What’s your name and what fills your time?
Matthew Newell is my name. I am a Jax Beach Native. I spend my days working remotely from home; while simultaneously working alongside my friend and business partner, for our Gluten-Free Catering Company – Eleven Dishes.
Anything special going on for this summer?
My wife and I are multitasking this summer for our family. She is about to undergo surgery for her endometriosis and then we will be doing IVF once she is healed. Meanwhile we are in the process of adopting a 1yr old little girl. Those are our biggest “passion projects” right now. Aside from my day job and the catering business, I am currently putting together an online portfolio for myself which is something I have been meaning to do for some time.
Any hobbies or interests worth telling us about?
My hobbies range from reading to playing guitar, going to the gym, and riding my motorcycle. I plan to get certified as a skydiver at some point in the next couple of years. I really enjoy hiking whenever I am out west.
What’s one thing (funny, different, cool) that many might not know about you?
Funny thing most people don’t know about me is that I am from a family that has been a huge part of the local surf community for 3 generations. Almost everyone knows my family in some way. My father, my oldest brother, and my nephew run the local surf camp “Motes Militia”; all my family surfs but I am more of the black sheep. No one would suspect me of being from the Motes tribe. I have spent my life sort of “doing my own thing.” Growing up I didn’t surf much; I spent my time in local bars playing music gigs. I suppose you could say I took more to an underground scene.
How do you like living on the First Coast?
I’m a beach rat, through and through. I love living in Jax. The best part of living here is being with my friends and family. My wife and I moved away for a couple of years to get a taste of living out of Jax, but we came back because we missed it so much.
Anything else that you would like to tell the community?
I am excited to see what becomes of Jacksonville in the years ahead. Our home has always had so much potential and there is still more to be tapped. With how much it has grown in just a short amount of time and how much more it is expected to grow, it’s insane to think of what this place will look like as time goes on. I just hope that, while growth and change come to Jax, we can preserve the culture and vibe that has made growing up here so special for me.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
One Response
Awesome article!!!