Matt Rodriguez
Santa Barbara
Summary
- Seasoned team leader, operations strategist, and creative problem-solver with over a decade of hands-on experience in experiential services, project management, and team development.
- 15+ years of experience in guiding, logistics, team training, and operations management.
- Skillful in creating efficient workflows, systems, and organizational tools tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Clear communicator and calm leader under pressure with a passion for team dynamics fun and safety.
- Creative thinker with a refined aesthetic sensibility, balanced by professionalism, collaborative spirit, and effective problem-solving skills.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager / Fabricator
Innovative Spaces
Ventura
01.2021 - Current
- Manage time estimates, change orders, and reporting to clients and ownership to maintain profitability for high end remodeling projects
- Evaluate employee strengths, technical and interpersonal, to delegate roles effectively
- Built custom project management software to track scope, time, budget, and materials
- Oversee tool maintenance, safety systems, workspace organization, and staff equipment needs
- Co-developed and branding launch of a new Event Rental business; collaborated with vendors and planners for branding launch event
- Oversee purchasing of materials and tools, manage subcontractors, and coordinate communication with billing, customers, and management throughout all phases of a project
Owner / Creative Director
Rodriguez Artt
Ojai
01.2017 - Current
- Design and sell art, apparel, and murals; manage all branding, production, and fulfillment
- Curate booths and customer experience at festivals and local sales events
- Organize and participate in community-driven public art and storytelling events
Co-Founder / Graphics Director
Lucidity Festival LLC
Santa Barbara
01.2012 - Current
- Co-Founder and Lead creative for 5,000-person annual outdoor festival
- Designed signage systems, co-led marketing campaigns, and developed brand identity
- Participated in organizational development, vendor relationships, and operations strategy
Assistant Manager & Outdoor Guide
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Santa Barbara
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Led Channel Islands kayak tours, wine tours, rock climbing, and corporate team-building events
- Managed trip logistics: staff, gear, transportation, food, and client needs for groups up to 100+
- Provided safety briefings and incident response with a consistently low incident rate
- Produced marketing content including photo, video, and design to support promotional campaigns
- Supported training, scheduling, and on-site team leadership during peak season operations
Professional Ceramic Artist
Self Employed
santa barabra
2002 - 2009
- Produced and sold ceramic work through local and national wholesale distribution
- Maintained personal ceramic studios in multiple locations
- Developed production workflows, glaze testing, and firing cycles
- Relocated to Helena, MT to immerse in the ceramics community
- Participated in atmospheric and wood firings
- Worked alongside visiting artists and resident artists
- Learned advanced techniques from nationally recognized ceramic artists
Ceramics Lab Technician
Santa Barbara City College
santa barabra
2002 - 2007
- Fired electric and gas kilns and managed firing schedules
- Mixed and maintained glaze systems and clay bodies
- Assisted with teaching fundamentals of wheel throwing and handbuilding
- Supported decoration techniques, glaze formulation, and surface development
- Maintained a safe, functional, high-volume ceramics studio
Education
A.A. - Graphic Design & Media Arts, Fine Art, Ceramics Department Tutor, Geology Field Tech
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA01.2006
Skills
- Project management and operations
- Leadership and mentoring
- Marketing and branding
- Technical proficiency
- Creative design skills
- Outdoor expertise
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Project Manager / Fabricator
Innovative Spaces
01.2021 - Current
Owner / Creative Director
Rodriguez Artt
01.2017 - Current
Co-Founder / Graphics Director
Lucidity Festival LLC
01.2012 - Current
Assistant Manager & Outdoor Guide
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
01.2010 - 01.2017
Professional Ceramic Artist
Self Employed
2002 - 2009
Ceramics Lab Technician
Santa Barbara City College
2002 - 2007
A.A. - Graphic Design & Media Arts, Fine Art, Ceramics Department Tutor, Geology Field Tech
Santa Barbara City College