40 Under 40 The Class of 2011

Mathew Geffin: 30

Vice President of Business Development, Webber and Grinnell Insurance Agency

Mat Geffin

Mat Geffin

Mat Geffin introduces himself to people wherever he goes. The reason? He loves Western Mass. and is investing his time, passion, and energy into making it a better place to live and work. His professional and volunteer efforts are intertwined, and he gives his all to both.
“I will do anything I can to improve Western Mass. as a whole. I just put myself out there and say yes to everything,” he said.
Although Geffin worked in neighboring states after college, he was happy to be hired by Webber and Grinnell, where his efforts have exceeded the firm’s expectations. Thanks to his work, the agency experienced 8% growth last year in its commercial department during a very challenging time.
Geffin’s strategy is to get people together, and he has initiated executive roundtables and educational seminars designed to help clients learn, grow, and improve their businesses.
This father of a 9-month-old has also worked to create jobs through his volunteer activities. “We lose a lot of young people because there are not enough desirable jobs here,” he said. “And that is at the root of everything I do; it’s about investing in Western Mass. to create systems and sustainable employment for young people.”
Geffin has been very active in Community Enterprises Inc. “I believe in this mission,” he said. “They create jobs and provide housing for people with a wide range of disabilities. We partnered with Walgreens to get jobs that pay more than $30,000.”
He is also involved with the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield and Northampton Area Young Professionals, and sits on the Finance Committee of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce.
“I have worked really hard, but it’s so much fun,” he said. “I put myself in front of a lot of people to accomplish my goals, and I feel lucky. I believe so much in Western Mass., and everything I do is about improving it, promoting the value of what my company can bring people, and creating a great network in the professional and volunteer arena.”
— Kathleen Mitchell