Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week, we’re reflecting with Sammy Mattingly '19 and Frederick Ott '19
Business partners and 2019 classmates Sammy Mattingly and Frederick Ott didn’t know each other prior to enrolling at Trinity. Sammy came from St. Aloysius and Frederick from Holy Spirit. But they formed a bond on their path to greatness that is the foundation for their shared success.
In 2025, Sammy and Frederick founded Mattingly & Ott Financial Accounting, a boutique bookkeeping and financial accounting firm based in Louisville. It provides monthly bookkeeping, financial reporting and accounting support to small service businesses across Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Ohio, spanning more than a dozen industries, including nonprofits.
After graduating from Trinity, Sammy and Frederick attended the University of Kentucky. Sammy earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in finance; Frederick’s bachelor’s degree is in finance, economics and mathematics. Both men found jobs after college, but they reconnected in short order.
Sammy and Frederick are Alumni Class Agents and regularly attend Alumni Business Circle and Young Alumni Shamrock Society events.
What follows is an interview with Sammy and Frederick.
Why did you select Trinity for high school?
Sammy – My dad, Ben Mattingly, went to Trinity and graduated in 1984. I always knew I would probably end up there. It was also my best shadow experience.
Frederick – It felt like the staff and the student body were working together in a way that made me feel included right away. Also, my dad, Steve Ott, graduated from Trinity in 1987. My uncles John ’80 and Chris ’82 went to Trinity.
What activities/athletics, clubs or sports were you involved with at Trinity?
Sammy – I was captain of the quick recall team and participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). I was also president of the Inner Peace Club.
Frederick – I participated in FBLA and played football and intramural basketball.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Trinity?
Sammy – There are so many. I really enjoyed going to San Antonio with FBLA my senior year. It was fun to compete and experience a new place with my friends and our teachers Joe Henning H’06 and Sister Kathy Cash.
Frederick – I transferred to AP classes my sophomore year where I met who would soon become some of my best friends.
What do you remember about the day-to-day life at Trinity?
Sammy – I remember how fun it was and how everyone was so close. The days flew by, and I never really saw school as school in the traditional sense.
Frederick – I remember almost being late every morning coming from Beechwood Village in St. Matthews, which was a 2-minute drive. I also remember making sure I had the grades to guarantee my early-to-lunch status by making honor roll. Another memory was carrying around all of my books for the day so I didn’t have to go back to my locker and risk being late to class.
Who were some of your favorite teachers/coaches?
Sammy – Bernie Schum H’21 was my advisor and probably had the biggest impact on me. I also loved Andrew Coverdale’s (H’07) classes. Mark Amick ’97 was always great to me.
Frederick – Definitely Andrew Coverdale H’07 and Dick Wunderlin ’72.
How did you decide to go into business together?
Sammy – We reconnected after college and discovered that we both didn’t really like our jobs at the time. Eventually, after a few failed attempts at entrepreneurship we decided to take the leap of starting our own business.
Frederick – We shared an ambition of building something great and making an impact on our city, paired with the trust and friendship we’ve had since we met at Trinity our freshman year.
Can you describe what it's like to have graduated high school together and now work together?
Sammy – It’s surreal. However, I don’t think about it too much as we are always in the day-to-day work grind. We used to joke about doing this in college, and it’s cool that we are now doing it.
Frederick – I don’t think we would have ever thought in high school we’d end up working together. This wasn’t for lack of possibility, but more so because we were concerned with what was in front of us. The same is true now. We don’t put much thought into it because we’re so focused on working on what’s in front of us. Although, it is cool.
What effect did Trinity have on your life?
Sammy – It was immense. Trinity did a fantastic job in increasing and appreciating my foundational life skills – academic, spiritual, social and educational.
Frederick – Trinity gave me the confidence I needed to excel not only academically in college but also in developing relationships with faculty and staff that I still lean on for mentorship today.
Why do you attend Alumni Association events?
Sammy – At first, we went because we had time and wanted to meet other business owners that shared Trinity roots. While that remains true, we also go because it’s a great time. It helps me feel connected to Trinity, and I love seeing the same faces and new faces month after month.
Frederick – Networking is how we grew our business. Having Trinity alumni connections makes approaching these people much easier than if we didn’t have that shared experience.
Why do you support Trinity years after graduating?
Sammy – I realized how big of an impact Trinity had on my life and continues to have on me as an alum, so I feel it is the right thing to do.
Frederick – I have such fond memories of my time at Trinity and credit a lot of my personal development to my years there as a student. I think every young man should have the same opportunities I had, which is why I support Trinity however I can.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations, Communications & Archives at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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