In this episode of IMPACTability®, Steve Brooder, CEO of St. Matthew’s House, shares how he led one of Southwest Florida’s most impactful nonprofits through explosive growth, a global pandemic, and a legacy-defining transition. His story is a masterclass in nonprofit leadership, strategic growth, and faith-driven service.
From scaling food assistance from 300 to 4,000 families in a single month to launching transitional housing and workforce development programs, Steve’s tenure shows what’s possible when mission meets momentum — and when leadership is rooted in purpose.
Whether you're navigating succession planning, building community partnerships, or leading a faith-based organization, this episode offers powerful insights for nonprofit leaders who want to make a lasting impact.
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https://youtu.be/wnEsuymNXuIStandout Quotes
- “What if there was no St. Matthew’s House?” — [21:53]
- “We accept people because of who we are, not because of who they are.” — [25:38]
- “Loneliness is one of the leading causes for homelessness and addiction. People need to feel connected.” — [30:23]
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome to IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast
- 01:05 – From Business to Mission: Steve Brooder’s Nonprofit Journey
- 03:00 – Meeting the Moment: Scaling Food Assistance During Crisis
- 05:51 – Addiction Recovery: Faith-Based Success & Alumni Impact
- 09:02 – Workforce Development Through the Empowerment Hub
- 14:49 – Transitional Housing: Preventing Relapse & Supporting Stability
- 21:07 – Leading with Faith: Values-Driven Nonprofit Leadership
- 24:55 – Succession Planning: Preparing for a Sustainable Future
- 31:59 – Legacy Leadership: Reflections on Retirement & Impact
Guest Bio
Steve Brooder has spent more than a decade leading St. Matthew’s House with a rare blend of business strategy and heart. As CEO, he guided the organization through extraordinary growth and unprecedented challenges — including a global pandemic, natural disasters, and rising community needs — all while staying grounded in faith and mission.
Under his leadership, St. Matthew’s House served nearly 890,000 households with groceries, graduated nearly 1,000 individuals from its recovery program, and created transitional housing solutions to prevent relapse and homelessness. His legacy is one of impact, integrity, and unwavering commitment to those in need.
Now entering retirement, Steve leaves behind a nonprofit built to thrive — and a leadership model rooted in purpose, compassion, and community.
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