I met Matt last Friday on his way home from class. We were both in good spirits because the springtime sun was finally being to pierce light through the clouds and bestow a hit of warmth on Eugene. As he approached my house, I said “hello” and we began to make small talk. I invited him to accompany me on the porch. He was dressed well, an articulate speaker, and open to share conversation. After a few minutes of conversation, I grasped my opportunity and asked him if he would like to help me out with a school project. He accepted my offer and the interview began.

I quickly learned that Matthew Chiodo was born and raised in a suburb of San Francisco known as Danville, California. An area well known for its technology and start-up business opportunities, due to its close proximity to Silicon Valley, which Matt referred to as the “technology mecca of the twenty-first century.“ Growing up in the Silicon Valley, Matt was predisposed to a future in technology, and more specifically to a concept he referred to as  “the internet of things”.

He described the “internet of things” as the direct interaction between humans and their computer-based products, where technology devices would track, manage, and inventory consumer data in real time and relaying the information to the supplier. He said the process worked in two ways, benefitting both the supplier and the consumer simultaneously.  He gave the example Google Glass, and it’s potential to give real time decision-making information to whoever was wearing the device. It was the first time I had ever heard of this term, although I understood the concept of human tracking, I had never considered the implications of using a product like Google Glass.

I asked him, “if the ability to track and monitor consumer behavior is so prevalent, why have I never heard of this concept until today?” He said, “well we are all a product of are surroundings, and because I am from a technology based community, it is obvious that I would have more insight into the internal behavior of a company like Google.” I didn’t know how to feel but I was intrigued. I replied, “so if we are all being tracked and inventoried, how do you think the community will react when the details unfold? Do you think people will be comfortable with the concept of being tracked? Where’s the privacy in that?”

Matt answered, “well what we need is a community surrounded around a common identity. This is difficult to do when people are naturally risk-averse and do not respond well to change.” He continued, “ but the Silicon Valley is unique in this way, for they have set-aside the inherent concerns and embraced the benefits associated with sharing information.” I stared puzzled.  Matt continued, “the internet of things must be viewed with optimism, when we share our everyday experiences with one another, we can foster more positive outcomes for ourselves and our surrounding communities. Notice how the influx of social media has changed our everyday communication with one another, making it easier and more convenient to stay connected with one another.” I stopped him, and joking said, “and what more does social media provide than outlet for our peers to complain and showcase their meals and animals? Matt laughed, “well for instance companies today are held more accountable for their products than ever before. They cannot simply go on with business as usual because they will be penalized for it.” I agreed with him. He continued, “whether or not we like to accepted it, the Internet of things is the future and we must find the most practical ways to utilize it and benefit from it.”

I asked, “So you are obviously interested in technology, but where does this passion come from? Did you have an icon or role model growing up?

He thought for a moment, looked out to the street and said, “I had many, but one in-particular stands out, Bryan Diefendire. He couldn’t say the name with out chuckling to himself. “Although, he was not a technology guy like the rest of Silicon Valley, he was the greatest motivator I had ever met. He was an older swim coach, about 26, who taught alongside me when I was in high school. He paused for a moment and said, “I should take a step back here, and give you the whole story.” I thought to myself, well that’s why I’m here, and encouraged him with a nod.

Matt thought for a moment, “just outside of my hometown, there was a central swimming area in Walnut Creek, created by one of the all-time most successful Olympic athletes, Mark Spitz. Communities around the Bay Area were known for their centralized pools. I spent a lot of time growing up there with Bryan. He taught me the technical and motivational skills of swim, for the greatest swim coaches are a combination of both and Bryan was one of them.”

He went on to say that although he held an extensive set of technical skills, his greatest contribution to Walnut Creek’s swimming community was his ability to motivate. His strategy in motivating young swimmers was unique and successful in two ways. He was able to influence young athletes to become better with his charismatic personality, and was able to sustain their drive by introducing a fun competitive environment.

He made each swimmer better by grouping them in pairs based on skill, and would have them compete against one another. Matt said, “Bryan was an exceptional motivator because he made an 8 year old swimmer believe in their ability and enthusiastic to participate in the day-to-day routine, and at the same time empowered them to get better everyday.” He went on to say that Bryan, still to this day, has a huge effect on how he approaches life.

From my perspective it was obvious that Matt idolized this type of individual. Even though, I had just recently met him, I could see many of the traits he talked about in Bryan were apart of his overall character. I had asked everything I had wanted to, and told him to stop by another day when he was free. I thanked him and he got up and left. I sat there thinking, I should talk to strangers more often, because something great can come out of it, and if not something great, at least something I could write about.