Subject: Matt. Lollar is married with two children and lives in Sheffield where he is a Sales Manager for a computer services company.
Age range: 20–30 years.
Interests: Coaches American football; power lifting; photography.
RJL: What is your family background?
Matt.: My father is a Southern Baptist pastor who is mostly involved in church planting. I grew up in small churches in Florida.
RJL: How did you become a Christian?
Matt.: Although I was baptised I now realise that I wasn’t then a Christian; I loved other things more than I loved God. I was a rebel when I was in High School. My parents insisted that while I was living at home I had to go to church. There was a sermon series on Hebrews and each week the speaker ended with the same verse, which really grated. I was dating a girl who wasn’t a Christian at this time and my parents invited us to go to a showing of the film Passion of Christ. During the film ‘scales fell from my eyes’ and I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour.
RJL: What did you do after High School?
Matt.: I took a degree in Sports Maintenance. Then in 2004 my parents moved to Wales and I went to WEST and took a Diploma in Theology. During that time I supported myself by working as a bouncer and bodyguard. After obtaining my diploma I worked in various sales and marketing roles before becoming a self-employed wedding photographer.
RJL: Please explain how you came to be a Sales Manager?
Matt.: While photography offered flexible working it didn’t offer a regular income, which as a family man was important. I started my present position in December 2014.
RJL: Do you have any regrets about taking your present job?
Matt.: No! Shortly after I joined the company our daughter, aged five, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She had this removed early in February and then had two months of radiotherapy. She is due to have a long course of chemotherapy from June to December. Even though I had only just started with the company, they and my fellow employees have been exceptionally supportive.
RJL: Do you work with other Christians?
Matt.: Yes, the two directors and about half the staff are Christians. On Monday mornings we have a Bible study and the directors set a good culture of kindness and care.
RJL: Does your job give you opportunities to witness?
Matt.: Yes, when I visit clients. Also the Christians at work disciple and pastor each other, which is a witness to the other staff.
RJL: Salesmen are known for ‘overselling and underperforming’. How do you deal with that?
Matt.: It is a competitive environment. As a Christian business we tend to under sell and over perform, but I have to fight the temptation to be arrogant and talk down our competitors.
RJL: What is hard about your work?
Matt.: Sales guys are supposed to drive flashy cars – and I would like to do the same!
RJL: Are there any conflicts between your job and your home/church life?
Matt.: It is easier now that I am employed and can switch off when I’m not working. As our daughter is ill I need to spend more time with my family and our Life Group are good at helping me prioritise my family.
RJL: Are you subject to any particular influences which are not compatible with your Christian beliefs?
Matt.:The desire for more money – salesmen are usually motivated by money. I get commissions and bonuses so it is tempting to be focused on sales and money, but I know that we are to be stewards of what God gives us and not owners.
RJL: Would you recommend sales as a career for a Christian?
Matt.: Yes. You can honour the Lord in almost any profession. It is important to do the job well. You need to be a ‘people person’ and expect people to be honest with you. Also, in view of the reputation of sales people, you need to be humble and speak plainly and honestly.
RJL: What are your ambitions?
Matt.: One day I’d like to run a couple of businesses such as a café that is very relaxed. That people would speak well of me because I model Christ well.
RJL: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Matt.: Christians who own businesses and employ people have a real opportunity to impact their community by the way they run things – in a Christ-like way.
