By Leslie Savisky
In 2018, former firefighter Matt Verlaque and his wife, Sonya Seccurro, moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to Frederick so Verlaque could launch a software company. Verlaque and Seccurro have three sons — Ryan (10), Colton (9) and Hudson (6). The family has a busy schedule, but the couple has got a great system going. “He packs lunches in the morning, and we often split up to shuttle [the boys] to the soccer field or Rubik’s cube tournaments,” says Seccurro, an emergency room doctor who works 24-hour shifts. “I couldn’t do my long shifts or crazy hours without him.”
This interview was edited for length and clarity
What made you want to be a firefighter?
I was on winter break from college and joined the firehouse back in New York. I’m the kind of person who can’t do something “just a little bit,” so I found a firehouse in Maryland I could live in and dropped out of college. I got hired full time in 2008 in Arlington, VA. It was fun, and there’s a lot of action. It was a cool career, and I was able to help people.
Tell me a bit about your move to Frederick.
I started a software business with Jake — we were assigned to the same firehouse in Waynesboro and have been friends for 20 years. The business was always going to be a side thing, until it wasn’t. It was one of those things — do you always wonder what could have been or do you stay where you are comfortable? So, I Ieft the firehouse and began working at the software company full time.
Tell me about the software business.
Our first marketing automation program was UpLaunch; it’s a way to help gyms find new members. Jake owned a gym in Gettysburg, so it was a logical place to start. Our current company is Precision, which is a tool to help companies grow using AI and data. I really want to change the way small businesses view themselves. And we coach them along with the software.
It sounds like your family has a pretty busy schedule. How do you manage it all together?
A little bit of communication and planning. We have a shared family calendar to figure out where everyone needs to be. It’s almost like a little business. Sonya and I don’t do a lot of date nights, but we have a Thursday morning routine; we go for a walk and just spend child-free time together.
Who was the most influential person in your life growing up?
It would have to be my mom. It was just the two of us, and I have a lot of respect for her, especially in regard to her work ethics. She’d work two jobs so we could be comfortable.
You have three sons. What is one thing you hope you’re able to teach them?
I hope they can figure out what they stand for and stay true to those beliefs. Your job, your opinions and your point of view can change. But your values won’t. Just be kind and hardworking; those are the two important things.
Family Favorites
Food: All of the kids love to help grill and eat steak.
Vacation Spot: Ryan loves the beach, and we’ve done a few Disney cruises. Last month, we went to Finland for my 40th birthday.
Activity: We’re all into music. Ryan plays the guitar, and Colton and Hudson play piano. I play the guitar and bass.
Book: We read constantly. Ryan and Colton are reading the Wings of Fire series. Hudson likes “The Wild Robot.”
Author: Guest Post
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