QCD Milestone Story: Matt Cheviron
When Matt started as a warehouse selector in Phoenix in June 1986, career growth stood top of mind, but he never imagined the journey ahead. Forty years later, Matt heads the QCD Phoenix distribution center as General Manager, guiding the next generation of associates and celebrating numerous accomplishments. Most recently, he led the facility team to earn the company’s top honor, the Chairman’s Challenge Award.
Over four decades, Matt built a career through hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges. After nearly 10 years in the warehouse, he moved through several leadership roles, including warehouse supervisor, purchaser, transportation supervisor, and operations supervisor. He also served on the original QCD SWAT team and helped launch QCD’s first five distribution centers.
That experience opened doors across the business and eventually led Matt to QCD Phoenix, where he advanced from operations supervisor to operations manager and, in 2023, general manager. Under his leadership, the facility earned five consecutive Best in Class awards before winning the 2025 Chairman’s Challenge Award. For Matt, strong culture drives strong results.
“You have to focus on people and performance at the same time,” Matt said. “When associates know leaders care about them, communication improves, teamwork grows, and everyone pulls in the same direction. That kind of culture helps a distribution center succeed.”
Throughout his career, Matt leaned on support from leaders, teammates, and company resources such as GSF University for continuous learning and companywide safety culture programs. He credits those experiences with helping him grow both professionally and personally. In fact, under Matt’s guidance, the Phoenix team maintains the strongest safety record in the QCD network.
“Golden State Foods took care of my family throughout my career,” Matt said. “That support gave me opportunities to grow, learn, and provide for the people who matter most. I always tell new associates that if they take care of our company, our company will take care of them.”
Today, Matt takes the greatest pride in developing others. He enjoys coming to work each day and helping younger associates build successful careers, just as mentors once helped him. His advice for new associates includes three key tips: work hard, stay focused, and never stop learning.
After 40 years, Matt looks back on a career filled with growth, lasting friendships, and unforgettable milestones. While awards and achievements stand out, the relationships built along the way mean the most.
“QCD became my second family,” Matt said. “The people, the experiences, and the lessons shaped my life. I will always value those connections and the journey we share together.”
