Meet Matthew Dozier

As Executive Director of Community Life at Kissing Tree, Matthew Dozier ensures that from social activities and maintenance to landscaping services, our Community Life operations run smoothly. But his favorite part of the job is making life better for KT residents. “What makes Kissing Tree so special is 100% the people who live here,” Matthew says. We sat down with him to learn more about his vision for the community and what he’s most excited about.

KT: What does a Director of Community Life do?

MD: The short answer is, we build community. The longer answer is, we oversee the organization and operations of a Community Life Team. Here at Kissing Tree, that includes three departments – Community Assets, which is our maintenance division, as well as porter and janitorial. Then our Operations Division, which includes customer service and also our architectural review and community standards team. Third, our Community Engagement division, which includes lifestyle & fitness and communications.

KT: What are your favorite parts of your job? 

MD: I started out in this industry because I wanted to do meaningful work that impacted the quality of life for other people. I felt like a practical way to do good in the world from a business standpoint was by getting involved in the community management world. In this job, I help other families have a good quality of life and build communities where people can call on their neighbors and solve problems together. That’s good work, meaningful work. To make a difference every day is a good motivator.

What makes Kissing Tree so special? 

MD: It’s 100% the people who live here. The heart and minds of people who envisioned this place – their dream and vision has come true because of the people who serve the community, from the development side to the management side, and the people who chose to make it their home. That’s what makes Kissing Tree such a special place.

KT: What does a typical day look like for you?

MD: I spend the first part of my day driving in and getting prepared. That’s when I strategize for the initiatives I need to take on, how to delegate certain tasks, and what meetings I have that day. I like to get into the office early so I have time to sit down and go through my email and calendar and prioritize what needs to get done. I try to block off time to meet with residents; I have an open door policy so if someone stops by, I have time to talk. I also make time to talk to our staff and focus on working with our department heads and managers on the leadership and cultural initiatives that we’re working on – I always want to make sure our team understands the why behind what we’re doing. And I’m always following up to make sure the team has the resources they need.

KT: How would you describe your leadership style?

MD: Teams succeed or fail because of their leadership. Last year, our department heads went through a program called Extreme Ownership, which is about accountability at the highest level. Even though everyone is a leader, good leadership starts with the people who are hired to run the departments, and we’re always working to build trust and rapport with one another to train our front line to do the right thing. We put a lot of thought and time into placing people in the right roles. We want to provide great service to the Kissing Tree community.

KT: What do you wish people knew?

MD: There’s a great commitment that’s been made toward serving this community, because we understand the commitment – it’s a lifetime’s worth of work and intention. We take our role here as a fiduciary very seriously. It’s a real honor. We may not be able to share this sentiment with everyone, or they might not think we care about their family because we don’t do things the way they want, but we try to be fair-minded and take our responsibilities seriously. We try to learn new things, bring new ideas, review strategies and operational structure, provide structure and resolve problems. That would be my heart to share.

KT: Do you have any resident stories? 

MD: I made friends with a gentleman who came to have coffee here at Independence Hall every afternoon. I found out that he had an ill spouse at home that he took care of, and once she was settled he would have coffee. We would talk about our families and children, and he was encouraging to me as a young father. Sadly, he passed away somewhat suddenly. I was honored that I was able to speak at his wake and honor our friendship. I still call and check on his wife.  

KT: Let’s talk about you – where did you grow up?

MD: My parents were Air Force, so we moved around a lot – I’m used to getting to know people from all over. Home has always been Tennessee. My dad’s family has lived there for more than 200 years, so we have a long history there. We would always go back and spend summers on my grandpa’s farm. I loved that rural life as a kid – I saw the homes my great-grandparents built. And I have lots of cousins there – first, second, and third cousins. I went to 3 high schools, but I finished high school in Nashville.

KT: What do you do when you’re not working? 

MD: I enjoy being physically active – I love hiking. I also love studying history and psychology. I listen to podcasts and lectures on the history of philosophy, religion, ancient Greco-Roman Western civilization stuff, and clinical psychology. I’m always learning. I recently completed my MBA program at Auburn.

KT: Do you have any pets? 

MD: We have a 20-pound goldendoodle named Arlo.

If you see Matthew around Independence Hall, be sure to say hello. And if you’re ready to live in a community with an amazing Community Life team, check out our Quick Move-in Homes or plan a visit to see our amazing community for yourself.