John Matthews

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

President & CEO at Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc.

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Overview

John Matthews is the President and CEO of Gray Cat Enterprises, a retail consulting firm he founded. With over 30 years of executive experience at brands like Jimmy Johns and Little Caesars, he specializes in multi-unit operations, strategic planning, and marketing. People who have worked with him describe him as dynamic, creative, decisive, and organized.

Originally from the Midwest with a BA from Michigan State University, John now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a published author and a frequent guest on business podcasts, where he shares his expertise to help other entrepreneurs succeed. He is also an avid networker, maintaining connections with thousands of professional contacts.

Unique Fact: He prides himself on being an "Operational Consultant" who focuses on actively executing plans and producing results, not just creating PowerPoint decks.

Personality Overview

Early Adopter

Objective Evaluator

Risk Tolerant

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.

Topics They Care About

Retail Operations
His consulting firm specializes in improving multi-unit retail operations, and he has decades of senior leadership experience in this area with major brands.
Local Store Marketing
He authored the book "Local Store Marketing For Retailers, " demonstrating deep expertise and a passion for community-focused marketing strategies.
Strategic Business Planning
He wrote the first-ever five-year strategic business plan for Jimmy John's and offers strategic planning as a core service of his consultancy.

Media Appearances

5 Award Winning Minutes With John Matthews of Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc.. Featured in Daily News Network

See Now

Work History

4-2004
President & CEO at Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc.
2003 - 2004
President at Jimmy John's
1996 - 2003
VP, Marketing, Merchandising, Corporate Communications, Facilities, Real Estate at Clark Retail Enterprises, Inc.
1987 - 1996
National Marketing Director at Little Caesars Pizza

Education

1980 - 1984
BA from Michigan State University
1976 - 1980
Education details unavailable from Plymouth Canton

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 39 Location : Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : President & CEO at Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc.
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Insights For Selling To John

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • During followups, use phone or text if needed, they should be fine
  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant

DONT's

  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with John is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from John

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will John move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can John take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And John

Personality Compatibility


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