We’re excited to kick off a new chapter at the Wayzata West Metro Chamber by welcoming two outstanding leaders to our Chamber Board. Please join us in congratulating our new Board Chair Matt Schadow and newest Board Member Michael Giacomini, both of whom bring a deep commitment to our business community and a passion for strengthening the west metro region. Their leadership, experience, and dedication will play an important role in guiding the Chamber forward as we continue to connect, support, and champion our members. We’re grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the impact they’ll make in the year ahead.
Matt Schadow, President & Insurance Advisor
AmeriStar, A Marsh Mclennan Agency
As you step into the role of Board Chair, what are you most looking forward to leading or shaping in the year ahead?
I am looking forward to working with the great team the Chamber has and helping them build on their success as best I can. That team will be going through a big change with Becky retiring and finding the new President is the top priority. Luckily, Becky and her team has the Chamber in great spot and we have time to take a thoughtful approach.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and how it led you to being so involved in the Chamber community?
My career kicked off in 2003 when I joined our family business which was Ameristar Insurance, started in 1987 by my Dad, Mark Schadow. My sister (Michele Colvin) and I purchased the business from our Dad in 2016 and then we sold to Marsh McLennan Agency in July of 2024. We both continue to work in the business and joining Marsh McLennan Agency was a great move for us and for our team.
Back to how I became involved in Chambers. When I started out of college we were located in Golden Valley at the time and I became involved with the TwinWest Chamber early on. To me, Chambers are a great way to get involved and build a community around businesses. I have always appreciated the work of Chambers and I think they can play a critical role being the conduit between government, the community at large and the business community. What I have appreciated about the Wayzata West Metro Chamber is how well those relationships are balanced.
I am looking forward to 2026 and am honored to take on the role of Chair.
Michael Giacomini, VP Red Cow & Red Rabbit
What are you most excited about in your new role as a board member?
I am most excited about being involved in a growing community that has done so many things well over the years. Bringing engagement from The Promenade area is an important aspect to the overall continued growth of Wayzata.
Can you share a bit about your professional background and expertise?
I have worked with my family since 2013 to grow our local and family owned restaurant, Red Cow, grow over the years from 1 restaurant to 8 restaurants over the last 12 years. I have been running the financials for the last 10 years. We believe working with and giving back to the community is one of the most important aspects of business, I look forward to bringing that experience to the board.
What specific skills or expertise do you bring to the board?
Community Engagement, working with local government, marketing, analyzing financials.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share with fellow members?
I have been on the 50th and France business association board for 10 years as president and treasurer. We open restaurants in local business districts that work with the community to increase foot traffic to help businesses. This past experience will help me dive right in and contribute.
