Suddenly my life permanently changed, but I didn’t let that stop me. I adapted, found a new path, and kept moving forward—even if that meant starting from scratch.
It happened in an instant. One moment, I was running a landscaping business I’d built from the ground up, and the next, I was flat on my back, staring at the ceiling, unable to move. I fractured my spine in six different places in a car accident. It forced me to give up everything I had been working toward. I spent about ten months recovering—eight of those confined to a bed, only getting up with the help of a body cast. It was brutal. My entire identity as a business owner was stripped away overnight.
Before the accident, I’d been doing well. I started landscaping after working for a company while at Mizzou. I remember looking around and thinking, “This is too easy, I can do this.” And I did—it just happened naturally. Before I knew it, I had a successful business and decided to leave college to focus on growing it.
The accident may have taken away the business I’d built, but it also gave me a chance to start over and try something new. At first, real estate was just the practical next step. My family had been in it since 1949, spanning three generations. My dad, my older brothers, my twin—we all live and breathe this work. I didn’t step into a new industry; I stepped into a legacy. And over time, I realized I wasn’t just continuing it—I was contributing to it in my own way and running my own business again.
That shift started when I realized how much I actually enjoyed solving problems. Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about navigating road bumps, reading between the lines, and staying calm through challenges. There are always new scenarios in real estate that even the most seasoned agents haven’t come across. I enjoy being the one to find answers, chase leads, research, and track down the information I need to help my clients. It takes time and persistence, but I always get it done. That’s what I bring to the table: communication, creative thinking, and follow-through.
Each deal, each flip, each challenge is part of how I’m building on the foundation my family laid. Working primarily with investors and flipping properties alongside my brothers has given me hands-on experience and a sharp understanding of how to create and recognize value. But I’m not stopping there. Long term, I’m looking to expand into land development and continue growing my role in the industry.
What started as a detour after my accident has become a direction I’m genuinely proud of. Real estate has become a way to carry forward our family legacy while continuing my goals as an entrepreneur. There are exciting things ahead, and I’m looking forward to sharing that journey with the clients who put their trust in me.
Outside of work, I enjoy taking my two bullmastiffs, Duke and Diesel, to the park, golfing, playing video games, and spending time with my family here in St. Louis. I was born and raised here so it is a great feeling to serve people in a place where my roots run deep.
I’m also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. We do community outreach like feeding the homeless and take part in events like the big Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. It’s a good way to stay involved in the community and give back.
In real estate, I’ve built a reputation for tracking down details others might overlook, staying proactive, and thinking outside the box. Communication is a big part of how I work—I make sure clients always feel informed and supported, no matter how big or small the deal. Real estate can be high stress for a lot of people, especially those who only go through it a few times in their lives, so I take the job seriously. My goal is always to make it smooth, clear, and even enjoyable!
I’ve also developed a sharp eye for value, especially in investment properties. Flipping homes with my brothers has given me hands-on experience with both sides of the transaction, from acquisition to sale. I’m not just helping clients buy or sell; I’m helping them recognize potential, make smart decisions, and build long-term value. With three generations of experience behind me and my own track record growing, I’m committed to not just continuing the family legacy—but helping grow it.
Sincerely,
Matthew Wood
Salesperson
Call/Text (314) 800-5104
Office Line (314) 353-8888
mwood@woodbrothersrealty.com
matthewwoodrealty.com