Matt Schaeffer: 20 Years of Growth Through Innovation & Excellence 

Twenty years ago, Matt Schaeffer received a phone call that would shape the course of his career. That call from Shane Bauer, now the Chief Operating Officer for The Weitz Company, led to an interview and tour at The Weitz Company – and the rest is history. Since joining in 2005, Matt has steadily grown into his current role as Operational Excellence (OPEX) Director for the company, dedicating the last two decades to becoming an expert in Operational Excellence. 

Early Experiences 

Throughout his career, Matt has played a key role in several impactful projects. Early on, he was part of the Snowmass Base Village development in Snowmass, Colorado. It was a project that blended professional growth with personal joy – he recalls fond memories of time spent both onsite and exploring the surrounding mountains. 

A pivotal point in Matt’s career came with the 385 Interlocken project in Broomfield, Colorado. There, he began integrating lean principles, advanced scheduling techniques, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). As technology in the industry advanced, this project marked a pivotal shift in Matt’s approach to project delivery and innovation. 

Defining Achievements 

A defining moment for Matt was managing his first large scale solo project for our Colorado office: Radiant Apartments, an 18-story high-rise. This opportunity allowed him to fully grasp the processes of project management and team leadership – skills that would serve as the foundation for his future growth. 

His transition from operations to a leadership role in OPEX marked another defining moment. This move enabled Matt to streamline companywide processes, bringing fresh perspective and renewed energy to his work. 

The Next Generation 

“For those beginning a career at Weitz, my advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn—take the time to truly understand the processes, remain open to collaborating with diverse teams and gaining experience across a variety of projects. A strong foundation built on curiosity, adaptability, and respect for the craft will serve you throughout your journey.”  

Matt Schaeffer, Operational Excellence Director | The Weitz Company 

Thank you and congratulations, Matt, for 20 years of hard work and your drive to Build A Better Way each day!