Matthew Wagner’s high school years at Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) were marked by academic and athletic success. Graduating as valedictorian in 1998, Matt balanced his love for sports and academics with grace. His time at PVHS was filled with fond memories, particularly the camaraderie he built with teammates. “Riding home from athletic events, playing hard, and spending time with friends helped me develop lifelong friendships,” he recalls.
Baseball was Matt’s first love, and he had dreams of going pro. He received interest from Major League Baseball scouts representing teams like the Rockies, Dodgers, and Cubs. Unfortunately, an arm injury cut short his hopes of a professional career. “I really wanted to play ball as my first choice, but when I got hurt, I had to pivot,” he shares. Shifting his focus, Matt pursued higher education, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree—a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management.
After college, Matt’s journey took several turns. He entered the workforce, trying his hand at various customer service and management positions before discovering his passion for food trucks. He launched Poppy’s Food Trucks in Pahrump, a business that has flourished for over 12 years. The venture allowed him to explore his love for business while offering a service that the community appreciated. However, like many small business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. Matt returned to a more traditional workforce during this time, securing a position at Valley Electric Association (VEA). At VEA, he took on roles as Manager of Member Services and Manager of Solpower, using his skills to manage operations effectively. Now, he’s working as a metering apprentice, but he still runs Poppy’s Food Trucks on the side.
Reflecting on his career, Matt acknowledges that his family, especially his parents, had the greatest influence on him. “My mom and dad always pushed me to be the best that I could be,” he says. This guidance helped Matt navigate the ups and downs of his professional life, teaching him important lessons about perseverance and self-worth. One of the biggest challenges he faced was a sense of never being fully content. “I’ve never felt settled in one role,” Matt admits. “But I’ve learned something valuable at every step.”
Matt’s biggest lesson learned in college is one that is pivotal in his daily life and career. “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late,” Matt explains, a principle that carries him through life. Additionally, he credits teamwork and perseverance, learned from his time playing varsity baseball and basketball, as essential to navigating challenges in both his business ventures and his work at Valley Electric Association.
Among his key achievements, Matt holds a CMS license for VEA’s Solpower under Nevada’s Electrical Contractors license, a significant professional milestone. He credits much of his success to the lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of mental toughness and staying true to his values. “Don’t be afraid to fail or learn new things,” he advises. “And don’t compromise your morals to get ahead—know your worth.”
Balancing his career and personal life is an ongoing challenge for Matt, who describes himself as highly motivated but often struggling to find equilibrium. Despite this, family remains a top priority. He has been married for 11 years and is the proud father of two children—a 10-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. In his free time, Matt enjoys outdoor activities such as riding his side-by-side (SxS), fishing, and camping with family and friends.
Matt stays connected to his community and high school roots, attending youth soccer games and participating in alumni events whenever possible. He values these connections, which help him maintain a sense of belonging and perspective. “I keep in touch with some friends on Facebook and look forward to catching up on alumni game days,” he says.
Looking to the future, Matt has clear goals. He’s excited about finishing his metering apprenticeship and hopes to achieve a better balance between work and life. More importantly, he looks forward to spending time with the people who have supported him throughout his journey. “I want to enjoy the things I’ve worked for and be there for the people who matter,” he reflects.
Through all the twists and turns, Matt’s journey from valedictorian and athlete to business owner exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the power of staying true to one’s values. His story continues to inspire those who, like him, face the unexpected with determination and a belief in their own potential.
