A hands-on executive partnership to restore direction, strengthen leadership, and build momentum – without adding complexity.

Partnership Model

Over time, even the most successful companies can become overly dependent on the person who built them.

Most small and mid-sized business owners did not start their companies to create an exhausting job for themselves. They built something real – around something they are, or were, passionate about. Something that provides jobs, feeds families, and strengthens their community. But somewhere along the way, the weight grows. The business that once gave pride and purpose starts to consume more than it gives back.

At Rawhide Executive Solutions, I believe these companies are the backbone of America’s economy – and their owners deserve actual support. With the right leadership approach, these businesses can thrive, and owners can reclaim a life they truly enjoy.

I work one-on-one and in-person as a partner – not a consultant – to regain direction, strength, and momentum.

My approach blends CEO strategic insight, COO operational discipline, and hands-on empathy from leading through tough stretches and decisions affective families and communities. Together, we reset priorities, rebuild team confidence, and execute on long-term value.

Through structured advisory partnerships, I help owners:

  • Step back to regain direction and move forward purposefully

  • Break through growth and operational plateaus

  • Strengthen leadership and accountability systems

  • Prepare for ownership transitions while preserving legacy

Every engagement helps build a company that works – and a life that does too.

Because your business should serve your life, not consume it.

Explore Quick-Start Options

Meet Matt Gillespie

Founder & Executive Advisor

I have spent my career leading and strengthening small and mid-sized businesses – the kind that anchor communities and create real opportunities. For nearly a decade, as CEO, I led a single-family office overseeing more than a dozen operating companies across manufacturing, services, a national consumer brand, and commercial real estate. Most of my time was spent shoulder to shoulder with operating partners and leaders, helping them regain direction, strengthen operations, and rebuild momentum.

Before that, as COO, I led the turnaround and rapid scaling of a diversified manufacturing and service business. I have made the tough calls, balanced risk, and done whatever the moment required – from restructuring teams to operating a forklift at 2 AM.

I founded Rawhide Executive Solutions to help Ohio Valley business owners simplify complexity and strengthen their teams.

“The best thing a human being can do is to help another human being know more.”

– Charlie Munger

The Partnership Approach

Start with a low commitment entry-point for immediate clarity and quick wins, then build into an ongoing monthly partnership for sustained direction, momentum, and freedom from daily firefighting.

All options include hands-on access, in-person commitment (travel included), and no scope creep – you get the insight and accountability of a trusted executive partner.

Owner Reset Day

Half-Day On-Site Workshop

  • Quick four-hour in-person session to reset priorities and map bottlenecks

  • Build a 90-day action plan for immediate momentum and reduced chaos

  • Walk away with tangible takeaways to implement fast

  • Follow-up support to keep progress moving

Momentum Assessment

Two-Week Deep Dive

  • Uncover hidden bottlenecks and cashflow leaks in weeks, not months, to free up time and capital

  • Gain crystal-clear visibility into financials, operations, and leadership gaps for confident decisions

  • Receive a customized roadmap with prioritized quick wins that deliver measurable ROI fast

  • Experience hands-on insight from a former CEO/COO to validate your path forward without guesswork

  • Debrief with actionable recommendations to reduce owner dependency and set up sustainable growth

Transformational Partnership

Ongoing Monthly Engagement

  • Reclaim your time and energy as we build systems that eliminate “everything falls back on me” dependency

  • Drive consistent execution and growth with data-backed deliverables, stronger teams, and real accountability

  • Navigate plateaus, transitions, or scale challenges with strategic guidance that preserves your legacy and boosts value

  • Enjoy complete access to CEO/COO-level insight and support – without the overhead or risk of a full-time hire

  • Achieve lasting momentum so your business thrives, your team pulls in the same direction, and your life serves you again

  • Unlike consultants who deliver reports and leave, I work as your hands-on partner – embedded in your business with in-person sessions, ongoing support, and accountability. We focus on execution, not just advice, so you see real momentum without added bureaucracy and layers.

  • Owners of small to mid-sized manufacturing or service businesses (typically $8M-$50M revenue) in the Ohio Valley who feel their company has plateaued, become too dependent on them, or need help with growth/transitions. If you are pragmatic, value straight talk, and want your business to serve your life again - this fits.

  • My partnerships are primarily designed for owners who feel the full weight of the business on their shoulders and want to regain control, reduce dependency, and build a life beyond the company. That said, I occasionally work with non-owner executives in family-owned or closely held businesses, especially where the owner is supportive of the challenges.

    If you are in that position, reach out for a quick conversation. We will discuss whether the fit is right – often, the most effective path is the owner being involved at some level to ensure lasting momentum. Because at the end of the day, this work is about helping the business (and its people) thrive sustainably.

  • We start with a low commitment option like an Owner Reset Day or Momentum Assessment for quick clarity. If it resonates, we move to an ongoing monthly partnership with customized in-person and virtual sessions, deliverables, (ie. financial reviews, organizational structure mapping, action plans), and unlimited between session support – all flat-fee, travel included.

  • Entry points are one-time (half-day or two weeks). Ongoing partnerships are month-to-month with no long-term lock-in – many owners continue 6-18+ months as momentum builds and dependency drops.

  • Owners often regain control quickly (ie. clearer priorities, stronger teams, better cashflow visibility) and see reduced burnout within months. Long-term: a business that runs more independently, with preserved legacy and sustainable growth – tailored to your goals.

  • While results depend on implementation, entry points provide immediate value (ie. actionable report or 90-day plan). If we move forward to an ongoing partnership, fees are credited 50 percent towards the first month – low-risk way to test fit.

  • Reach out for a no-obligation conversation. We will discuss your challenges and see if we are a good match – then choose the best starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

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