Matt Oberembt was a young boy when his father first started taking him hunting and fishing. Participating in these activities became an excellent time for him to reflect on life while becoming one with nature and all of God’s creations. He liked watching the woods wake up in the morning and the serenity that came with being outside. As an adult, he found fulfillment in teaching and assisting others, enjoying the look of accomplishment when someone would pull in a fish or harvest an ... Read More
Matt Oberembt was a young boy when his father first started taking him hunting and fishing. Participating in these activities became an excellent time for him to reflect on life while becoming one with nature and all of God’s creations. He liked watching the woods wake up in the morning and the serenity that came with being outside. As an adult, he found fulfillment in teaching and assisting others, enjoying the look of accomplishment when someone would pull in a fish or harvest an animal. He wanted everyone to feel what he felt hunting and fishing with his Dad. He realized he would like to reach people on a larger scale, specifically children, veterans and first responders. To do this, he would need an ally. Someone like-minded, passionate and caring. He knew immediately who he needed to call; longtime friend, Anthony Mears.
Matt and Anthony first met in 2005. Both Matt and Anthony were working towards a degree in construction management while working full-time construction. They were assigned as college roommates and quickly became close. After college Matt went on to the construction industry. Anthony chose a different path and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. They wouldn’t see each other often, but they still shared a collective heart and work ethic. Anthony was also very passionate about serving others, with out of this world motivation and unstoppable determination.
When Matt first called Anthony about his dream, they talked on the phone for nearly two hours. They didn’t have a name, they didn’t have a logo, and money was tight, but they both knew it was time to put a plan into motion. The two quickly learned that starting a nonprofit organization would present many challenges and hurdles. Family comes first to both of them, and they credit their solid foundation to their wives, Nicole Oberembt and Brittany Mears, who also have made many sacrifices along the way.
A few months passed by before a name was born. True Impact Outdoors (TIO) quickly became a leading role in both Anthony and Matt’s lives. A board was established to assist them on their journey. Nicole Oberembt was nominated as TIO’s accountant, Cole Henry was voted in as Secretary, Kim Wallace was needed and took the position of PR/Social Media Representative, Matt was voted President and Anthony was voted Vice President.
True Impact Outdoors now had direction and structure and was eager to grow. Dreams became goals, goals became milestones and milestones became the bedrock of their mission statement. Matt and Anthony’s dream to assist disabled veterans, and first responders was finally coming true.
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