With a career that spans continents and industries, Matt Yoder stands out as a globally minded business leader whose commitment to innovation, process improvement, and people-first leadership has driven transformative success across organizations. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and backed by dual bachelor’s degrees and an MBA in International Business and Management, Matt brings a rare combination of analytical acumen, cultural fluency, and operational expertise to every challenge he faces.
Currently serving as Commercial Sales Manager at GFS Chemicals, Matt has redefined success in a highly competitive market by cultivating a culture of accountability, vision, and resilience. Under his leadership, the team surpassed its annual target, hitting 102% of its goal in a tough landscape. By implementing a new lead generation system and partnering with key distributors, he elevated the brand’s visibility and built trusted relationships that helped GFS expand into previously untapped markets. Matt’s willingness to make difficult but strategic decisions—often met with initial resistance—ultimately earned team buy-in through demonstrated results and clear direction.
Prior to GFS, Matt led Mainfreight’s international branch in Gahanna, OH, where he scaled a zero-revenue startup into a $500K operation in under a year. His keen understanding of global logistics, including hazardous materials and project cargo, enabled seamless multimodal transport solutions, while his sales acumen secured key client partnerships that laid the foundation for sustainable growth.
Matt’s global product and market development skills were further sharpened at IC Biomedical and Worthington Industries. At IC Biomedical, he played a critical role in aligning product strategies and operational systems following an acquisition, leading Kaizen events and product lifecycle planning efforts. At Worthington, Matt wore many hats—from International Market Development Manager to Technical Sales & Service Lead, to Product and Export Manager—driving initiatives that increased market share, streamlined export operations, and introduced Worthington’s solutions to new international markets. Notably, he also helped lead the company’s foray into the cannabis industry, identifying unique synergies with their specialty chemicals line to carve out a profitable niche.
Earlier in his career at Honda Trading America and Perstorp Specialty Chemicals AB, Matt honed his leadership in sales and operations, building training programs, implementing LEAN practices, and guiding financial planning strategies. He consistently demonstrated an ability to translate vision into execution—whether optimizing customer relationships, creating global pricing frameworks, or introducing data-driven process enhancements.
Matt’s leadership style is characterized by an unwavering focus on integrity, efficiency, and collaboration. He has a long history of leading cross-functional teams and navigating complex global landscapes with confidence and precision. His background—spanning chemicals, logistics, manufacturing, and international trade—uniquely positions him to adapt swiftly to shifting market dynamics and deliver scalable results that balance both customer value and bottom-line impact.
Whether guiding multinational sales efforts, developing global go-to-market strategies, or pioneering innovations in supply chain efficiency, Matt Yoder brings passion, insight, and a deep commitment to progress in every role he undertakes. His track record of success is not only a testament to his technical skill and strategic thinking, but also to his ability to inspire teams and drive meaningful growth in today’s fast-paced global economy.
Character
Matt Yoder leads with conviction, integrity, and resilience, consistently making courageous decisions that earn long-term respect and results. He fosters a team-oriented culture built on trust, accountability, and a commitment to excellence, even in challenging or unfamiliar markets.
Knowledge
With deep expertise in international logistics, supply chain management, business development, and product innovation, Matt applies a comprehensive and analytical approach to every initiative. His multilingual fluency and global experience enhance his ability to align cross-cultural teams and deliver data-driven solutions in complex, high-stakes environments.
Strategic
Matt excels at identifying market gaps, designing efficient operational systems, and crafting long-range strategies that drive sustained growth. Whether launching a new branch from the ground up or penetrating difficult markets, he leverages research, forecasting, and adaptive leadership to transform vision into measurable success.
Communication
A skilled communicator across all levels of an organization, Matt connects business objectives with team goals through clear, consistent messaging. His ability to articulate value, listen actively, and align stakeholders has helped him build strong internal collaboration and lasting client relationships.
