More than consulting, we actually get work done.
Gray Cat Enterprises extends the capabilities of your leadership team by providing experienced executive talent when and where you need it most. Leveraging decades of senior-level management experience across retail, foodservice, franchising, and multi-unit operations, we serve as an extension of your organization—delivering strategic leadership, operational expertise, and hands-on execution that produces measurable business results.
GET STARTEDMY BACKGROUND
I'm John Matthews
As President and CEO of Gray Cat Enterprises, I lead the firm’s consulting practice, providing strategic guidance to multi-unit retailers and franchise organizations in operations, strategic planning, executive leadership, organizational development, and senior-level project management.
With more than 30 years of executive retail experience, I have led initiatives in marketing, operations, category management, mergers and acquisitions, facilities management, real estate, and corporate communications across the quick-service restaurant, convenience store, and retail industries.
Before founding Gray Cat Enterprises in 2004, I served as:
- President of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
- VP of marketing, merchandising, facilities, corporate communications, and real estate at Clark Retail
Enterprises, Inc. - National marketing director of the Little Caesars Pizza Corporation
"I've had the pleasure of working closely with John for the last 3 years. What sets John apart from the pack is not only the favorable results that he drives, yet it's also in the way he achieves it. He is a quick study on things, yet he always starts with building trust. He seeks to first listen and understand, then based on that, he overlays his skills to solve the problem identified. He collaborates. He is accountable. He is smart. He pushes where appropriate. He is persistent. He is competitive. He always seems to find a path to success. If you are fortunate enough to get the chance to work with John - jump at it!"
- Mark Byers, Safeguard Business Systems (VP Deluxe Corp)
"Global Partners hired John Matthews and Gray Cat and he provided an expertise that we were looking for to enhance our operations across a number of fronts, producing great results. His personality meshes perfectly with our culture and has consistently provided creative solutions in a timely manner. All in all, he has been a tremendous value to our organization in operations, merchandising, marketing and strategic planning. John is a high integrity guy that is a great contributor to the overall success of our team."
- Mark Cosenza, Senior Vice President at Global Partners LP
"John has been an incredible person and partner to work with. Prior to kicking things off, we didn't have a solid framework for building out a 1 or 3 year plan, which are critical building blocks necessary to achieve the exponential growth that we're aiming for:
- Developing employee and company incentive programs
- Developing a series of KPI's to manage our business more precisely
- Built budgetary and planning frameworks
I would highly recommend John as his work and contributions to our business have been incredibly valuable."
- David Spratte, CEO & Co-Founder at Carpe
Interim Executive Leadership
Gray Cat can step into an interim executive leadership role in your organization to manage a division and/or company to the P&L level.
Senior-Level Project Management
Multi-departmental expertise to develop, guide and manage complex projects across your company. Â
Strategic Business Planning
Helping companies large and small better define their strategic direction through tactical initiatives.
Retail, Quick-Service Restaurant and Convenience Store Expertise
More than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning retail, quick-service restaurants, and convenience store operations, with expertise in operations, marketing, merchandising, facilities management, real estate, corporate communications, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
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Latest from the Gray Cat Blog
A growing library of practical business articles and insights created to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisees, and multi-unit operators strengthen leadership, improve operations, drive growth, and build more profitable organizations.
Want to improve your business-building skills but don’t know where to turn?
The Gray Cat Learning Series
Fifteen (15) hands-on, business training courses each ranging from 25-to-90 minutes in length
Grand Openings or Anniversaries
Tell the world that you are open (or celebrating an anniversary)
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Sales Forecasting
Sales forecasting is about accountability - learn how to deliver results
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Strategic Business Planning
Clarify your vision with a strategic plan – step-by-step instructions
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Operational Excellence
Set up your organization up for growth by understanding what the market wants
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Local Store Marketing
Capture core customers while simultaneously locking out competition
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Developing a Winning Foodservice Program
Foodservice attracts customers and at higher margins
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Leadership
Effective leadership involves a myriad of skillsets - learn how to master them
LEARN MORE
