Matthew S. Will

The United States is where I was born and raised, and it will always be an integral part of who I am. My worldview has been strongly shaped by my heritage and upbringing. I was raised by my parents, Jeffrey and Lilise Will, and built my foundation in the Sunshine State of Florida. I studied at Florida State University and later met my future wife, Elisabeth, in Sun Valley, Idaho. My entrepreneurial and professional life also began in the U.S.

At the same time, Austria has been my home for more than 25 years. It is where my wife and I have built our family, our businesses and our future. I feel very connected to both countries: Austria is my home, and the USA is my heritage.

For our group of companies, the United States is an interesting and growing market. We are based in Obertauern, one of Austria’s leading winter destinations, and I believe there is still a lot of potential to introduce Austrian skiing and Alpine hospitality to more American guests.

There is already a small but growing community of visitors from the United States. And, of course, being American myself gives us a natural connection to this market and a good understanding of what American travelers are looking for.

From my perspective, the relationship between the United States and Austria is very important, with a lot of potential to grow in the future. The two countries are different in size and culture, but they have a lot to offer each other in business, tourism, education and innovation.

From my own experience, many opportunities arise when people from both sides actually meet, talk and build relationships. My wife and I, together with the relationships we have built over many years in Obertauern, are certainly proof of that potential.

Through more personal and business exchanges. I believe relationships become strongest when they are practical – when companies work together, people travel between the two countries, students study abroad and entrepreneurs get to know each other.

In tourism in particular, I still see considerable potential between Austria and the United States, and I would like to be part of developing that exchange.

Austria is very good at combining quality with tradition. In tourism, hospitality and winter sports especially, Austria has built something quite unique. I also appreciate the Austrian approach of thinking long-term and investing in quality rather than always looking for the quickest result.

There are many qualities in Austria that we in the United States can certainly learn from.

The United States has a very strong entrepreneurial culture. Americans are generally willing to try something new, take a risk and think big. I still carry a lot of that mindset with me in the way I approach our businesses in Austria.

My personal motto, “Where there is a Will, there is a Way!”, is a case in point.

I think there are many opportunities to grow and learn from each other. Austria could perhaps take a little more from the American willingness to try new ideas, move quickly and think outside the box.

The United States, on the other hand, can learn from Austria’s focus on quality, craftsmanship and long-term thinking. Austria’s structure and organization also offer lessons in how a society can function effectively. Having lived and worked in both cultures, I believe the best approach is often somewhere in between.

I am still a very new member, but my first conversations with Karin Zeltner and Botond Pap were already a very positive experience. I immediately felt that AmCham is not just about exchanging business cards, but about bringing together people who have a genuine connection to Austria and the United States.

I am looking forward to becoming more involved and bringing my own experience
and connections into the AmCham community.

First of all, I am looking forward to meeting interesting people and building new relationships outside my usual tourism network in Salzburg. I would also be happy if, over time, I can contribute something myself – particularly by connecting AmCham with Austrian tourism and perhaps helping to create new links between Obertauern and the North American market.

Austria is truly a beautiful country, and I believe we can continue building bridges for the future – with new ideas, personal connections and mutual respect.