Matt Morris’ Own Private Idaho: An Interview with Matt Morris
Published on: July 22, 2025
Whether the phrase has you singing along with the B-52’s, or gets you nostalgic for a young Keanu Reeves, we caught up with MWSBF Vice President, Loan Officer, Matt Morris to chat about his Gem State favorites, his switch from banking to a CDC, how nature is the best art, and where to get the best Thai Food in southeast Idaho and beyond, along with other local favorites.
[This interview has been edited for clarity and content.]
MWSBF: Let’s start with your connections to Idaho. You currently reside in Rexburg – have you lived there all your life?
MATT: Born and raised in Southeast Idaho. My wife is also from eastern Idaho. We have lived in St. Anthony, Rexburg, Iona, and are now back in Rexburg. Together, we built a home three years ago on land that we purchased that has been in my family since 1890.
MWSBF: Sounds amazing! Let’s talk a little more about the area you cover and where you are seeing success.
MATT: I cover the entirety of the state of Idaho, as well as a portion of Wyoming. The majority of success has been found right here in my immediate market of Eastern Idaho. Future growth will happen as I continue to venture more into the Twin Falls, Boise, and Wyoming markets.
MWSBF: What do you love about working in Idaho?
MATT: I love seeing the community that I grew up in flourish and prosper. Being a small part of that brings me the utmost satisfaction. Growing up, my father was a contractor and would regularly point out homes or businesses he worked on, beaming with pride. Now I catch myself doing the same with my kids, pointing and saying, “I helped them get the loan to buy that building!”
MWSBF: What would you say Idaho does well?
MATT: We’re of course famous for our potatoes–you’re welcome. But we also have some of the best and most beautiful mountain ranges in the western US.
MWSBF: You’ve spent more than a decade in banking and lending roles. Any differences you’ve noticed about working for a Certified Development Company (CDC) vs. a more traditional lending institution?
MATT: The CDC world has been an incredible change. I have loved being on the flip side of the transaction. As a former banker, I know what a banker experiences day in and day out. I can better understand their processes and how I can complement them with the 504 loan program. Lenders that I used to compete with for deals are now some of my most trusted and constant referral sources. I have loved getting to network with and support my local bankers.
MWSBF: What are some of the Idaho projects with MWSBF you’re most proud to be involved in?
MATT: Thai208 in Idaho Falls is the epitome of a startup success story. They began selling Thai potstickers to family and friends, then grew into a successful food truck. Their success in the food truck was incredible, but it came with hurdles: Idaho winters can be unforgiving, the generator would quit working, etc.
They began leasing a vacant restaurant, and business exploded for them. After one year of incredible success and growth in the brick-and-mortar, their landlord notified them that they would be selling the property. Luckily, he gave them first dibs to purchase the building.
As a regular at the restaurant, when I found out that they were given the option to purchase, I knew I could help them out. I got them in touch with a local lender, and we were able to approve them to purchase their building, ensuring that they would be in control of their new home.
MWSBF: Speaking of home, it seems that while each state/region has similarities, they each also seem to come with their own set of unique challenges and opportunities. What are some of the things that stand out about / make the Idaho market unique?
MATT: Eastern Idaho is experiencing incredible growth. Expanding from what has always been such small communities where everyone knows everyone, to a bustling economy. “People bank with people.” Has been a quote I keep in mind. It’s especially important in this region that bankers and borrowers know and trust who they do business with. I strive to get to know, even on a personal level, every banker that I work with. And I make an effort to meet in person with every borrower that I complete a loan with.
MWSBF: Is there something you wish lenders/borrowers from Idaho knew about the SBA 504 or MWSBF?
MATT: Many bankers and borrowers are “gun-shy” from a past bad experience with the SBA. At Mountain West, we work to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone we work with. Mountain West’s loan processing team has decades of experience and insight into the SBA 504 program, which helps tremendously when we’re working a new deal.
MWSBF: Ok, you mentioned your favorite Thai place – Thai208 in Idaho Falls. Let’s move into the lightning round and talk about some of the other unknown ‘gems’ from the Gem State.
MATT: Hot springs, there are LOTS of natural hot springs around the state that are accessible for families or with a small hike.
MWSBF: Best place to catch a sunset–
MATT: The Lemhi Mountain range. Best time of year is August, when the grain farmers are mid-harvest – the bit of dust in the air makes the colors pop.
MWSBF: Favorite Golf Course–
MATT: Home course, Teton Lakes in Rexburg. They have a full 27 holes, and no two are the same. They take incredible care of the course!
MWSBF: Best trail/s to bike–
MATT: I can’t help but mention St. Anthony Sand Dunes that are minutes away from my home. They are world-famous sand dunes that I grew up dirt biking on.
MWSBF: Favorite State Park in Idaho–
MATT: Harriman State Park, near Island Park, is beautiful, especially in the fall. I have spent a number of early morning horseback rides at dawn in August and September. Surrounded by dozens of Elk as the bulls bugle and chase off their competitors vying for the title of Herd bull during the rut.
MWSBF: Family Fun-Time Spot–
MATT: We enjoy exploring the area around Salmon, Idaho, in the summer months. Cool vibes, good food, and mountains surrounding in every direction. As parents with little kids at home, we also spend our fair share of time at Fat Cats in Rexburg, hitting up the arcade, bowling, and mini-golf.
MWSBF: Favorite place to catch a play/concert–
MATT: Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. It has been a great addition to the community in Eastern Idaho: lots of new concerts, sports, and other events for people to enjoy.
MWSBF: Best time/place/event to experience art–
MATT: Meh, the best art to me is nature.
MWSBF: OK, shifting gears. Best Dirty Soda/Treat Spot–
MATT: Great Scotts, 32 oz Idahomie!
MWSBF: Best shake or ice cream spot–
MATT: Reeds Dairy Ice Cream.
MWSBF: Favorite fast-casual or family fave–
MATT: Big-J’s Burgers and Pizza in St Anthony.
MWSBF: What about the best burger–
MATT: Big Judd’s Burgers in Archer. Burger, fries, and a drink, polished off with a delicious shake.
MWSBF: Does that include best fries?
MATT: This may start a fight, but it’s hard to beat Five Guys fries and fry sauce… Extra crispy, Cajun style.
MWSBF: I’m sure as long as the potatoes are local, you’re fine. And I concur. Next up, Favorite Mexican–
MATT: Taco H in Idaho Falls has Birria that is out of this world delicious. If you bring an appetite, they have a Birria Ramen bowl that is next level.
MWSBF: Best Indian–
MATT: Tandoori Oven. They know my order when they see me: chicken tikka masala, two-out-of-five spice, and a garlic naan.
MWSBF: Best BBQ–
MATT: Another MWSBF customer, Sparks BBQ in Rexburg. Their cornbread will make you think you died and went to heaven. And of course, we’re in Idaho, so the BBQ loaded Baked potato is a must-have.
MWSBF: I’m getting hungry… Best Steak?
MATT: Teton House in Menan. Get a reservation, bring a date, and prepare for some incredible food. Not to mention the beautiful setting, the century-old stone building they are housed in was once a bank.
MWSBF: That sounds like the perfect date night. OK, wrapping up, last question for you: Settle this debate for us now–Idahoers or Idahoans?
MATT: Having never even heard the first, it’s definitely Idahoan.
Matt Morris provides valuable insight into the vibrant business landscape of Idaho. His lifelong connection to the area and extensive background in banking enable him to actively support local businesses as they grow and thrive.
Matt Morris is a VP, Loan Officer for MWSBF. He resides in Idaho with his wife and three children. If he has his out-of-office notifications turned on, he might be on a road trip or mountain getaway with his family. You can reach Matt via email at mmorris@mwsbf.com or via phone 208-710-8765