2025 Wall of Fame - Steve Matthew

Congratulations to Steve Matthew on being named the 2025 Wall of Fame recipient!

Steve Matthew

Steve Matthew is a man on a mission, who has made a lasting impact on Wooster. Raised in rural Stark County, Ohio, he embarked on a dynamic business career that took him to several major U.S. cities before finding his home in Wooster.

Intrigued by Rubbermaid’s success under the leadership of Stan Gault (Wall of Fame ‘91), Matthew joined the company and eventually became Vice President of Field Sales after several roles, including nearly two years in Mexico City as an expatriate. After Gault retired, Matthew transitioned to Wooster Brush Company, where he introduced the company to major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot. Following years in consumer packaged goods and retail, he made his first move into the industrial sector when he joined The Will-Burt Company in Orrville, Ohio.

Matthew’s transition into business ownership began with a conversation with Chris Schmidt, a respected business leader in Wooster, who presented him with the opportunity to acquire Wooster Hydrostatics from a local investment group. As he weighed the decision, he was called into a meeting with Stan Gault, who greeted him with, “Hey, I hear you're buying Wooster Hydrostatics. This is going to be great.” That exchange reinforced Matthew’s decision, and he joined the company in late 2006.

Now president and owner of Wooster Hydrostatics, Matthew oversees three Ohio facilities and has led the company through remarkable growth over the past 19 years. The company specializes in the repair, remanufacturing, and maintenance of hydraulic and hydrostatic pumps and motors, serving industries in the U.S. and internationally.

From a young age, Matthew envisioned leading a successful organization. Throughout his career, he has adapted across industries, believing that business principles remain the same. “It's getting the right people in the right position…treating them with respect and holding them accountable.” Matthew remains focused on the next milestone, which he views as the development of people and providing them with a platform to achieve their goals.

Matthew credits much of his success to his mentors and advisors. Stan Gault played a pivotal role in his development as a leader, and learning from him was invaluable. “He created an atmosphere that allowed a young businessperson to really thrive and grow rapidly. And without that exposure, I wouldn't have developed into the businessperson that I am.” He also learned from local leaders like Stan Welty Jr. (Wall of Fame ‘97) and those he served alongside on the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce board, some of whom are also on the Wall of Fame. He affectionately refers to them as “Murderer’s Row,” a nod to the powerhouse lineup of the 1920s New York Yankees, admiring their guidance and leadership.

Serving as chair of the Chamber board in 2010 and as chair of both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Wayne Economic Development Council, Matthew deepened his understanding of community leadership and fostering economic growth. He remains committed to mentoring and supporting aspiring leaders, giving of his time–a value he admires in the people of Wooster.

The Matthews were an early supporter of Main Street Wooster's efforts to revitalize downtown; they have invested in several projects to help drive this initiative. His company has also maintained 100% employee participation in the United Way campaign, reflecting his dedication to charitable causes. He is passionate about supporting local businesses, often spending Saturday mornings downtown having coffee and hot chocolate with his grandsons. He strives to be a good steward of his resources, a value shared by his family.

For Matthew, the true key to his success is his wife, Chris, a devoted Spanish teacher and swim coach. “Most beautiful partnership I could’ve ever had,” Matthew shared. Together, they believe in the responsibility of giving back to a community that has given them so much. They have lived in cities from Chicago to New York, but no place compares to Wooster. Raising their three children in a place with strong small-town values and close proximity to larger cities, has been deeply fulfilling, and his family remains actively involved in the community.

“Wooster is a fabulous place to be, and if you decide to engage you can really have an impact.”

Matthew believes that the next generation has a choice: to live anonymously in a large community or to build meaningful relationships in a place like Wooster, where they can make a difference.

Looking ahead, Matthew hopes to see Wooster continue to thrive. “We’ve had such great leaders. I think the next generation is coming.” It has been especially gratifying for him to see the growth of Chamber President Samira Zimmerly, having served as board chair her first year at the Chamber.

"Steve Matthew is the embodiment of servant leadership — a true guiding light in our community. His unwavering dedication to doing what is right, combined with his selfless commitment to others, has made him a role model I’ve looked up to for years. His example inspires all of us to lead with integrity, humility, and a heart for service," Zimmerly shared.

Matthew believes future leaders must be consistent, willing to run the long race, and most importantly, persistent. While he acknowledges that success often includes an element of luck, he firmly believes in the power of investing time and fostering community.

Above all, Matthew hopes to be remembered for doing the right thing. His leadership, mentorship, and generosity continue to shape Wooster, making him a worthy addition to the Wall of Fame.

The Wall of Fame Award is presented annually to an individual(s) for a lifetime of achievement in the Wooster area. To reward an individual ’s philanthropic efforts based upon time, energy and monetary contributions aiding both the business and social environments of the community.