You both grew up in the Hamptons. What made you stay and build your careers here?
Kevin Geddie, vice president of sales and partner: Having four generations of my family living here, I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Growing up, I probably took for granted just how special the East End is. Now I understand why it’s considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there’s a real sense of pride in building a career here.
Matt Breitenbach, CEO and managing principal broker: During my senior year at Gettysburg College, I realized I wanted to come home and work with my mom in real estate. All my friends were headed for corporate jobs in the city, but that was never me. I always missed home when I was away, and when you grow up around the ocean and this kind of country, it gets into your soul.
What’s the biggest difference between visiting the Hamptons and truly growing up here?
KG: Most people associate the Hamptons with summer, but living here year-round gives you a completely different appreciation for it. Fall, winter and spring each bring their own character and beauty.
MB: There is always a difference between being from a place and just passing through it. Being local means understanding the community on a deeper level and having connections that only come from growing up here.
How has being local helped you build trust and long-term relationships with clients?
KG: Locals take care of one another, and that mindset has carried directly into my business. When clients buy a home, they’re not just getting a transaction—they’re gaining access to a trusted network I’ve built over a lifetime.
MB: Real estate is a hyper-local business, and the Hamptons is a small town at its core. Growing up here gives us a perspective and understanding of the community that helps us guide clients well beyond the sale.
What places or traditions instantly make the Hamptons feel like home to you?
KG: It’s the people. I can’t walk down Main Street without running into familiar faces, and that sense of connection is what makes this place feel like home. HarborFest in Sag Harbor is a tradition that always reminds me of the community that makes the Hamptons so special.
MB: My family and I try to go to the beach every Sunday in the summer. I also love the holidays here—Thanksgiving and the Southampton Christmas parade are traditions that remind me exactly why I love living here.
How does your shared history influence the way you work together?
KG: Matt is like a brother to me. We both grew up as sons of builders, and that shared background and work ethic are a big part of what makes our partnership so strong.
MB: Our personalities fit; our values are the same; and the relationship runs on hard work, communication and trust. We each have different strengths, but they complement one another in a way that makes us stronger together.
In a market filled with newcomers, what does it mean to be a homegrown Hamptons success story?
KG: I welcome newcomers, but what means the most to me is the community behind me. There’s nothing better than hearing from people I grew up with and knowing they’re proud of what I’ve built.
MB: I’m proud to be from the Hamptons. I’ve watched it evolve from a summer destination into a true year-round community, and it’s rewarding to have grown alongside it.
”Even as the area grows, it still has that deeply connected small-town feeling that makes living here so special.” –MATT BREITENBACH
What changes in the Hamptons have stood out most to you over the years?
KG: The biggest shift has been the year-round energy. What used to become very quiet after Labor Day now has a steady pulse throughout the seasons.
MB: The Hamptons has changed tremendously since I was a kid, and I think much of that change has been positive. It has evolved from a seasonal resort town into a true year-round community.
What do you hope never changes about the community and culture?
KG: The locals. The Hamptons are what they are because of the people who built and sustained this community, and I hope that never disappears.
MB: The sense of community. Even as the area grows, it still has that deeply connected small-town feeling that makes living here so special.
What have you learned from each other over the years?
KG: One of the biggest things I’ve learned from Matt is to never stop pushing. Staying level-headed and focused, especially when things get emotional, has been a big part of our success.
MB: The biggest lesson is that when you partner with someone who complements your strengths and weaknesses, you can achieve more than you ever could alone. Loyalty, trust and showing up for each other matter just as much as business success.
