Corporate Human Resources Director at G&T Conveyor Company
Former Airman runs HR operations for G&T Conveyor.
by Warren Duffie

Chuck Matthews’ on-the-job motto is “expect the unexpected.”

As the corporate human resources director for G&T Conveyor Company – which specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing airport baggage handling systems and passenger boarding ramps – Matthews’ day is a non-stop flurry of meetings and employee concerns.

His daily routine is dizzying. Each day is different and challenging. From “breaking bread” with union representatives, listening to sales pitches for HR software, providing training on workplace safety to enrolling a new hire in the employee health insurance plan, the 24-year Air Force veteran has to be on top of his game every day.

“Time management is essential to what I do,” said the former senior master sergeant. “I’m best friends with my [Microsoft] Outlook.”

The Daily Grind
Matthews, 48, oversees human resources operations for G&T, which encompasses five companies and more than 1,000 employees in 30 states. He works Monday through Friday, from 0800 to 1700. Aside from employee-relation issues, Matthews’ responsibilities also involve benefits enrollment, reviewing and improving corporate safety programs, upgrading (if necessary) all HR software, helping with corporate recruitment, and staying on top of state employment laws.

“We operate in 30 states, so that’s a lot of employment laws,” Matthews said. “They range from worker’s compensation to workplace safety. Because we work in several time zones, I have my cell phone on 24/7 to address any concerns.”

At G&T, his work has affected how the company does business. Matthews has implemented a host of money and time-saving initiatives. He created a department from a completely manual to automated system. He also managed a $280,000 training grant from Workforce Florida to upgrade employee skills and developed an engineering apprenticeship program. He attributes his need to continually improve processes and company success to his previous Air Force experience.

“I have to credit the military for teaching me problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,” Matthews said. “Using logic is a crucial component in my daily routine.” Based in Tavares, Fla., G&T Conveyor Company is the world’s largest privately held, turn-key baggage-handling systems manufacturer. The company and its subsidiaries have successfully performed more than 500 airport projects on five continents – with a 100 percent on-time completion record. One of the reasons Matthews chose G&T was because of the benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance; a generous 401(k), and tuition reimbursement. However, Matthews said there’s another perk G.I. Jobs readers will appreciate – a large population of military veterans.

In fact, the company was first started by a Navy veteran. G&T appreciates the reliability and dedication of veterans and offers them an exciting challenge. Many of our veteran employees work with machinery and electrical systems – so we look for people with mechanical and technical skills.”

In Uniform
At age 17, Matthews wanted to be an Army Ranger, but his parents refused to sign the enlistment contract. So in 1979 – after “two boring years” of college – the Orlando native joined the Air Force.

“I wanted some adventure and travel,” he said. “Before enlisting, I had never left Florida.” After basic training, Matthews stayed at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to attend its security police academy. His subsequent duty stations were in Nevada, North Dakota, Alabama, Florida, the United Kingdom and Iceland.

During his military career, Matthews transitioned from security to human resources, and excelled quickly. He capped his career at Gunter Annex, Ala., where he was the human resources specialist for a recruiting squadron covering 72,000 square miles of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

The Transition
In 2003, Matthews ended his military service. “I had finished my bachelor’s degree and most of my master’s,” he said, “and wanted to try civilian life. Also, my wife left her family home in England to follow me around the world. It was time to give her and my teenage son a stable home.”

Matthews took two TAP classes and studied all he could about the transition experience. He found work quickly after leaving the Air Force, but found his first challenge when he was asked to come and work his current position with G&T.

“The pay is great and if you are a mover and shaker in the military, you’ll do very well here,” he said. “Although I have my military health care, I do use the company dental and life insurance plans. Veterans should consider the total compensation package when applying for a job. Don’t just think in terms of salary. Evaluate the benefits and perks as well.”