It's been said that everything in life can be learned from Saved by the Bell. Okay, maybe it hasn't been said, but I'm saying it right now.

My story started much like your own, with a boy and a dream. But everything changed for me in January of 2010. On a cold winter day in Chicago that started with a Starbucks latte and a Lady Gaga playlist, I walked into my office and walked out an hour later with a box of my stuff and two weeks severance.

Yes, that's right, I got fired. And it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because, you see, that was the day when my life as an entrepreneur began. That was the day when I realized I didn't have to climb the corporate ladder. That I didn't have to pay my dues. That the 'American Dream' of putting in time at a company for 25 years, collecting my gold watch and retiring wasn't the only way - or at least wasn't going to be my dream.

Since then, I haven't looked back. After starting my own web design and development company in Chicago, I moved back to Nashville with my wife and dog to start Proof, a full service branding agency, founded with my good friend and partner, Sam Davidson.

At Proof we work with businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs with everything from marketing strategy to design, video production to print layout. In short, we help your brand become the next great brand in the industry with insightful and creative ideas paired with a strategic approach and refreshing attitude.

On the side, I'm the author of Life Without Pants (safe for work, I promise). I also speak regularly about everything from Generation Y to Social Media. And, in my spare time, I love spending time with my wife, snuggling with my dog, Cowboy (it's as cute as it sounds), playing golf (if you can call it 'playing'), quoting Seinfeld, and enjoying a delicious craft beer or a shot of 1800 Tequila, because these days it's all velvet ropes and posture.

Can I Just Get a Quick Bio?

I am Matt Cheuvront. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. As the Co-Founder and Chief Web Guru of Proof, a full service branding and design firm, I design and develop cool websites, consult with clients about their marketing strategy and creative goals, and pretend to be really, really smart.

I'm the author of Life Without Pants, a blog about everything (and nothing) from a less-restricted perspective. I also speak, run, say random things on Twitter, and bend spoons. I'm a husband to one, father of one (dog), and friend to many.

Call me an optimist, but I genuinely believe that if I can do what I've done, anyone can do anything they're compelled to accomplish.

How did you start your own business?

The short answer? Hard work. I wish there was some magic formula I could share to everyone who wants to start their own business, but when it comes down to it, you have to be willing to work hard. You have to be willing to make sacrifices. You're going to make some mistakes, it's going to take risks, but hard work, in short, really works. If you're not willing to work hard, you're not ready to run your own business.

What's your design philosophy?

Simple is beautiful. While everyone loves a good unicorn GIF or midi file, I believe design should be not only aesthetically pleasing, but functionally effective. Your design shouldn't create noise around your primary calls to action. If it does, you'll without a doubt be converting fewer visitors into buyers, subscribers, or clients.

I often through around phrases like "clean lines, bold splashes of color, and sharp typography". For examples of the work my company has created, swing by our portfolio.

Note: Simple does not mean boring and it does not mean cheap. Don't get it twisted, folks.

Favorite Saved by the Bell Character (who wasn't part of the main 'gang')?

Without a doubt, Maxwell Nerdstrom. Sure, there were a lot of other good ones: Screech's adopted blonde-bombshell cousin. Slater's non-supportive fatigue-wearing father. Mr. Testaverde (aka the Micro Machines guy). The list goes on. But Maxwell? This guy kissed Screech's dog, got dumped by Violet, and still managed to be a (rich) chick magnet. Enough said. Second runner up? Rod Belding.