By Morgan Banta-Ryan
Matthew Pennell has a very busy schedule. First, he arrives at his overnight sleep-in position at around 11 p.m. In the morning, he wakes the individual in that house, prepares him for his day, and drives him to his program 9 a.m.
For most of us, the day would be over after that. But for Matthew, it’s just the beginning. He then heads to his job at Nocher Realty, where he spends the rest of the day working in the fast-paced world of real estate.
“I enjoy helping out however I can because I believe in the Berkshires and I want to help our community to be happy, healthy and thrive.”
Since starting at BCArc eight years ago, Matthew bought his first home at 23 years old. Since that time, he has bought and sold many other houses and owns rental properties.
“I have fallen in love with the home-buying and -selling process and love helping others to be able to do the same,” Matthew said.
Helping people is the thread that keeps him at BCArc, particularly helping the individuals he works with grow. “Watching them work on new goals, go on vacation, build relationships in the community or get a job is so fulfilling.”Likewise, in the real estate business, he notes: “Being able to watch people work their butts off to save money and be able to help them to own their very own homes for themselves or their families is extremely rewarding.”
“Watching them work on new goals, go on vacation, build relationships in the community or get a job is so fulfilling.”
The mission of both fields feel the same to Matthew. “In both jobs, my goal is to assist and support people to work hard at their goal so that they can live happily and comfortably in their homes. In both jobs I support and assist those in achieving their goals and dreams. I am such a dreamer and motivator, and nothing makes me happier than to see those around me succeed.”
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
Along with his two jobs, Matthew is active in the Berkshires LGBTQ+ community. Before COVID, he hosted drag balls to help support and raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community. Among other goals, the events raised funds for local non-profits such as Our Friends House in Pittsfield. During the pandemic, Matthew helped organize a Facebook group in the Berkshires for “rapid communications, connections, community updates, and mutual aid.” The group currently has 4,600 members who continue to help each other.
“I enjoy helping out however I can because I believe in the Berkshires and I want to help our community to be happy, healthy and thrive.”
