Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome Matt Eversgerd from Gateway Steel Pipe & Supply in O’Fallon, into our classroom, and he gave our students such a valuable behind-the-scenes look at what business ownership and sales really look like in the real world.
Matt started by sharing the story of how the business began — with his dad and business partner making the bold decision to leave secure jobs and take a chance on building something of their own. That kind of leap is never easy, and it was a great reminder for our students that entrepreneurship often starts long before the “success story” part. It starts with risk, uncertainty, grit, and the willingness to bet on yourself.
As Matt talked through the history of the company and how the industry has changed over the years, students got to hear firsthand what it looks like to grow and adapt in a competitive market. He explained how Gateway Steel Pipe & Supply works as a middleman in the pipe industry — sourcing material, managing logistics, quoting prices, and helping customers find exactly what they need. It gave students a really good picture of how much problem-solving, strategy, and yes… math… can go into making a business run well.
One of the biggest takeaways from Matt’s visit was the importance of relationships and personal service. He talked about how much of their business has been built not just through transactions, but through trust, consistency, and truly taking care of customers over time. In a world where so much communication happens through email, websites, and screens, it was refreshing for students to hear how valuable it still is to simply pick up the phone, have a conversation, and build real relationships.
That message especially hit home for our class, because while our students are growing up in a very digital world, entrepreneurship still comes down to people. Matt made it clear that good service, reliability, and genuine connection can still set a business apart — and that was such an important lesson for them to hear.
As always, our students came ready with thoughtful questions and kept the conversation going. They asked about sales, competition, customer relationships, and how to stay profitable in a business that depends on buying, selling, and shipping materials efficiently. Matt was honest about the challenges that come with sales, the changes technology has brought to the industry, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up and doing the work.
I always love watching our students engage with guest speakers like this, because these conversations help connect the dots between what we talk about in class and what entrepreneurship actually looks like out in the world. There’s something powerful about hearing directly from someone who has built a career by learning the business, building relationships, and staying committed over time.
A huge thank you to Matt Eversgerd for taking time out of his schedule to spend the morning with us and pour into our students. We are so grateful for your willingness to share your experience, your perspective, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Opportunities like this are such an important part of what makes the Silver Creek Area CEO program so special, and we’re thankful for community leaders who are willing to invest in the next generation.
