“People just want really deep human connection and really deep human experience.” – Matthew Filbert, USMA ‘17

Matthew Filbert is the founder of Reunion Baths, a modern bathhouse concept reimagining how people connect through wellness, community, and shared experience. After serving in the U.S. Army and later working as a software engineer, Matthew set out to build something entirely different: a place where people could disconnect from technology, slow down, and reconnect with one another.

Inspired by years of visiting bathhouses throughout New York City and around the world, Matthew saw an opportunity to bring a centuries-old tradition into a modern setting. Reunion Baths blends communal bathing, thoughtful design, and hospitality to create spaces where meaningful conversations, genuine relationships, and everyday wellness naturally come together.

In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Matthew about:

• An Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey: How an unexpected passion for bathhouses led Matthew from software engineering to launching Reunion Baths.

  
  

• More Than a Wellness Trend: Why Matthew believes communal bathing fills a growing need for deeper human connection in an increasingly digital world.

  
  

• Designing an Experience People Remember: The vision behind Reunion Baths and how every detail is intended to encourage conversation, relaxation, and community.

  
  

• Bringing a Big Idea to Life: Matthew shares what it takes to raise capital, navigate development, and turn an ambitious concept into a reality.

  
  

• Building for the Long Term: From expanding into major cities to helping shape America’s culture around communal bathing, Matthew shares the vision guiding Reunion Baths beyond its first location. 

Timestamps:

00:41 Spa Love Story Begins

02:26 Russian Turkish Baths Spark

05:40 Why Bathhouses Are Back

09:37 Funding and Brooklyn Location

11:13 Inside the Bathhouse Design

13:54 Timeline and Build Plan

15:49 Big Vision and Expansion

19:03 How to Help and Invest Connect with Matthew

• LinkedIn | Matthew Filbert

• reunionbaths.com

• matthew@reunionbaths.com 
  

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A special thank you to Matthew for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01