Three years working and living with Mayan indigenous groups in Guatemala was an illuminating and instrumental string of experiences for Matteo. As a Peace Corps volunteer and later a Project Consultant for a weaving cooperative, he was able to see first hand the joys and struggles of families from communities where he lived, and he decided to take action. As his departure from Guatemala approached, he established a goal of connecting marginalized producers to favorable markets for their products, practicing fair trade with a focus on stimulating entrepreneurship.

After studying at the Acton School of Business in Austin, he returned to Guatemala to learn more about microcredit and fair trade. Four months later, he founded Aldea and continues to grow the company while multiplying its positive social and economic impact.

As for the rest of Matteo, he lives in Austin and sits on the board of directors of Long Way Home. He is a self-titled relentless social entrepreneur and playful social enthusiast, spending his free time discussing business ideas with friends over a bag of gourmet popcorn or exercising among the parks and greenbelts of Austin.