Matthew E. Harmon, a figure in California's business and political circles, has built a career spanning real estate development, corporate leadership, and civic engagement. As the current chairman of the Capital Lincoln Club and president of Harmon Ventures, his work involves revitalizing organizations and transforming complex real estate assets.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew E. Harmon currently leads the Capital Lincoln Club as chairman, an organization he helped revive in 2023.
- Since 2011, he has served as president of Harmon Ventures, focusing on real estate projects, including distressed assets.
- His career includes leadership roles in his family's senior care development business, Western Care Construction Company Inc.
- Harmon has been actively involved in state politics, serving as a California state delegate in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
- He is the author of a book on the hemp industry and holds numerous professional certifications in real estate, business, and technology.
Leadership in Business and Real Estate
Since 2011, Matthew E. Harmon has been the president of Harmon Ventures, a firm through which he has managed a variety of real estate and business projects. His work often focuses on identifying and redeveloping underperforming assets.
One of his significant accomplishments involved leading an investor group to acquire a 27-megawatt wind farm in Palm Springs. The project was in bankruptcy before Harmon's group intervened and later coordinated its successful sale.
Notable Project
Harmon led the acquisition and successful sale of a 27-megawatt wind farm, demonstrating his ability to manage complex assets in the energy sector.
Transforming Distressed Properties
Harmon has also focused on revitalizing residential properties. Following the 2008 economic downturn, he identified opportunities in failed residential subdivisions, applying his development expertise to turn these distressed assets into viable projects.
His background in real estate is extensive. From 2007 to 2012, he was a developer and retail broker for Montano De El Dorado, where he was responsible for advancing commercial real estate initiatives. Earlier, from 1998 to 2008, he served as a developer and advisory board member for The Ridge Golf Course, providing strategic guidance on its development.
A Foundation in Family Business
Harmon's career began in his family's business, which was established by his father in the 1970s. The company specialized in developing senior care communities, including skilled nursing, independent living, and assisted living facilities.
This early experience provided a strong foundation in real estate development and construction. He first joined Western Care Construction Company Inc. in 1999 as vice president, a role he held until 2010.
Generational Transition
Following his father's passing, Matthew Harmon took on the role of chief executive officer, guiding the family business through a critical transition from its founder to the next generation of leadership.
He later returned to the company, serving as its chief executive officer from 2021 to 2024. During this period, he was responsible for ensuring the company's continuity and continued growth.
Revitalizing a Political Network
In 2023, Harmon took on the role of chairman for the Capital Lincoln Club. He was instrumental in reviving the organization after it had become inactive in the region. Working with colleagues and State Senator Roger Niello, he helped re-establish the club as a network for business, political, and social connections.
In his capacity as chairman, Harmon is responsible for communicating with local elected officials, organizing meetings with state assembly members, and managing member communications. He also works to connect aspiring political candidates with training programs offered by organizations like the Leadership Institute.
Engaging Future Leaders
A key focus of his work with the club is to encourage younger generations, including Millennials and Generation Z, to pursue leadership roles. He actively connects them with organizations that can support their development. His recent involvement in an event with Ambassador Richard Grenell concerning voter identification issues highlights his commitment to civic processes.
Political Engagement and Civic Duty
Harmon's involvement in politics extends beyond his role at the Capital Lincoln Club. He has served as a California state delegate supporting President Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Most recently, he participated as a delegate for the 2024 state party event in Milwaukee. Harmon is recognized for his networking skills, which he uses to connect individuals with the political process and support candidates.
Harmon believes that meaningful relationships and opportunities are always within reach and encourages others to engage, connect, and collaborate to foster effective governance.
His civic involvement also includes serving on the boards of several community organizations. He was a board member for KVIE Public Television from 2009 to 2015 and for Seniors First from 2007 to 2010. He is also a supporter of The Gathering Inn and an active member of The Sutter Club in Sacramento.
Diverse Expertise and Education
Harmon's professional qualifications are supported by a diverse educational background and numerous certifications. He studied business at Menlo College in 1996 and microcomputer operations and systems at MTI College in 1999.
His professional credentials include:
- A California real estate broker's license
- The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation
- A professional real estate development certificate from the Urban Land Institute
- A California general building B contractor's license
- A CompTIA A+ certification
- An associate bourbon steward certification from the Stave & Thief Society
He also completed the executive management program Winning with Jack Welch through HSM Americas. This combination of business, real estate, and technical training has provided him with a versatile skill set.
Published Author
In 2021, Harmon authored the book "Marijuana Hater's Guide to Making a Billion Dollars from Hemp: The Next Disruptive Industry." The book was the result of nearly a decade of research into the cannabis and hemp industries across multiple countries. What began as a hobby evolved into a deeper exploration of the plant's social and legal implications.
Born in Sacramento and a father of five, Harmon's future goals remain focused on California. He aims to support effective leadership at all levels of government, with a particular emphasis on addressing critical state issues like disaster prevention and resource management.
