Matt’s path into the insurance industry was paved long before he officially joined the family business in 2006. Matt’s father, Richard Steele, had gone to work for Aetna right out of college for a few years and then got into the agency side. In 1986, Richard purchased Hanlon Insurance Agency in Saint Clairsville, Ohio and rechristened it Steele Insurance Associates, Inc. Matt’s mom, Barbara, was a teacher but had learned accounting to work alongside Richard at the agency, taking care of the bookkeeping.

“I grew up with the business as both my parents worked in the agency. I always found what my dad was doing interesting. I remember going with him to take Christmas cookies to clients and even got to take a helicopter ride with one of his clients once. Agency ownership was something I geared myself toward through college as I prepared for my career.” 

Matt’s decision to join the agency wasn’t about following in his father’s footsteps—it was about embracing a legacy of service and community.

“I was always interested in getting into the family agency here. But my dad had the presence of mind at the time to say, ‘Go out and get some experience, live your life, do your own thing.’ He felt having some experience working for somebody else, and seeing how the world runs, would be beneficial before coming in and working with him.” 

Matt graduated from Miami University in 2001 with a BS in Finance and a minor in Entrepreneurship and moved to Chicago. After five years working in litigation consulting at Arthur Anderson, Matt returned to Ohio with his wife, Sarah, whom he’d met in Chicago on a night out with mutual friends and began his journey in the family business. In 2018, he bought the agency from his father, continuing the tradition of personalized service and community engagement that his parents had established. 

Core Values That Matter 

At Steele Insurance Associates, core values are not just words on a wall—they are lived every day. Matt and his team are committed to what they call the “Epic Search of Understanding,” ensuring that they fully grasp their clients’ risks and needs. This commitment to understanding is paired with a dedication to honesty and diligence, encapsulated in their “No BS!” approach. 

“Our team strives to live all of the good attributes that society expects of us, such as being honest and diligent in our interactions, But we also know we have to break bad news to clients sometimes. The ‘No BS!’ comes into play more than we would like, but we know we need to address issues head-on because if we put them off, the matter will just become worse.” 

Matt emphasizes to his team the importance of thoroughly understanding their clients’ risks and staying well-informed about the available policies and coverages, so they can effectively match them to create the best possible solution. “Be the one that honest, hard-working people want to deal with,” is their straightforward, client-focused approach.  

Opportunity, Involvement, Advocacy 

Beyond his work at the agency, Matt has embraced opportunities to contribute to the broader Independent Agent community through his volunteer leadership with the Ohio Insurance Agents Association. His journey with OIA began when he was invited by Jeff Smith to join the Finance and Budget Committee in 2018. This experience allowed Matt to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the organization and the importance of financial stewardship in supporting OIA’s mission. 

“As a member of the Finance Committee, it has been very interesting to see the inner workings of the organization. We have a responsibility to make sure the organization remains solvent, but I believe we also have a responsibility to utilize the financial resources available to OIA to enhance the offerings to our fellow IAs and ultimately allow us to be more successful as Agents.” 

In 2024, Matt took his involvement to the next level by joining the OIA Board of Directors. In this role, he continues to advocate for the needs of Independent Agents across Ohio, leveraging his experience and insights to help shape the future of the industry.

“OIA has so much to offer to IAs in Ohio and beyond, so I’ve really enjoyed immersing myself and understanding what a great organization it is.” 

A Life Beyond the Office 

Despite his busy professional life, Matt finds time for his personal passions. As a wine and bourbon enthusiast, he and Sarah have made several trips to Napa Valley and the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Sarah, like Matt’s mother, is a dedicated educator, having earned a master’s degree, and teaches 8th-grade history.

Whether boating and water skiing with their family at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland or skiing in Park City, Utah, they embrace adventure together. Matt is also actively involved in his local Rotary Club, where he enjoys collaborating with fellow community leaders to raise funds and serve their neighbors. 

Matt’s daughters, Elizabeth, 14, and Madeline, 13, are both active in sports, with Elizabeth focusing on soccer and Madeline splitting her time between soccer and basketball. His oldest helps at the agency once a week, by organizing files and flexing her Excel skills. “She’s not ready to commit to becoming an insurance agent down the road. But I think it’s a good experience for her to see what I do and how the business operates on a regular basis. No matter what direction she goes in, seeing what I do for a living and what it’s like working in an office environment, with different personalities and workflows… that’s always going to be valuable.” 

Looking Forward 

When asked what advice he would give the next generation of Independent Agents, Matt suggests immersing oneself in the industry by reading the publications, attending insurance industry events, and making certain they understand the policy forms. There’s a correlation between one’s knowledge and confidence and how successful they can become. He also says,

“It is a very rewarding career, but there is no substitute for hard work to get there. The way that insurance is marketed, sold, and delivered is ever-changing, so you have to continue to dig in and do the work.  Relationships still matter, and they may not always be forged between 9 am and 5 pm.”