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The Gray Cat Blog

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

The Difference Between a Management Consultant and an Operational Consultant

Feb 17, 2026
 

"Uh oh, here comes another consultant".  

I have heard that far too many times in the last 20+ years.

What makes Gray Cat unique is that I am an Operational  Consultant - that steps in and produces results.

Not creating PowerPoint decks or memos that sit on a shelf, real  work that contributes to my clients bottom line.

In this podcast with Dilan Abeya, I articulate this point.

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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!