mattIt’s #facesoftahoecity Friday! Meet “Matty” Matt Daniels, Owner/Operator of Tahoe Marine & Excavating & Tahoe City local.

Matt, a fourth generation Tahoe City local, has lived in the community his entire 54-year life, minus one short year in Chico. Matt’s family, the Bechdolt’s, moved to Tahoe City in the late 1890’s, owned significant Tahoe City property over the years & helped shape the fabric of the small mountain town.

In 1982, Matt started Tahoe Marine & Excavating, a small family owned business that specializes in pier building, snow removal, and heavy equipment construction. The hours have been long, but Matt’s career has allowed him unique opportunities to explore the great depths of Lake Tahoe, using state-of-the-art underwater cameras (& scuba diving) to uncover mysteries of the big blue – including uncovering a sunken vessel from 1913.

When not working, you can find Matt at his favorite Tahoe City hangouts; Tahoe Blue Agave, Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge, The Dam Cafe, Wolfdale’s& Tahoe City Golf Course/Bar and Restaurant (a golfer since 3-years-old); giving back to town (a 20+ year barge volunteer for Tahoe City’s July 4th Fireworks) or spending time with his amazing three daughters – Jess Daniels, Kristen Daniels and Kylie Daniels (aka “the goat”).

Known to many as Mr. Whale or the Unofficial Mayor of Tahoe City, Matt has overcome many challenges, including a helicopter crash in Lake Tahoe (all 5 passengers survived) and recent surgery to his left leg (check out the new & improved leg!) – but he always comes back fighting with a big smile on his face.

Thank you, Matty, for continuing to make us smile & always putting your first LOVE, Tahoe City, first!

Stay tuned to for more #facesoftahoecity next Friday.

— with Matt Daniels in Tahoe City, California.