Matthew Schissler, an entrepreneur and investor with decades of experience across biotech, private equity, and franchise development, challenges conventional definitions of success by emphasizing purpose over profit. Schissler asserts that net worth extends beyond financial balance sheets to encompass the lasting impact of one's work, a perspective shaped by his leadership roles and investment philosophy.
Schissler founded Cord Blood America, Inc. in 2003, steering the company through a decade of expansion that included acquiring multiple companies and establishing international partnerships. At a time when cord blood banking was an emerging field, his efforts helped make it accessible to families in the United States, Germany, Argentina, and other regions. While this growth generated scale and revenue, Schissler notes that the primary driver was always the mission—believing in the outcome rather than merely pursuing numbers.
Since 2015, Schissler has managed private investment funds targeting high-potential companies in overlooked markets, prioritizing fundamentals such as real value propositions and sustainable returns. He is also the founder of Work Your Core Investments, a fund focused on fitness franchises and performance-driven business models. His investment strategy favors leadership teams committed to long-term building over short-term gains, reflecting his view that growth should serve something larger than itself.
Schissler's approach extends to his board service, where he selects roles based on alignment with his values rather than prestige. He currently serves on the board of Aztec Airways, which connects South Florida to the Bahamas through scheduled and on-demand flights, and has supported organizations like the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and advisory efforts in Nevada's biotech sector. These engagements underscore his belief that contribution and consistency are integral to true worth.
For Schissler, wealth is defined not by assets but by commitment—how one leads when unobserved, treats others without expectation of gain, and persists through challenges. He views money as a tool that, when used wisely, creates opportunities to focus on meaningful endeavors, cautioning against treating it as a scoreboard that obscures deeper values. His career, marked by risks and pivots, reinforces the idea that real value is tested during setbacks and earned over time through principled action.
This perspective has implications for business leaders and investors, suggesting that sustainable success hinges on integrating purpose with strategy. In industries often driven by quarterly results, Schissler's emphasis on long-term vision and ethical leadership offers a model for creating enduring impact. As he continues to manage private investments and advise growing companies, his focus remains on supporting ideas, people, and businesses that prioritize lasting significance over transient returns, redefining net worth as a measure of legacy rather than liquidity.
