Vicki Reese’s Remarkable Journey with Matrix
When Vicki Reese walked into Matrix Service Company in 1986, she was blissfully unaware of what the future held. If asked about her plans then, she'll tell you that all she knew then was that she had no plans to go to college and assumed she would get married and have children.
Today, as she celebrates her 40th year with Matrix, Vicki stands as Vice President of Finance, Planning & Analysis—a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and the power that comes from the encouragement and support of others.
The Early Years. Matrix was just two years old when Vicki joined its ranks as their receptionist with zero knowledge about heavy maintenance and repair or construction.
"I was fresh out of high school and didn't know much about anything," she said.
Her first impression was of a tight-knit family: "I was working with some great people, including the four men who had founded the company – Doyl West, Marty Rinehart, Bill Lee, and Bob Wagoner. They became like dads to me. I had two dads in my personal life and four more in my work life, so it was hard to get away with anything!"
She recalls those early days with great fondness. "It didn't matter if you were an employee, foreman, or helper – a vendor, customer, or the janitor that cleaned the office," she said. "If a foreman in the field called in, he was my top priority. I've always had tremendous respect for our field and craft employees. They are the backbone of the company and without them, you certainly don't need us."
Earning Her Way. Although her main responsibility was as receptionist, the nature of a small office meant everyone wore many hats. Guided by mentors like co-founder and Chief Financial Officer Bill Lee, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue night classes in accounting.
In 1996, Vicki learned that the State of Oklahoma would soon require a bachelor's degree—eliminating the experience route—for CPA licensure. While she held an Associate Degree in Accounting, earning a full bachelor's while working full-time wasn't realistic. Determined not to miss her chance, Vicki applied and was approved to sit for the exam that June.
Juggling work, life, and the arrival of her children in 1997 and 1999, she persevered and ultimately passed the final section of the CPA exam in February 2003. Achieving her CPA without a bachelor's degree remains one of her proudest accomplishments.
"I owe a lot to Bill for his encouragement and patience with a young woman who, admittedly, could be strong-willed and difficult," she reflected.
Championing Change. Vicki's career is punctuated by other major turning points:
- the company's first "new tank" project which, she says, wasn't very profitable and resulted in conversations about whether the company should stick to maintenance and repair;
- going from a small private company to publicly traded; and
- multiple acquisitions.
Along the way came multiple changes and with it, great opportunities.
She served as Accounting Supervisor for Matrix Service until 1991 and was then promoted to Business Unit Controller for the MSI group under Brad Rinehart, learning the ins and outs of the company's merit construction business.
"Brad's leadership and support was key to my growth with the company over the years," she said.
In 2016, Vicki moved to MNAC, the company's union construction business as Vice President of Finance and Accounting. There, under the leadership of Jason Turner and then Doug Montalbano, she continued to learn.
"This was a huge move for me and certainly a significant period of growth in my career," she said.
Then, in 2022, Vicki was promoted to Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Matrix Service Company.
Her journey is a testament to her willingness to embrace change—even when it isn't comfortable—because she recognizes that change, when done right, is what makes the company stronger and creates greater opportunities for everyone.
Transitioning to this latest role was both a significant adjustment and an exciting new chapter after six years immersed in MNAC. It meant supporting the entire organization and reconnecting with colleagues across all areas of Matrix.
This move also brought a new boss—Chief Financial Officer Kevin Cavanah.
"I'll admit, at first I wasn't quite sure how it would go, especially since Kevin is every bit as strong-willed and determined as I am," she said with a smile. "Let's just say our meetings are never boring, and I can honestly say that over the past four years, I've learned a great deal from him. Kevin's passion for our company and our people is immeasurable. His chairing of Matrix Cares, a company-wide initiative focused on mental health and wellbeing, is just one example. I've loved working alongside Kevin and continue to learn from him every day."
Kevin has worked with Vicki for nearly 24 years and offered his own insight.
"Vicki is incredibly intelligent. She can process, analyze, and handle so much information," he said. "She also truly appreciates the work our teams do in the field, and everything she is doing is with the mindset to help Operations. I love that focus, which also underscores just about everything in our WIN. EXECUTE. DELIVER. strategy.
"Vicki has an exceptional work ethic and can always be counted on to get the job done and to help the team regardless of the circumstances or issues. When you combine those characteristics, you have the best operational accountant I have ever worked with or seen in my career."
But perhaps most notably, Kevin emphasized Vicki's value as a true champion of change.
"Vicki had a reputation in the past that she was averse to change. I know I thought that for many years, but now I know different. She knows how and why we do just about everything. As a result, she sees issues with potential changes others don't see. Often, she can see how a potential change might be good, but that it could also have unintended negative consequences. She always works to protect us from those consequences. Rather than being averse to change, she was protecting us from a bad decision until we appropriately addressed issues. And once we get it right, she champions the change."
Kevin summed up his admiration for Vicki by saying, "Overall, I consider Vicki Reese to be the best employee in Matrix's history."
Growth, Resilience, and Support. Vicki credits her longevity at Matrix to "wonderful people who truly care about their employees, giving them an opportunity to grow with the company."
She also acknowledges her husband Michael's unwavering support—especially as she balanced raising children, traveling for work, and advancing her career.
"A very large part of my success is because of him. He's supported me no matter what and from the very beginning he's been there to take care of the kids," she said, adding "Even when I was home, I secretly hoped the homework was done before I got there!"
Looking Ahead. So, what's next for Vicki? After four decades, it should be no surprise that she's looking forward to what lies ahead for Matrix as it enters a new chapter. From her earliest days at Matrix, Vicki has embraced change with openness, resilience, and a determination to keep learning and growing.
On the personal side, while still a few years away, what excites her most is the prospect of retirement—and the idea of a vacation without her computer for the first time.
"Michael and I love the beach, and the ocean soothes my soul. While we've been blessed to see many beautiful places, we still have quite a long list to see."
Asked what advice she'd give her 19-year-old self, Vicki would surely urge her to embrace every opportunity, trust those who believe in her, and never underestimate the value of hard work, kindness, and support.
Matrix Service Company wouldn't be the same without Vicki Reese. Her story is one of growth, resilience, and the enduring value of community—a legacy that will inspire for years to come.