After more than two decades of military service around the world, “home” takes on a deeper meaning.
Raised in New York, Mat Pfeffer graduated from the United States Naval Academy and went on to serve 22 years as a Marine Corps officer, retiring in 2018 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Over the course of his career, he held leadership roles ranging from Platoon and Company Commander to Program Manager, Operations Officer, and Director. Much of his work centered on the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) community—armored platforms designed to transport infantry from ship-to-shore and support complex mechanized operations.
Mat’s service took him across the globe, including combat deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan—experiences that left a lasting impact.
“It gives you a lot of pride in your country,” he reflects. “Less than five percent of our society serves, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
What he valued most about Marine Corps life was the challenge, discipline, accountability, and opportunity to see the world. What he misses? The structure and shared sense of responsibility that come from serving as part of a mission-driven team.
When not deployed, Mat focused on the future of military capability. He transitioned into program management roles overseeing the testing and development of next-generation tactical vehicles, managing multi-billion-dollar defense programs with partners such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. His work took him to all 50 states—from mud mobility testing in Mississippi backwaters to proving grounds nationwide—ensuring vehicles were ready for real-world conditions.
Following his retirement from the Marines, Mat made a deliberate shift into healthcare, joining Philips Healthcare to support image-guided therapy and minimally invasive medical technologies. The mission changed, but the purpose remained the same: service—this time to patients.
After relocating to Tennessee in 2020, life found a new rhythm.
Now living on the lake, Mat embraces paddleboarding, pontoon boating, hiking, camping, and exploring Tennessee’s back roads and hidden diners. He enjoys discovering festivals, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the quiet beauty that comes from slowing down after years of constant motion.
Family and service run deep in Mat’s life. He has two grown children and comes from generations of public servants—his father served as a New York City police officer, and his grandfather was a New York City fire chief. After losing his mother at age 11, Mat was raised by his father, whose lessons in discipline, integrity, accountability, and family have guided him ever since.
Those values now shape his work in real estate.
Having relocated countless times during his military career, Mat understands both the emotional and logistical challenges of moving—leaving communities, starting over, and finding a sense of belonging in a new place. That lived experience allows him to connect deeply with clients, especially veterans and military families navigating transitions into civilian life.
In addition to real estate, Mat remains active in executive protection, providing security for C-suite leaders and high-profile individuals at major destinations—bringing his operational expertise into a new civilian context.
When asked why he chose Onward Real Estate, his answer is simple:
“It’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s a big organization, but it still feels like family. Every office operates as one connected team—relational, not transactional. That was clear from the beginning.”
What motivates him today? Challenge. Learning. Multitasking. Building something new. (And occasionally bartending as a creative outlet—because creativity never really disappears.)
If he could have a superpower, it would be teleportation. After years of constant travel, the dream is sometimes just being exactly where you want to be, when you want to be there.
And when asked who inspires him most, there’s no hesitation: his father.
“He raised my brothers and I after my mom passed when I was young. He showed me what service, leadership, and family truly mean.”
From Marine life to lake life, Mat Pfeffer’s journey is defined by service, resilience, curiosity, and care—and that same spirit guides how he helps others find a place to truly call home.
