This interview is with Stephen Mater, CEO at Stelcor Solutions Ltd.

Stephen Mater, CEO, Altitude Group Belize

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your unique expertise in high-performance execution and ultra marathons?

I’m Stephen Mater—an entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and ultra-endurance athlete. I’ve built multiple companies across construction, real estate, and lifestyle, all while competing in ultramarathons that span up to 100 miles. My expertise lies in high-performance execution—structuring life and business with the same discipline, grit, and long-term mindset required to train for extreme races. I believe success isn’t about intensity—it’s about consistency. I help business owners build systems that don’t rely on motivation, but on identity, accountability, and momentum.

What was your journey to becoming an expert in both building successful companies and competing in ultra marathons? How did these two paths intersect?

My journey started with the same question in both business and endurance: Can I go further than I think? I didn’t plan to become an ultra-runner or build multiple companies—I just kept leaning into discomfort and found I could endure more than expected. Running 100 miles and building a startup feel strangely similar: long, uncertain, often painful, and incredibly rewarding. The more I trained physically, the more structure and clarity I brought into business. And the more I built companies, the more I realized discipline—not motivation—is the thread that ties everything together. Over time, the two paths became one: a lifestyle rooted in execution, not excuses.

You’ve mentioned starting your day with movement is non-negotiable. Can you walk us through your morning routine and explain how it sets you up for success in both business and fitness?

As I sit here answering these questions, I’m supersetting them with body squats, side lunges, and push-ups. That pretty much sums up how I approach my mornings—movement and momentum. I wake up early and train first thing: run, lift, stretch—whatever gets my mind and body firing. After that, I sit down with my journal and fill in my time blocks. I don’t let the day pull me around—I decide what matters, when it happens, and why it’s important. I rank tasks by impact, not urgency. By the time most people are reactive, I’ve already executed on my health, set my intentions, and committed to progress. That’s the advantage: structure, discipline, and movement before anything else.

How do you translate the mental toughness required for ultra marathons into the business world? Can you share a specific challenge where your athletic mindset made a crucial difference?

Ultra marathons teach you one brutal truth: your body will want to quit long before your race is over. But if your mind is convinced—you’ll find a way. That’s exactly how I approach business. When I hit setbacks—delayed deals, failed launches, team issues—I remind myself: keep moving forward. I’ve had days in business where everything felt like it was falling apart. But just like in a race, I don’t negotiate with discomfort—I manage it. I focus on the next step, not the finish line. My mantra is simple: my mind is in control of my body. And in business, my vision is in control of the chaos. That shift—refusing to flinch—has gotten me through moments that would’ve broken me otherwise.

You’ve built multiple companies while maintaining an intense fitness regimen. What’s your secret to effective time management, and how can other entrepreneurs apply this to their lives?

The secret isn’t time management—it’s energy management through structure. I live by time blocks. Every task has a place, and if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. I plan my week in advance and protect the first part of every day for training and deep work. That’s when my mind is sharpest and my discipline is highest. I don’t try to balance everything—I focus intensely on the right thing at the right time. For other entrepreneurs: stop trying to “fit it all in.” Instead, design a routine that reflects your priorities, not just your obligations. Then protect it like your life depends on it—because your business might.

In your experience, how does physical endurance training influence your decision-making and problem-solving skills in the business world?

Endurance training sharpens decision-making because it forces you into discomfort—again and again—until that discomfort becomes familiar. When you’ve taken yourself into deep waters and survived, you develop a quiet confidence. In business, that matters. When pressure hits, I don’t panic. I’ve been in worse, and I made it through. Running also gives me space for clarity. Long hours on the road strip away the noise—some of my best decisions came mid-run, not in meetings. It’s not just physical training—it’s mental conditioning, perspective, and problem-solving all in motion.

Can you share a story about a time when your ultra marathon experience directly influenced a major business decision or strategy?

During the early days of launching StelCor, we hit a wall—supply delays, partner misalignment, and financial pressure all collided at once. It felt like mile 70 of an ultra: depleted, disoriented, and with no clear finish line in sight. I had two options—pull back and wait, or lean in and solve forward. That’s when the ultra mindset kicked in: Keep moving. Don’t think about the last 30 miles—just get to the next aid station. I broke the problem into chunks—one supplier issue, one partner conversation, one block of progress at a time. That strategy saved the business. Ultra running taught me not to make emotional decisions when exhausted. Business is the same: stay calm, stay focused, and move with intent—especially when it’s hard.

How do you approach recovery and prevent burnout while juggling the demands of entrepreneurship and extreme athletic pursuits? What’s one unconventional strategy you use?

One way I stay consistent without burning out is by intertwining content with the life I’m already living. I’ll film content during training runs, capture behind-the-scenes from business meetings, or turn date nights into storytelling moments. It’s not about forcing content—it’s about documenting what already matters. That way, I don’t just create for the algorithm—I create from alignment. The people who follow me don’t want polish—they want presence. And when you enjoy the process, consistency takes care of itself.

Looking ahead, how do you see the intersection of high-performance business execution and ultra-endurance sports evolving? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneur-athletes?

I believe the future belongs to those who can endure—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The intersection of high-performance execution and ultra-endurance isn’t just about pushing limits—it’s about mastering recovery, focus, and long-term thinking in a world obsessed with speed and shortcuts. Entrepreneurs and athletes alike are realizing that grit, patience, and structured discomfort are what produce real growth—not dopamine hits or hustle porn.

To aspiring entrepreneur-athletes: stop chasing someone else’s version of success. Most people giving advice haven’t done what you’re trying to do. Their limits aren’t your limits. Their rules don’t apply to your race. Test everything. Learn your own thresholds. Create your own blueprint. That’s where confidence is born—not from noise, but from evidence.

Running ultra marathons taught me that your body breaks long after your mind gives up—but if your mind refuses to fold, your body will follow. Business is no different. Your edge will come from how well you know yourself, how deeply you can focus, and how relentlessly you can move forward—even when it hurts. That’s where greatness lives—in the quiet moments no one sees, when you choose to keep going.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just this: discipline is the greatest freedom tool I know. The more structure I create, the more space I have to build, grow, and live fully. Whether you’re chasing a finish line or building something from scratch—don’t wait for motivation. Build systems. Honor your word. Get clear on who you are, and let your actions prove it daily. That’s how you create momentum. That’s how you create legacy.