education stopped at a high school diploma. I graduated Mt Si High School in 2004. First 2 years out of school I built concrete foundations for new homes. After that I had worked as a Maintenance Technician with varying roles and responsibilities for 10 years. Then I spent 7 years in the Auto Glass industry starting as an Install Technician and moving into the Quality Manager/Technician Trainer role. I have been with Matt’s since February of 2024.
Zander (Lube Technician)
First car owned: I found a 1996 Mazda Miata in someone's yard in Freeland. I gave them 500$ for it and then I basically rebuilt the entire car. It is an ongoing project. I drive the Miata daily but it is also my racecar.
Favorite things to do outside of work: Going to Evergreen Speedway to race in Auto X. I've been into racing for about 2 years. I enjoy working on my plethora of project cars. My newest project is a 1986 Jaguar XJS, with a Corvette L98 motor swap.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: Living 5 minutes from work! The great work environment and working on cars every day.
School / work background: I attended South Whidbey Schools from K-12. I also attended Sno-Isle Skill Center studying Computers Servers and Networking during high school.
Sophie (Parts Manager / Service Advisor)
First car owned: My first car was a 2007 Toyota Camry, named Freddie. My uncle got the car for me and my sisters, it was the first car for all three of us.
Favorite things to do outside of work: I am passionate about traveling. I hope to see most of the world in my lifetime. My other interests are making art, reading, hiking, and baking.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: I really like being able to help people and I have wonderful co-workers.
School / work background: I attended Seattle Waldorf High School.
Victoria (Service Advisor)
First car owned: A 1996 VW Jetta that my dad helped me buy at auction. I didn’t know a thing about it except that it was glittery purple, and that was good enough for me. I drove that Jetta until all of the power windows stopped working and the car would no longer reverse.
Favorite things to do outside of work: I love belly dancing, cooking, and reading. I’m also a huge movie fan (horror, comedy, action - or, my favorite, a blend of all 3!) and love hanging out with my spouse and our two cats at home.
Favorite things about working at Matt’s Import Haven: The whole team cares! We all share a commitment to doing excellent work and providing superb service. I really appreciate working with a team that has a shared goal of success and an ongoing desire to innovate, improve, and impress. Our customers are unquestionably awesome, too!
School / work background: I’ve been working since I finished high school (many moons ago). I have a long, long history of working in customer service roles, in both public and private sector environments. I enjoy getting to know people and helping them to solve their problems!