Matthew Brooks has spent the better part of his life on the water, enjoying time in the Upstate New York region cruising and fishing the Finger Lakes with his family. In fact, Brooks and family ran a plywood speed boat built by his late father, who also loved to watch poker runs, hoping one day to join in on the action. So, it came as no surprise that he ran the 2012 Alexandria Bay Poker Run in his father’s honor.
Currently, Brooks owns a 28’ Checkmate, powered by a MerCruiser 8.2L 430 hp that can achieve speeds in excess of 70 mph. But out of all the areas where he has enjoyed boating, Brooks ranks the 1000 Islands region as his favorite.
“My family loved boating,” says Brooks. “We spent a lot of time on the St. Lawrence River boating and fishing. We also always watched the 1000 Islands Poker Run seeing the thunder go by more times than I can count.”
Just this year, Brooks says he finally had the opportunity to enjoy a poker run in a non-intimidating environment and spending the day with people who share the same interest and thrill for speed.
“The Alexandria Bay Poker Run was my first run and I loved it. When I went this year it gave me the opportunity to really get involved. It was so exciting to be part of it.”
While boating is his number one pastime, Brooks also keeps busy operating MGB Building Inc., his general commercial contracting business based in Spencerport, NY. In addition to managing and completing all types of renovations and projects, MGB Buildings Inc. has been concentrating its efforts in the health care field, working with health care facilities throughout the region.
