The Gray Cat Blog

A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multiunit operators.

A Practical Field-Based MBA

Sep 23, 2026
 

"Drinking from a fire hose" was par for the course in my corporate days.

I honestly believe that my practical experience in the C-Suite provided significant hands-on experience that makes an academic MBA seem tame.

In this podcast with Amisha Shrimanker, I discuss a typical decision-making day/week for me.

John Matthews, President & CEO, Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc.

John Matthews is the Founder and President of Gray Cat Enterprises, Inc. a Raleigh, NC-based management consulting company. Gray Cat specializes in strategic project management and consulting for multi-unit operations; interim executive management; and strategic planning. Mr. Matthews has over 30 years of senior-level executive experience in the retail industry, involving three dynamic multi-unit companies. Mr. Matthews experience includes President of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches; Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising, Corporate Communications, Facilities and Real Estate for Clark Retail Enterprises/White Hen Pantry; and National Marketing Director at Little Caesar's Pizza! Pizza!