Why I Started Mater Made – A Journey of Innovation, Exploration, and Human Potential
- Sep 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Written by Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a professional life enthusiast and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Mater Made, a micro brand watch company, and the department head for the US West lumber department at Richmond International Forest Products, a commodity trading firm.
In a world saturated with products that often prioritize style over substance, I felt a calling to create something different, something that could inspire people to live more curiously, more boldly, and more completely. That calling became Mater Made, a microbrand watch company born not just from a love of timepieces but from a desire to promote a lifestyle rooted in innovation, exploration, and well-roundedness.
The spark behind Mater Made
The idea of Mater Made didn’t come from a boardroom or a business plan. It came from a question: What if a watch could be more than just a watch? What if it could be a symbol of curiosity, a companion in adventure, and a reminder to push boundaries?
I’ve always been fascinated by environments most people never get to see, places that challenge the body and mind, that demand resilience and adaptability. From remote mountain ranges to deep-sea dives, from scientific labs to creative studios, these spaces are rich with stories and lessons. I wanted to create a product that could live in those spaces, thrive in them, and encourage others to seek them out.
Building a brand with purpose
Mater Made was never meant to be just another watch brand. From the beginning, our mission was clear, to place our watches in as many unique environments as possible, and in doing so, inspire people to explore more in their own lives.
We believe that exploration isn’t just about travel. It’s about learning, growing, and maximizing your potential as a human being. Whether you're an artist, an athlete, a scientist, or a student, there’s always more to discover. Our watches are designed to be part of that journey.
The three pillars of Mater Made
Every decision we make at Mater Made is guided by three core principles:
Innovation
We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. Our watches are built to perform in extreme conditions, but they’re also crafted with elegance and precision. We innovate not just in materials and mechanics but in the way we think about time and its role in our lives.
Exploration
We partner with ambassadors who embody the spirit of adventure. These are individuals who operate in unique environments, climbers, divers, creatives, and thinkers, each with a story that reflects the courage to explore. Through them, we showcase the versatility and resilience of our watches, and more importantly, the power of human curiosity.
Well-roundedness
We believe greatness comes from balance. Our watches are worn by people who excel in multiple domains, who value both physical and intellectual pursuits. Mater Made is about embracing the full spectrum of human potential.
Moments that defined us
Every brand has defining moments, those flashes of clarity and impact that shape its identity. For Mater Made, some of those moments came early and unexpectedly.
Selling a watch to Germany and another to Australia was a powerful affirmation. It showed that our message, our lifestyle, and our design philosophy resonated far beyond our immediate community. Seeing our watches pursued by customers overseas was humbling and energizing. It proved that the spirit of Mater Made is universal.
Each ambassador video we’ve produced has opened our brand image in a whole new way. These aren’t just promotional pieces. They’re visual stories of exploration, grit, and creativity. They’ve helped us communicate what Mater Made stands for in ways words alone never could.
We’ve also taken the brand into off-axis environments ourselves. We traveled to El Mirage, a desert racing site in California, where the stark landscape and high-speed culture tested both our watches and our resolve. We ventured to the Frying Pan Tower, a retired Coast Guard light station 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina, where isolation and salt air pushed the limits of endurance and design. These trips weren’t just about testing the product. They were about the testing purpose.
Each journey reinforced our commitment to exploration and authenticity. We weren’t just placing watches in unique environments. We were placing ourselves there, too.
Want to see these stories come to life? Visit Mater Made on YouTube to watch the full documentaries.
More than timekeeping
At its core, Mater Made is about encouraging people to live fully. A watch measures time, but it can also remind us to make the most of it. It can be a symbol of commitment, of adventure, of growth.
We want our customers to feel that every time they put on a Mater Made watch, they’re stepping into a mindset of possibility. That they’re not just keeping time. They’re making it count.
Looking ahead
The future of Mater Made is as exciting as its origin. We have a catalog of watches in the production queue, each designed to push boundaries in new ways. With every new release, we’ll introduce a fresh set of brand ambassadors, each operating in even more unique and inspiring environments.
These upcoming collaborations will continue to expand the reach and depth of our brand. They’ll help explore new dimensions of innovation, challenge new limits, and connect with new communities around the world.
Join the movement
Mater Made is more than a brand. It’s a movement. If you believe in pushing boundaries, in learning constantly, and in living with intention, we invite you to be part of our journey.
Explore our ambassadors. Watch our documentaries. Wear our watches. And, most importantly, explore more.
Read more from Hayden Mater
Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends the worlds of commodity lumber trading and innovative watchmaking. With years of experience in the lumber industry, he has honed his skills in navigating complex markets and securing top-tier deals. In addition, as the founder of Mater Made, his micro brand watch company, Hayden brings precision and passion to every venture. Dedicated to excellence in health, work, and family life, Hayden cherishes every opportunity to grow and inspire others. With a commitment to professionalism and a drive to motivate those around him, he is a true leader in both the lumber industry and the entrepreneurial world. Click to learn more about his journey and vision.
