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.

 
A War Chest of Knowledge Sep 24, 2025

Every situation.  Every experience.  Creates Opportunities.

 Over the course of my career - both corporately and as an entrepreneur - I have been involved in a myriad of complex projects and situatio...
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Elite Growth Partners Podcast: Interim Executive Management Sep 24, 2025

 

Gray Cat has stepped into interim executive leadership roles multiple times in the last decade managing a division and/or company to the P&L level.  
 
These are challenging roles since the learn...
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Customer Experiences Versus Transactions Sep 17, 2025

Retailers should embrace creating pleasant experiences for their customers, not simply transactions.

Recently, I appeared on Joe Vagnone’s radio show where we discussed this.
 
Want more ideas?  Fo...
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What Happens When Marketing Doesn't Work? Sep 04, 2025

I would like to think that every marketing strategy that I have set in motion was a smashing success.

Far from it.

Here is a short clip with Ashur Eliot on his Elite Growth Partners podcast that out...

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Extending the "Team" at Gray Cat Sep 04, 2025

Breaking out on your own can be very rewarding but on some complex projects, you have to surround yourself with expertise.

In this episode of Founders Future podcast with Jae Encarnacion, we discuss ...

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An Entrepreneurial Proud Moment Aug 21, 2025

Longevity of an entrepreneur is a rare commodity.

Think about all of the stores/services that have started and could not make it a year; five years; or a decade.
 
In this podcast with Steve Denny ...
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Expanding your Staff? Aug 21, 2025

Often entrepreneurs are conflicted with adding staff or staying solo.

My approach at Gray Cat has been fairly focused in this area.

On a recent podcast with Ashur Elliot, we discuss this.

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The Challenges with Growth Aug 21, 2025

Everyone wants to grow.  But growth for the sake of growth may not always be the best roadmap.

I recently discussed this with Steve Denny of IBA on his podcast.  
 
Here is a short clip.
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Helping High Growth Companies Aug 19, 2025

I was fortunate.  I was involved in three high-growth companies:

- Little Caesars (went from 1,300 stores to 5,000 stores in 5 years)

- Clark Retail Enterprises (added 600 stores in 3 years)

- Jimm...

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Retail and the Invasion of AI Aug 04, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the "You Don't Know What You Don't Know" podcast with Steve Denny where we discussed AI and its impact on retail.

Here is a short clip.

Want more ideas?  For more information...

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Referral-based Clients Aug 04, 2025

There are nameless, faceless, emotionless lead generation tactics and there are networked, referral-based, competency-vetted client leads.

On this episode of the Founders Future podcast, I discuss th...

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Standing out on LinkedIn Aug 04, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the Elite Growth Partners podcast with Ashur Elliot where I was asked how I attract potential clients and stand out on LinkedIn.

Here is a short clip.
 
Want more ideas?  Fo...
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