Matt Modleski

Matt Modleski knows what high performance is; he flew as a Demonstration Pilot on the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Modleski enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17 with aspirations to eventually pilot fighters. He began his career as a jet engine mechanic, then served as an air traffic controller, before pursuing flight training. His challenging 15-year journey to the Thunderbirds provides a rich foundation for his keynotes on leadership, team building, and individual performance.

Modleski retired from the Air Force in September 2000 and formed Pure Vertical Success. In November 2006, he merged Pure Vertical Success with Stovall Grainger, creating a company dedicated to enhancing performance using a clear strategy: Strategy + Inspiration/Motivation + Leadership = High Performance.

After his impactful presentations caught the attention of Roche Diagnostics, Modleski joined the company as a Sales Executive, where he worked for nearly five years. He also served as the Vice President of Sales in the healthcare industry. His diverse experiences, spanning from aviation to corporate America, lend unique credibility and depth to his presentations.

Currently, Modleski delivers keynote presentations that focus on practical leadership ("Active Leadership"), maximizing team and individual strengths ("Team and Individual Performance"), and the power of inspiration and commitment ("Inspiration"). These talks integrate lessons from his time with the Thunderbirds, including real-life examples and video footage, to underscore his points and inspire audiences.