After seven years in the U.S. Navy, Matt Rissi knew he had more to give—but in a new arena. With a sharp focus on career growth and community impact, he turned to real estate and graduate education as his next mission.
Originally from Arizona, Matt's journey has taken him coast to coast. He completed his undergraduate studies in Upstate New York and was stationed in San Diego throughout his naval career. After leaving the service, he and his wife sought a fresh start—and found it in Portland, Oregon, where his mother also happens to teach at Portland State University.
New to the area and looking to build a network, Matt discovered PSU’s Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program by meeting Julia Freybote at a local event. With some GI Bill benefits remaining, the timing and fit were just right.
“I saw the MSRE program as a great opportunity to connect with Portland’s real estate community and gain a deeper understanding of the industry,” he said. “It felt like the right move both professionally and personally.”
Not starting from scratch. Matt currently works in commercial banking, where he supports both investor real estate—ranging from existing properties to new construction—and owner-occupied real estate. He pursued the MSRE program to gain a deeper understanding of the perspective on the other side of the table during loan negotiations. While he already had a strong grasp of the lending side, he wanted to better understand how borrowers evaluate deals—specifically how loan terms and interest rates affect the return on investment. That additional knowledge has helped him become a more strategic and well-rounded partner in the lending process.
“The military and real estate both come with their own acronyms and ways of doing things,” he explained. “The MSRE program helped me bridge that gap—translating my military experience into something the civilian world understands and values.”
Balancing graduate studies with a full-time job, home renovations, and life responsibilities wasn’t easy. But the Navy had taught Matt how to manage his time, set priorities, and execute plans under pressure.
For other veterans considering real estate or graduate school, Matt has clear advice: leverage your network and use every resource available.
“There are a lot of veterans in this field who are more than willing to help,” he said. “Play the veteran card—reach out, ask questions, and build relationships. You never know who might open a door for you.”
He also emphasizes the value of in-person connections in grad school. “It’s not just about classes. It’s about the people—your cohort, the faculty, and the professionals the program connects you with. These are the relationships that will carry forward throughout your career.”
As he continues to grow his role in real estate finance, Matt remains grounded in his purpose: applying his skills to build strong communities and smart investments—this time, on land.
"The military gave me a strong foundation that translates directly to success in commercial real estate. Earning my MSRE helped me develop with the technical knowledge and industry insight needed to thrive in this next chapter. If you're a veteran considering this path, know that your experience is not just relevant—it's an asset."