Meet Matt Hardy

We were lucky to catch up with Matt Hardy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’ve always believed my work ethic is rooted in my upbringing. As the younger brother of a high-achieving older sister, I was surrounded by a strong example of dedication and ambition from an early age. I wanted to make my family proud, so I naturally pushed myself to excel—whether it was in the classroom or on the sports field. Ski racing and soccer in particular taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance; when you’re competing, you quickly learn that consistent effort and a willingness to go the extra mile are what set you apart. Over time, I realized my drive to succeed was stronger than most, and I credit that to a blend of healthy sibling rivalry and the lessons I took away from athletics. It’s shaped the way I approach everything I do today, including my work at Orion Van Gear.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m one of the co-founders of Orion Van Gear, a company I helped start because my partner Steve and I saw a gap in the market for premium van accessories that were readily available, easy to install, and built to last. We had trouble finding a van roof rack that met our standards for our personal van’s—something lightweight yet strong, customizable for different needs, and designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind—so we decided to build our own.

From that first roof rack, we’ve grown into a brand that offers high-quality, U.S.-made products. We genuinely believe in each item and use them on our own vans, which speaks to our commitment to quality and practicality. We began with one van platform, and as of last year, we’re proud to provide solutions for the “Big 3” in the van world: the Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter.

A major focus for us right now is expanding our product line for these platforms—both in the U.S. and internationally, especially in Europe. One of our standout innovations is our modular deck panels paired with free, CAD-verified layouts, which allow our customers to create optimized roof setups tailored to their specific needs. This level of customization really sets us apart because it combines professional engineering with user-friendly adaptability.

Ultimately, Orion Van Gear is about solving real problems for van owners in a way that’s beautiful, functional, and backed by reliable customer support. We’re excited about the road ahead as we continue to grow, innovate, and help more people get the most out of their vans.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think three key attributes have been most impactful in my journey so far:

A solid foundation in finance, marketing, and advertising:
Having a background in finance and marketing allowed me to understand the numbers behind running a business and how to effectively position our brand. Adding advertising and customer acquisition skills into the mix is a total game-changer—if you can craft compelling campaigns and know how to reach and convert your target audience, that’s a skill set you can apply to virtually any venture. Understanding how to budget effectively, manage cash flow, and simultaneously market and advertise your product is an invaluable combination.

A willingness to dive deep and solve problems:
Being an entrepreneur is, at its core, about problem-solving—every single day presents new hurdles. Some are small, and some are massive. The ability to jump in, do the research, roll up your sleeves, and work through challenges is crucial to finding creative solutions that move the business forward.

Persistence and resilience:
As Wayne Gretzky famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” You have to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep taking shots—even if you miss sometimes. There are no real shortcuts; it comes down to hard work, a relentless drive, and the willingness to keep going when things get tough.

Advice for those starting out:

– Be Persistent: Don’t give up when you hit a roadblock—push through, pivot if needed, and learn from every setback.
– Focus on Learning: Keep honing your skills, whether it’s finance, marketing, sales, or product development. The more you know, the more you can contribute to your business.
– Network and Sell: Never underestimate the power of connections and the ability to pitch your idea effectively. Building relationships and sharpening your sales approach can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

I’m still learning and growing every day, and that’s what keeps me driven—knowing there’s always more to discover, tackle, and achieve.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Balancing work-life and family life is definitely my biggest challenge right now. Owning three different companies means there’s always something demanding my attention, yet my priority is also to be present for my wife, my young daughter, and our two dogs. Lately, I’ve been focusing on scheduling and time-blocking strategies—setting aside specific hours for work, family time, and personal tasks, then trying my best to protect those boundaries. I’ve also learned the value of delegating: trusting my teams and making sure I’m not trying to do everything myself. It’s an ongoing learning process, but being intentional about my time and keeping clear, realistic expectations for what I can accomplish each day is helping me stay balanced.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.orionvangear.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orionvangear
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orionvangear
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardymatt/

Image Credits

Matt Hardy, Katy Robin, Kevin Mathers, Maxwell Grover