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.

 
Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 14: Foodservice Jan 27, 2025

In the convenience store marketplace, margins continue to tighten on core products such as candy, snacks, and tobacco. Forward-thinking operators are attempting to stem the tide by introducing foodser...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 13: Multi-Unit Operations Jan 14, 2025

Every retail operator starts with that first, single store.  They hone their operational skills; develop a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and hopefully find success for years to come. 

Then they ge...

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Operational Consulting Jan 06, 2025

Recently, I appeared on the C-Suite Sherpa's podcast with fellow Chicagoan Brian Marshall where we discussed the differences between a consultant that provides vaporware versus on that produces result...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 12: Communications Plan Dec 10, 2024

Amazingly, many companies do not think about communications – both internally and externally – until it is a necessity. A crisis occurs, a reaction follows, and, in many cases, they do not necessarily...

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Gray Cat Books Dec 09, 2024

Looking for ways to improve your business?

If you’re willing to implement some of the ideas contained in any of these three Gray Cat books, you may find some answers.

In this radio interview with Joe ...

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The Blocking and Tackling of Retail Nov 19, 2024

Recently, I appeared on the John Lofstock podcast where we discussed retail basics.

While I like to chase the shiny penny on occasion, there is no substitute for simple blocking and tackling to creat...

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LinkedIn – The Power of Networking Nov 13, 2024

When I started Gray Cat Enterprises in 2004, I was living in Chicago and for the first couple of years, all of my clients were based in Illinois.  This was fine at the time, since I had a boatload of ...

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LinkedIn as a Tool Nov 12, 2024

I am living proof that by using LinkedIn, you can create a broader network of working professionals to foster relationships with and begin to build up an impenetrable circle of contacts that are exclu...

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Gray Cat Unleashed Episode 11: Store of the Future Oct 22, 2024

Change has been with us throughout time, but the worldwide pandemic seemed to put change on hyperdrive.  Every timeline became compressed and long-term trends seemingly happened overnight.  It was and...

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Burn the Ship Podcast: Top of Mind Networking Oct 01, 2024

Proactive networking is critical to stay top-of-mind.

Here is a short clip where I discuss this topic.

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Going all the way there with Food in a Convenience Store Oct 01, 2024

 

Sometimes you need to make the quantum leap and go all the way there. 

Here is a quick clip from a recent podcast I participated in with John Lofstock where we discussed taking a convenience store...
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Burn the Ship Podcast: Balancing the Pipeline Oct 01, 2024

I am living proof that by using LinkedIn, you can create a broader network of working professionals to foster relationships with and begin to build up an impenetrable circle of contacts that are exclu...

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