Michael Bradley Matvieshen didn’t follow a traditional path to success. He grew up on a farm in British Columbia. He dropped out of Mission College after studying math. But what he lacked in formal education, he made up for in vision. Today, he’s an innovator in solar energy, sustainable farming, and international business.
“I’ve always been hands-on. I like building things that solve problems,” he says.
Let’s take a closer look at how Matvieshen went from humble beginnings to leading projects around the world.
Early Roots: A Farm Upbringing and a Curious Mind
Growing up on a farm taught Matvieshen the value of hard work. “You wake up early, you get things done, and you do what needs to be done—rain or shine,” he recalls.
Even though he dropped out of college, he didn’t stop learning. Instead, he learned by doing. He paid attention to how things worked and looked for ways to improve them.
“I wasn’t built for classrooms. I learn by building, testing, and fixing,” he says.
That approach became the foundation of his career.
Building Big: A Breakthrough with General Motors
One of Matvieshen’s first big wins came through a joint venture with General Motors. He helped design and build the first Chevy Volt charging system. That led to even more ambitious work, including building solar-powered charging stations in Shanghai and at GM’s Asian headquarters.
“At the time, most people weren’t even thinking about EV infrastructure,” he explains. “But I saw where the world was headed, and I knew solar was the key.”
This wasn’t just about innovation. It was about scale. Matvieshen began working across continents, leading international projects in solar, construction, and energy systems.
Feeding the Future: A Shift Toward Sustainable Food
Plus Michael Bradley Matvieshen didn’t stop at clean energy. He turned his focus to food—specifically, sustainable farming. He designed and built passive solar greenhouses that save big on operating costs.
“They run without gas or electricity. That’s the future of farming,” he says.
This shift wasn’t just good for business—it had a community impact. Matvieshen launched a food business that’s donated multiple six figures’ worth of high-quality food to Okanagan food banks.
“It felt good to give back where I came from,” he adds.
In 2024, that effort earned his business the title of Best Farm Store in Kelowna, a recognition he’s proud of.
A Global Business with Local Roots
Today, Matvieshen runs operations that employ over 100 people across several sectors. His projects span continents, but he still lives in Kelowna, British Columbia. He values his family and prefers a lifestyle rooted in alternative health and sustainability.
“I’ve done business around the world,” he says, “but I always come back to the basics—family, food, and clean energy.”
This focus has helped him build a business that’s both forward-looking and grounded in his values.
What Sets Michael Matvieshen Apart?
Many entrepreneurs chase trends. Matvieshen spots patterns early and builds ahead of the curve.
Electric vehicles: He built charging systems before EVs were mainstream.
Solar energy: He went global before solar became widely adopted.
Sustainable farming: He developed passive greenhouses before most farmers had heard of them.
He also puts his money where his mouth is. From large-scale food donations to community-first business models, he shows that profit and purpose can co-exist.
“When you create something that helps people and the planet, that’s where the real value is,” he says.
The Takeaway: A Leader Who Builds More Than Business
Michael Bradley Matvieshen’s story is one of persistence, invention, and values. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t chase fame. But he’s built systems that power homes, feed communities, and employ hundreds.
And he’s done it all by staying true to a simple belief: “If it doesn’t help people, it’s not worth building.”
For young entrepreneurs or anyone looking to build something meaningful, Matvieshen’s journey offers a powerful example. You don’t need a perfect resume or an Ivy League degree. You need curiosity, grit, and a commitment to solving real problems.
