The success of Leap Event Technology is built on the dedication and talent of the incredible people who power everything we do. Today, we’re excited to showcase Matt Donnelly, our Senior Director of Sales, who has been with us since the very beginning of Leap’s journey as a ticketing startup. From being one of the first employees at ShowClix (now Leap’s event ticketing solution) to playing a pivotal role in our company’s current growth, Matt has been a driving force behind our success for over 16 years.
Our Interview with Matt Donnelly
We asked Matt to share his story of his extensive experience at Leap and what keeps him passionate about his job.
How did your career journey with Leap begin and how has your role evolved since then?
My history with Leap goes way back. In 2009, I was the sixth person ever employed at ShowClix (now known as Leap’s event ticketing solution) back when it was just a ticketing startup. That was my first “big kid” job after graduating from Northeastern University with a Music Business Industry degree. And I’ve been there ever since!
After working in customer service for the first year, I spent the next seven years building our client service team. I was very fortunate to be put in a leadership position early in my career, which afforded me a ton of valuable experience in managing people and growing a company. About seven years ago, I moved into a sales role with the company and now spend my time selling our suite of Leap solutions to event organizers around the world.
If you’ve had experience working onsite for any Leap clients, tell us about what that experience has been like. Any favorite memories?
I have been lucky enough to be onsite for lots of events over my time at Leap. I remember telling our founders back in 2010 that they should send me to events with our ticket scanners to make sure they are set up and work properly. Since then, I have been onsite at countless events working alongside our clients to welcome their attendees to festivals, conventions, and immersive experiences of all sizes.
One of my favorite onsite memories was at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in 2019. This event was particularly challenging because the venue changed from its longtime home at Bayfront Park to nearby Virginia Key, presenting many logistical issues. Fast forward to Saturday night: I’m standing with our CTO at the time, watching The Chainsmokers headline the festival. We both looked around at the massive crowd and said, “We did this. All of these people got here using our technology.” It was a full circle moment for both of us, and one that I’ll never forget.
What’s something unique about Leap’s culture that sets it apart from other places you’ve worked for?
I tell people that it’s felt like 4-5 different companies over the 16 years I’ve been at ShowClix (now Leap). So many things change as you scale from six people to three hundred, but the passion we have for what we do has been a constant over the years. One of the big reasons I am still here is all the amazing people I have been able to work alongside. I learned so much from the folks who have come and gone over the years, and now I get to share some of that knowledge with newcomers to Leap!
What do you like most about working at Leap Event Technology?
I love the mix of technology and entertainment that this job provides. We work with clients across many verticals, which keeps the days interesting. I’ve had the opportunity to work with (and attend) some of the coolest events in the country, and I never take that for granted. We get to work on events that people save their money to attend, so it’s our job to make sure their experience is a memorable one.
What are your primary responsibilities in your current role, and how does that impact the company and its clients?
In my current role as Senior Director of Sales, I am responsible for building relationships with prospects in our attractions, music, and comedy verticals. I identify ways we can positively impact their business and sign them up with Leap.
My weeks can vary quite a bit, but most include a mixture of contacting new leads, demoing our professional event ticketing platform for prospects, analyzing deal structures to inform proposals, working through contract redlining to finalize deals, or traveling to meet new and existing partners (in fact, I am currently typing this from a Vegas hotel!).
How does Leap help you grow and develop professionally?
Leap does this through a thoughtful review process that takes place throughout the year (not just once at year end). Our company also provides access to a professional development platform so all employees can grow in areas that they desire, on their time. But most importantly, Leap encourages employees to speak up with feedback or new ideas in real time as things are happening. No one here claims to know everything about everything. We can all learn from each other, and everyone who works here – no matter your tenure – has a voice and is encouraged to speak up!
Where are you from originally, and where are you based now?
I’m born and raised in Pittsburgh and have a lot of pride for where I’m from. Although I ran away to Boston for college (which was an awesome decision), I came right back to the Burgh after graduating. The city has completely reinvented itself since I returned in 2009, which has been great to experience as an adult. My wife and I have settled down and have two young kids here, so we’re not going anywhere!
What’s a unique hobby or passion you pursue outside of your work at Leap?
I’ve been a musician all my life. Since I was 12 years old, I played guitar in bands – everything from church music to emo covers to heavy metal. While in college, I learned how to DJ with a roommate. That laid the foundation for what would become a 12-year run as a DJ in Pittsburgh, which was my side hustle while building my career at ShowClix (now Leap). I finally hung up the headphones three years ago before my second kid was born; however, I still have my decks and will never get rid of them!
