Schanrock finds helping others paramount
Meridian Community College alumnus Matt Schanrock is driven.
As the Meridian Main Street director for the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., Schanrock is making an impact on his community, spearheading and directing Main Street's priorities of organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion.
It's his desire to help others that is propelling him to make a lasting impact on his community.
A native of Meridian, Schanrock came to MCC after graduating from West Lauderdale High School to play tennis under then-coach Wanda McPhail. "MCC is a great place to start college," Schanrock said. "You can participate in all the activities, clubs, or teams, and you can meet new people," he added.
The tennis trips with his MCC Eagles teammates are among his fondest memories of his time at the College. Being on the team also allowed him to meet others from around the world. “I still talk with some of my teammates from Germany, Australia, and Paraguay," he said.
After getting his associate in arts degree from the College in 2006, he went to Mississippi State University in Starkville to manage the MSU Men's Tennis Team and to study insurance. "I did that for one year and came back to MSU-Meridian and joined the wireless industry after the first iPhone launch," Schanrock said.
Working in the wireless industry for 12 years, he gained skills in operations and sales that landed him roles, including business representative, store manager, and area manager. "I was hooked on the wireless industry because I could meet so many people and help them," he said.
Today, he's combining the skills he learned in the classroom, on the court, and on the job for the Main Street organization.
He and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 12 years and have two children, Audrey and Levi.
To learn more about MCC alums, visit meridiancc.edu/foundation.