The Gray Cat Blog

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

Interim Executive Management: Managing at the Front Line

Feb 13, 2026
 

Over the course of my two decades plus at Gray Cat, I have run eleven (11) departments or company divisions on an interim basis for my clients.

These are run in a part-time capacity and some stints have lasted upwards of three years.  This enables my client to essentially buy time in searching for a full-time solution.

In this podcast episode with Estaban Riano, I discuss being on the front lines.

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!