Mathews Archery stands among the most respected names in modern archery – not only because of its highperformance bows but also because of the personal vision and leadership of its founder and owner. The story behind Mathews Archery is more than just manufacturing bows; it is about innovation, independence, and a commitment to pushing archery technology forward. Understanding who owns Mathews Archery helps to appreciate the philosophy that shaped the company and the way it continues to influence the archery world today.
The Founder and Owner Matt McPherson
Matt McPherson is the founder and owner of Mathews Archery. His journey in bowmaking began early – he reportedly built his first homemade bow as a child and crafted his first compound bow during his teenage years when he could not afford to buy one. This early passion for archery and mechanical tinkering laid the foundation for a career centered around bow design and craftsmanship.
After gaining experience and confidence from his early efforts, McPherson formed a company in the mid-1980s (named McPherson Archery), where he began to seriously work on refining bow designs. Then, in 1992, he established Mathews Archery (officially Mathews, Inc.) – a company entirely under his control.
The Decision for Sole Ownership
McPherson chose to own and run Mathews by himself rather than involve partners or a board. He believed that by having sole control, he could make decisions quickly, adapt to market changes, and push innovations without bureaucratic delays. This independence allowed him to respond to his own ideas and customer feedback directly, leading to rapid growth and industrychanging innovations.
This path of sole ownership has shaped the company’s culture. From the earliest days, Mathews emphasized not just profits, but values such as integrity, innovation, and impact. McPherson often framed the company’s mission in personal terms making products not just good, but excellent; treating employees, retailers, and customers with respect; and building a brand grounded in craftsmanship and honesty.
The Birth and Growth of Mathews Archery
Mathews Archery was founded in 1992 in Sparta, Wisconsin. The company emerged from McPherson’s desire to build bows with better performance – smoother draw cycles, lighter weight, and more compact frames. The first breakthrough came with an innovative single-cam system that would later become known as Solocam. This technology helped distinguish Mathews from other bow makers by offering a bow that was easier to draw and more comfortable to shoot, yet still powerful.
Over time, Mathews Archery expanded beyond a small workshop into a full-scale manufacturing company. It now operates multiple facilities in Sparta, Wisconsin, with a workforce numbering in the hundreds. The company uses advanced CNC-machining, strict in-house quality control, and careful material selection to maintain high standards of craftsmanship.
Part of Mathews’ success stems from its commitment to selling exclusively through authorized retailers, avoiding mass-market discount chains or online discount channels. This strategy ensures that customers receive both high-quality products and attentive service from knowledgeable dealers.
The Philosophy and Values Behind the Brand
Matt McPherson has always framed Mathews Archery around more than just product performance – the company stands on three guiding values innovation, integrity, and impact. These values inform not only product design but the company’s treatment of employees, dealers, and customers.
- InnovationConstantly seeking to improve bow performance, whether in speed, smoothness, or shooter comfort. McPherson views each new bow design as an opportunity to raise the standard of what a modern bow can do.
- IntegrityPrioritizing honesty, fair treatment, and responsibility over shortcuts or cost-cutting. This applies to manufacturing, warranty service, and relationships with dealers and customers.
- ImpactDesiring to contribute positively – whether through promoting archery, supporting pro shops, backing conservation efforts, or nurturing a community around the sport.
Because of these core values, Mathews Archery has built more than a line of bows. It has fostered a culture where craftsmanship, loyalty, and quality count – a reason why many archers feel a strong sense of trust or brand loyalty to Mathews.
Leadership and Company Structure
As owner and CEO, Matt McPherson remains actively involved in bow design, company strategy, and overall leadership of Mathews Archery. The firm continues to be privately held under his leadership, rather than being sold or merged with larger sportinggoods conglomerates.
Part of what makes this structure work is McPherson’s insistence on tight control over manufacturing, quality, and product development. From the earliest concept sketches to final bow assembly and distribution, Mathews maintains oversight – a practice that ensures consistency and helps preserve the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.
At the same time, Mathews hires and retains engineers, technicians, and staff who deeply understand archery – often bowhunters themselves. This shared passion among employees helps keep innovation grounded in real-world experience, ensuring each new design meets the needs of hunters and archers, not just engineers.
Why Knowing the Owner Matters for Archery Enthusiasts
For many archers, knowing that Mathews Archery is still owned by its founder gives a sense of authenticity and trust. It means that decisions – from bow technologies to company values – are driven by someone deeply invested in the sport and committed to quality, rather than by corporate shareholders looking for short-term profits. This continuity often translates into consistent product quality, responsive customer service, and ongoing innovation.
Moreover, the owner’s personal involvement in bow design ensures that the products are informed by real archery experience. When new models are developed, the company’s leadership understands what hunters and shooters actually need reliability, comfort, speed, quietness, and performance in real-world conditions. That directly influences how bows are engineered and tested before release.
Mathews Archery today remains a privately owned company under the leadership of Matt McPherson. His early passion for bow making, commitment to innovation, and insistence on integrity shaped the company from its founding in 1992 into a globally respected archery brand. Through careful control of manufacturing, dedication to quality, and a philosophy that values people before profit, McPherson has maintained a business that stands for craftsmanship and performance. For archery enthusiasts, knowing that the founder is still at the helm brings reassurance that Mathews Archery will continue to produce toptier bows rooted in genuine love for the sport, not just corporate motives.