The Gray Cat Blog

Sometimes another set of eyes can make all the difference.

Small businesses are a phenomenal entity. Often started in a garage or at a kitchen table, the sheer energy of the small business entreprene...

A while back, a gentleman that wanted help selling his company approached me.  I asked him “So, what do you hope the purchase price to be?”  He looked at me and said “$5 million”.   I then asked, “How...

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...

Creating a memorable day for a specific targeted customer creates a “team” mentality-attracting groups of customers that may come to your store simply for the team camaraderie. Examples such as “Admin...

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...

As the year gets into full swing, it’s time to take a hard look at the way you manage your calendar.  I learned very early on in my corporate career that there are two paths one can take to calendar m...

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...

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...

Multi-unit retail operators are often presented with challenges with their product assortment due to varying demographic and store configurations throughout their network of locations. Often, product ...

Labor management is perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of running a profitable business. Servicing the customer with too few people on staff and sales will be negatively impacted as customers...

I do like a good cup of coffee. 

So, when I get asked by business colleagues for a cup of coffee and to “pick my brain” on ideas on their next career path, I jump at it.  While some are simply looki...

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 ...