Behind the Badge: John Mattaliano
When John Mattaliano (Theta Nu/Rowan 2023) started experimenting with audio equipment and storytelling, he never imagined it would lead to a Webby—one of the internet’s top honors—for his immersive “Wicked RP” audio experience. Today, through his company JOHNVINCENT PRODUCTIONS, he specializes in sound design, music production, audio editing, mixing, and mastering, working daily on everything from TV commercials and radio edits to video games and podcasts. Fresh off that win, Brother Mattaliano sat down with us to talk about how his Theta Chi experience, creative risk-taking, and staying in tune with his passion helped him turn a side hustle into an award-winning performance.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I’m from Montville, New Jersey, where I was born and raised.
Q: When and how did you discover you were musically inclined?
A: Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I fell in love with producing beats and writing my own lyrics at a young age. In high school, I met a teacher who ran the Montville School of Rock. He became a key mentor, teaching me how to mix live music and inspiring me to pursue my passion in college, where I studied Music Technology.
Q: What initially appealed to you about Greek life when you first arrived on Rowan?
A: When I got to Rowan, I really wanted to find a group of people who were driven but also cared about giving back and building something meaningful. My cousin Tyler Wilhalme (Beta Delta/Rutgers 2017) served as Chapter President of Theta Chi at Rutgers from 2016 to 2017, and seeing how much the brotherhood meant to him really inspired me. I loved the idea of being part of something bigger than myself—a community focused on leadership, service, and friendship.
Q: What attracted you to Theta Chi at Rowan?
A: I was actually a Rechartering Member, so there weren’t any Theta Chi’s yet, which made it even more exciting. I saw the opportunity to bring Theta Chi back to Rowan as a chance to start something from the ground up with people who shared the same values. We weren’t just joining a fraternity; we were building one. That sense of purpose and teamwork really drew me in.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in Theta Chi?
A: Definitely winning Chapter of the Year at Rowan University when I was President. That moment felt like all our hard work had paid off. From our service events and philanthropy for the USO to supporting causes like the Samaritan Shelter, JED Foundation, Family Promise, and more, it was amazing seeing how much of an impact we could make together. Building something special with my best friends are memories I’ll always carry with me.
Q: What was the experience like establishing your own production company? Are there any highs and lows that stand out?
A: Starting JOHNVINCENT PRODUCTIONS was both exciting and a huge learning experience. The highs were those moments where I got to create with people I really admired and realized I could actually make this my career. The lows were just the challenges of starting something from scratch: the late nights and pushing through uncertainty. But it all taught me resilience and reinforced how much I love what I do.
Q: You recently received a Webby People’s Voice Award—what was the process of creating that award-winning project?
A: That project was for a “Wicked RP” experience that I worked on closely with Zach Hahn, the founder of audio.expert, and the team at Sawhorse Interactive. We focused on creating a world that felt alive through sound. Every texture, atmosphere, and little detail mattered. Zach has been an incredible mentor and collaborator, and working with him really helped me push my craft to another level. It was a creatively fulfilling project where everything just came together perfectly.
Q: Tell us about winning the Webby Award.
A: It honestly felt surreal. To have people around the world vote for something I worked so hard on is really special. More than anything, it made me grateful for the people who believed in me early on and for all the late nights that led up to that moment. It was a reminder that the risks and hard work are worth it.
Q: What lessons from your Theta Chi experience have you carried into your professional life?
A: Our motto, the “Helping Hand,” really stuck with me. Being President taught me that leadership isn’t about titles. Real leadership is about supporting others and lifting people up. That mindset has carried into my career. Whether I’m leading a project or collaborating with a team, I try to be the person who helps others succeed and brings a positive energy to everything I do.
Q: What advice would you offer to others who are interested in entering the production industry?
A: Do what you love. That’s the most important thing. Don’t chase the money or the title. Chase the passion. My mom and dad always taught me that if you do what you love and put your heart into it, success will follow. I really believe that. When you’re genuinely passionate about your work, people feel it, and that’s what opens doors.
Q: What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?
A: Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow and collaborate on projects that inspire me. I want to keep building meaningful relationships, learning from great people, and pushing myself creatively. My goal is simple: to keep doing what I love every day and see how far that passion can take me.
As Brother Mattaliano continues to grow JOHNVINCENT PRODUCTIONS, his Webby win feels less like a finish line and more like a testimony that he's on the right path. The same instincts that drove him to help rebuild Theta Nu, take creative risks, and stay tuned into what he loves are now guiding an award-winning career in audio, and it all comes back to the simple idea that started it: if you pour yourself into the work and into the people around you, the opportunities and the recognition will follow.