Mike Prencavage Jr
Next Gen All Star: Matt Bahr
Age: 35
Company: GF Building Flow Solutions Americas
Title: Vice President of Sales
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
MB: Since 2012
What drew you into the industry?
MB: I worked for a general contractor in high school as a laborer, which sparked my interest in the construction industry. When I was graduating from the University of Colorado, I met Victaulic at a job fair. Victaulic was hiring sales trainees to be deployed around the country. I jumped at the opportunity to join an industry-leading organization and sales training program.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
MB: I find the most rewarding aspect of the industry to be the relationships that I have developed with customers. Many of the customers I started calling on years ago have become close friends. Our customers are looking for partnerships with manufacturers to solve the challenges they face in their businesses every day.
What motivates you every day?
MB: I am motivated by the opportunity to grow our business and enable our teams to accomplish their goals. We partner with our customers to distribute and install our industry-leading products to deliver water in the built environment. Whether it’s water in a home or a football stadium, it’s awesome to know we were a part of the project.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
MB: We work in a growing industry! Our industry supports the building and maintenance of structures all over the world. There is a great opportunity to build a career in this industry and to build lifelong relationships.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
MB: Last November, Uponor was acquired by GF, and we are in the process of building out synergies for the corporation. My proudest moment is seeing our team navigate this change, producing record results, and setting a strategic vision for the future. Exciting times are ahead for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas!
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
MB: I played college football at the University of Colorado. GO BUFFS!
Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Matt Bahr is a seasoned sales professional who began his career in the mechanical and plumbing industry over 11 years ago as a territory sales manager for Victaulic. Matt grew sales by 33% while managing accounts for major players, including Brandt Engineering, TDIndustries and Polk Mechanical.
“In 2014, Matt joined GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor) as a technical sales manager. Within his first year, he grew sales by over 20% before he began his rapid ascent up the leadership ladder.
“Matt took the reins as business development manager in 2016, where he called on the top 100 plumbing and mechanical contractors. His ability to secure the Frank Gehry-designed Grand Avenue Parcel Q apartments in Los Angeles stands as his proudest project. This 39-story, multi-use complex features a 20-story hotel that includes shopping, dining, guest suites, and a movie theater. Matt led the design and acceptance of PEX-a pipe throughout the facility.
“With a promotion to director of sales in the East Region in 2018, Matt oversaw the company’s sales representatives and rep agency partners, resulting in a 23% increase in sales. Then, he was promoted to senior director, U.S. Regional Sales, where he led six direct reports, 50 indirect reports, and rep agency partnerships.
“In 2022, Matt was promoted to vice president of sales, making him the youngest member of the senior leadership team in the company’s history. With renewed customer experience prioritization and an innovative approach to market segmentation in mind, his changes to the sales organization have been swift. Under Matt’s leadership, the company achieved record operating profits and net sales in 2023 despite a dynamic economic environment. And most recently, the company was awarded Supplier of the Year awards from both Winsupply and Dakota Supply Group.
“A recent graduate of Georgetown University’s Executive Master’s in Leadership program, Matt has also completed several business and leadership training programs, including Oliver Wight, Carew International and Dale Carnegie.” — Courtney Hieb
