In this installment of our Get to Know initiative, we are pleased to introduce Matt Bianchi, a member of the Orange County Chapter.
ASPE: What is your greatest accomplishment outside of your career?
Matt: My wife and I hiked the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. It was a four-day-long trek living in and dealing with the high altitudes and remote wilderness of the Andes Mountains. We learned a lot along the way about the history of the Inca Empire and the Quechua people and were ultimately rewarded with a day of exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu on the final day.
ASPE: What is your favorite animal? Why?
Matt: Dogs, without question. I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like!
ASPE: If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Why?
Matt: I moved to California from Michigan for work in February of last year and have loved every minute so far. Between the great weather, beaches, and the number of things you can do on any given day, I can’t imagine living anywhere else and liking it more than Southern California.
ASPE: What is your favorite meal? Is it prepared at home or found at a restaurant?
Matt: I spent many years in the culinary field as a cook before making a move over to the plumbing business, so I love to cook at home. My favorite food to make is homemade pastas. It takes time and patience, but the end results are definitely worth it.
ASPE: What did you want to be when you were a child?
Matt: I wanted to be an automobile designer when I was a kid. Growing up in the Motor City, I’ve always had a love of cars and thought getting to see designs I created come to life and drive down the road would be the greatest feeling.
ASPE: If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Matt: Anything outdoors—going for a hike or taking my bike for a ride along the Pacific Coast Highway or one of the wooded trails around Southern California.
ASPE: If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Matt: I love to travel, and how great would it be to go anywhere at any time?!
ASPE: What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
Matt: I’m currently into Indian food. I love trying dishes that use different ingredients and spices and have yet to find anything I don’t like.
