2019 February Paso Robles Magazine

MAT T MASIA
ROBLAN
OF THE YEAR
Paso Robles Chamber Honors
Local Volunteer at Annual Gala
Photo and story by Meagan Friberg
W
then Matt Masia was first notified he
had been named the 2018 Roblan of
the Year by the Paso Robles Chamber
of Commerce, he was both surprised and
grateful. Long-time personal and business acquaintances
of Masia, however, said the honor
was long overdue.
“When I saw the announcement about Matt
being named Roblan of the Year, it brought a
smile to my face because he is one who has committed
basically his entire adult life to the success
of Paso Robles,” Travel Paso Executive Director
Dana Stroud said. “When people hear about this
honor, they think about several traits of Matt
– loyalty, dedication to the community and its
success, and his continuing engagement in local
committees and organizations year after year.”
“I truly do love this town
and the people...”
With a theme of Lighting the Way, the Chamber
celebrated Masia at their annual gala at the Paso
Robles Ballroom on January 26. He joins a long
list of locals who have been named Roblan of the
Year, many of whom he grew up with and have
had a positive impact on his life. Born and raised in
the area, Masia felt honored to be counted among
others whose involvement has brought about the
betterment of the community.
“My reaction was surprise, shock, and appreciation,”
Masia said. “I can’t explain how lucky I feel
to be recognized; there are many people in Paso
Robles that are involved and make this community
great. I truly do love this town and the people, and
I appreciate the opportunities living and working
in this area have given me and my family.”
Family man, businessman
Masia has been married to Robin for almost
20 years, and they are parents to Mateo, 18. A
1974 graduate of Paso Robles High School, he
is the son of Shirley and Mario Masia and has
two younger siblings, Michelle and Mitchell.
A member of the 1972 Bearcat CIF Championship
football team, he attended Fresno State
where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Finance.
He and his parents moved to the Black
Oak Motel, located across the street from the
Fairgrounds, to take over operations when he
was four. Owned by his maternal grandfather,
Hugh Black, the property where the motel was
originally situated extended all the way down
Riverside Avenue and was home to the Black
Poultry Hatchery. Later, his maternal aunt, Linda,
operated the family-owned liquor store; he
worked there during high school, on weekends
while attending Fresno State, and when he
graduated college.
“My grandfather instilled in all of us the
importance of family, work, and giving back,”
Masia said. “He was always involved and did
a lot for the community, especially under the
radar financially.”
Giving back
His grandfather started buying animals right
after the California Mid-State Fair started in
1949 and the family has not missed a year since.
Growing up, Masia was involved with 4-H and
FFA, showing many animals and entering vegetables
at the Fair over the years. The Black Oak
and The Adelaide Inn are volume buyers at the
Jr. Livestock Auction yearly, and Masia was inducted
into the California Mid-State Fair Hall
of Fame in 2017. He also won the CMSF Blue
Ribbon Award and the Pioneer Committee
Supporter Award.
Masia has a passion for helping youth, in
areas ranging from arts and sports to education
and business. His support over the years
to organizations including youth sports teams,
Bearcat Boosters, Boys and Girls Club, Children’s
Museum, and Studios on the Park has
benefited thousands of local youth. In addition,
Masia volunteers with Little League Baseball
and helped students of Daniel Speck Elementary
School establish a working garden.
“My grandfather instilled in
us the importance of family,
work, and giving back.”
He has been instrumental in a variety of
community organizations including Estrella
Warbird Museum, Pioneer Museum, Pioneer
Day, Main Street Association, and the Paso Robles
Chamber of Commerce. His committee
and board involvement over the years includes
being 4-H President, Paso Robles FFA President,
Chamber President and longtime Board
Member, City of Paso Robles “All Aboard”
Train Station Committee Chair and Board, San
Luis Obispo County Visitor and Convention
Bureau Founding Member and Board, Travel
Paso Board, and a founding member of the
Paso Robles Business Improvement District.
Quiet leader
“Matt is a quiet leader, but he is not one to
sit back and watch things happen,” Chamber
CEO Gina Fitzpatrick said. “He makes sure
he is present when and where he is needed,
and impacts the community in a positive way.
16 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, February 2019