Meet Matthew Hampton
We would normally re-write our interview questionnaire in an article style but Matthew's answers and personality were so perfect and colorful we just left it as is. Caution: reading this will cause laughter out loud so read it in a crowded room at your own risk!
How Long Have You Lived In
Westbrook?
I moved to Westbrook October 19, 2024
Where Are You Originally From? Born in Augusta, GA. Grew up in Kansas City, MO. Lived in New York, NY most of my adult life. Thrilled to settle in the Lowcountry; Savannah has always been my favorite city.
Do you have Pets?
Absolutely! Her name is Stevie (named after Stevie Nicks) and
"State Farm Stevie" at the office. My little girl is a three-yearsold
yellow lab with more personality than most humans I
know. She’s equal parts executive assistant and emotional
support staff at my office, and yes — she clocks in daily like a
professional. Loves: riding shotgun with the windows down
like she's in a rom-com, inspecting grocery bags like a TSA
agent with boundary issues, making eye contact while
chewing something she shouldn't, and judging me while I
work. Hates: balloons (obviously cursed, filled with lies, and
always a pop away from chaos), closed doors are a personal
attack, delayed dinner service, and the UPS truck (don't ask,
it's personal). Basically, she runs the house and lets me live
there... I'm good with that :)
Interesting
Hobbies Definitely. I’m obsessed with all things aviation — I’m currently
working on getting my pilot’s license, and if there’s a plane in
the sky, I’m probably trying to guess its make, model, and
destination. There’s something about flying that’s both deeply
freeing and intensely focused, and I love that balance. On the
ground, I’m a huge fan of art and design. Not necessarily the
kind you have to see in a museum — I just like what I like. I’d
be a terrible interior designer for someone else, but give me a
room, a gallery wall, or even just a funky little vase, and I’ll
know if it’s a yes or no in under five seconds. It’s instinctual.
My taste lives somewhere between clean lines and occasional
chaos. (Which might also describe my calendar.)
Any athletes or artists in your Family? We’ve got a little of both. My grandmother — Nanny — is a
1
truly gifted artist. Like, actual talent, not just refrigerator-door
worthy. I can draw a bit myself, and I’ve made some things I
like… though I’m under no illusions about hanging in a gallery
anytime soon. Athletically, my sister played Division I
volleyball and now lives in Dubai, which feels like a flex every
time I say it. I was a swimmer growing up, which still counts
even if these days my biggest lap is around the kitchen island.
I’m trying to get back into tennis (mostly by watching it on
television) and I’m flirting with the idea of golf but we’ve only
made it to first base.
What do you do for work? I own a State Farm agency here in Pooler — which basically
means I help people protect everything they’ve worked hard
for, from their cars to their homes to their dreams. I work with
an amazing team, and we’re a mix of problem-solvers, policy
nerds, and professional cheerleaders for our customers. I love
what I do because it’s personal — I get to sit across the table
from actual people and hopefully do something that actually
matters to them. Plus, it’s never boring. Every day brings new
stories, new needs, and the occasional call about a bird in
someone’s attic. That’s not technically covered, by the way,
but I’ll still take the call :)
Favorite things to do on the weekends Weekends are sacred. I try to strike a balance between
productivity and pretending I’m not behind on laundry (vicious
cycle). I love starting the morning at the park with Miss Stevie
(she insists). I’m big on exploring Savannah — galleries,
design stores, the farmers market, or just driving around to
look at houses I can’t afford. Sometimes I fall down a rabbit
hole planning future trips. If I’m not on Delta.com, I’m probably
checking seat maps like I work there. I’m always reading
about aircraft, airports, or trying to talk myself out of booking
something unnecessary (and failing). If I’m lucky, I am actually
on a trip — even just a quick getaway — because there’s
nothing better than a boarding pass and a window seat. Flying
isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a personality trait at this point.
Sometimes I’ll have dinner with friends — usually involving a
good reservation or something delivered, because let’s be
honest: cooking is a scam. I’ve tried, I’ve failed, I’ve moved on.
If I’m not with people, I’ll do something solo that feels mildly
productive but doesn’t require emotional commitment — like
organizing a drawer I’ll forget about next week or wandering
around Costco for three hours with absolutely no plan. Those
trips often become existential, like “Do I need a 40-pack of
batteries or am I just filling a void?” Spoiler: I buy the batteries.
How are you involved in the
community?
Community involvement is a big part of my work. Through my
State Farm agency, we get to live out that whole “like a good
neighbor” thing in real ways: supporting local events,
connecting with small businesses, and showing up where
we’re needed. One of the causes I care a lot about is animal
rescue. We’ve started partnering with the Humane Society and
it’s something we’re really excited to grow. If there’s a dog
involved, I’m in! This past year, we were also proud to sponsor
the Savannah Buccaneers during their inaugural season.
Supporting a local team from day one has been a great way to
rally around something new in our area — and honestly, it’s
just fun. I’m also a third-generation Eagle Scout, so
community service has been part of my life from the
beginning. And I’m always looking for new ways to get
2
involved. If there’s something happening in the neighborhood
or a cause that could use a little extra attention, I’d love to
hear about it.
How would you introduce yourself to
your neighbor?
Hi, I’m Matthew. I have a yellow lab, an unnatural love of Delta
Air Lines, and a complicated relationship with Costco.
Proceed accordingly.
What are some traditions or experiences that are unique to you and your family?
We’re not the most traditional family in the world but Christmas? That’s sacred. I go all in. Decorating is a
full-season commitment, and I take it seriously. I mean, I don’t judge much in life… but I will absolutely
judge your Christmas lights without apology! If your wreath looks like it gave up halfway through
December, I’m silently praying for you.