Matt Shoup is a serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt based in Windsor, Colorado. With a remarkable journey from personal adversity to building multi-million-dollar businesses, Matt embodies resilience, leadership, and a passion for pouring into people’s lives, faith, family, and business. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to Northern Colorado at age 10 and graduated from Colorado State University in 2003 with degrees in Spanish and Human Development and Family Studies. His entrepreneurial fire ignited after being laid off from a despised banking job. With just $100 in his pocket and $200,000 in debt, Matt founded M&E Painting in March 2005. What started as a one-man operation exploded into a premier painting and roofing contractor serving over 4,000 customers, achieving $14M+ in sales, employing up to 65 painters, and earning accolades like Inc. 5000 (#1724 Fastest Growing), Inc. Top Small Workplaces, Colorado Biz Magazine's 50 Companies to Watch, and Northern Colorado Better Business Bureau Torch Award. [M&E Painting](https://mandepainting.com/about-me-painting-roofing/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattshoup)
Matt’s ventures extend far beyond painting. He co-founded RiRy, LLC, creators of the patented Pirate Patch Drywall Repair Tool (US Patent 2012), now expanding nationwide via retail partners. As a real estate broker with C3 Real Estate Solutions since 2016, he manages M&E Real Estate Ventures and investments. A Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast since 2007, he co-owns Northern Colorado Jiu Jitsu, channeling personal experiences with bullying into the children’s book JJ Learns Jiu Jitsu. His love for Spain—sparked during a CSU study abroad—fuels transformational leadership retreats along the Camino de Santiago and the Café Sevilla Spanish coffee bar. [MattShoup.com](https://www.mattshoup.com)
As founder of The Pour Into People Company and President of MattShoup.com since 2014, Matt coaches entrepreneurs, speaks on leadership, and authors books like Become an Award Winning Company (2011), Painted Baby (2023)—a memoir of his painting origins—and more. Recognized as Colorado Biz Young Professional of the Year (2010), 40 Under 40 (2013), and CSU Gold Award Alumni of the Decade (2012), Matt’s philosophy centers on grace-filled leadership, team celebration, and vulnerability. He hosts the Gentle Art of Leadership podcast, sharing stories of triumph over pain. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Matt inspires with practical, no-theory wisdom from the front lines, helping leaders build businesses that thrive without them. [Bold Journey](https://boldjourney.com/meet-matt-shoup/) [Inc. Magazine](https://www.inc.com/winning-workplaces/201105/m–and-e-painting.html)
Key Insights from Matt Shoup
Started M&E Painting with $100 and $200k debt in 2005, grew to $14M+ sales, Inc. 5000 ranked.
Patented Pirate Patch Tool, expanding nationwide via retail.
BJJ black belt since training in 2007; co-owns academy; wrote JJ Learns Jiu Jitsu.
Leads Spain Camino retreats; founded scholarship at CSU.
Notable Quotes from Matt Shoup
"Your business will only flourish as you do. Lead with grace."
"I am an entrepreneur who happens to run a painting company."
"Jiu Jitsu saved my life - business too."
Frequently Asked Questions about Matt Shoup
How did Matt Shoup build M&E Painting from $100?
Laid off from banking with $200k debt, Matt started in 2005 focusing on excellence, team leadership, and customer service. Grew via awards (Inc. 5000, Top Workplaces), painting thousands of homes in Northern Colorado, expanding to roofing. Key: inspire teams, win awards for credibility/PR, consistent small efforts. Now multi-million, 65 employees peak. [M&E](https://mandepainting.com)
What is the Pirate Patch and Matt's role?
Patented drywall repair tool for knockdown texture, quick pro results. Co-founded RiRy 2010, CEO growing via distributors/retail. Solved industry pain point from napkin idea to market despite rejections. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M9gg7gXACE)
How does Jiu-Jitsu influence Matt's leadership?
Started 2007 post-bullying; black belt teaches leverage over strength, like business (smaller can win via technique). Co-owns academy; book JJ Learns Jiu Jitsu anti-bullying intro for kids. Applies to leading teams: full sparring then reset, ownership. [Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fuhd6O3p9o)
What are Matt's Spain leadership retreats?
Camino de Santiago 75-mile hikes: physical/mental challenge, reflection. Includes Madrid flights, guided days 12-22 miles, surprise finale. Transformational for leaders. Also CSU scholarship. Paella chef, coffee addict. [Site](https://www.mattshoup.com/man-up-mastermind/)