While many know Matthew H. Fleeger as the President and CEO of Gulf Coast Western, his path to leadership in the oil and gas industry was paved through diverse entrepreneurial ventures that showcase his business acumen across multiple sectors. From medical waste management to the tanning industry, Fleeger's career demonstrates a pattern of identifying opportunities, building successful enterprises, and executing strategic exits.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, Matthew H. Fleeger initially joined his father's company, Gulf Coast Western, spending seven years learning the fundamentals of the oil and gas business. However, rather than simply continuing in the family business, Fleeger embarked on an independent entrepreneurial journey that would prove his capabilities beyond the energy sector.
Medical Waste Success: Building and Selling MedSolutions
In 1993, Matthew H. Fleeger identified an opportunity in the medical waste management industry and founded MedSolutions, Inc. The company specialized in the disposal of medical waste, an essential but often overlooked service in the healthcare sector.
Under Fleeger's leadership, MedSolutions grew into a regional leader in healthcare waste management. His ability to recognize industry needs, implement efficient operational systems, and build strong client relationships transformed the startup into a valuable enterprise. After leading the company for thirteen years, Fleeger sold MedSolutions in 2007 for approximately $59 million, demonstrating his skill not only in building companies but also in timing strategic exits.
This successful venture established Matthew H. Fleeger as more than just an oil executive's son—he had proven himself as an independent entrepreneur capable of creating substantial value in an industry entirely separate from his family's business.
Tanning Industry Innovation: Palm Beach Tan and Mystic Tan
While still leading MedSolutions, Fleeger's entrepreneurial vision led him to opportunities in the indoor tanning industry during the late 1990s. He acquired and developed two tanning startups—Palm Beach Tan and Mystic Tan—applying his business expertise to transform them into industry leaders.
Under Fleeger's guidance, Palm Beach Tan grew to become one of the most profitable indoor tanning franchises in the United States. Meanwhile, Mystic Tan developed into the world's largest spray-on tanning franchise. Together, these ventures approached $100 million in annual revenue during his tenure.
Fleeger's success in the tanning industry demonstrated his versatility as a business leader and his ability to apply core business principles across different sectors. His achievements in building these companies further cemented his reputation as a skilled entrepreneur with the capacity to identify growth opportunities and execute effective business strategies.
Returning to Lead Gulf Coast Western
When Thomas Fleeger retired in 2007, Matthew H. Fleeger was prepared to return to the family business, bringing with him valuable experience and proven entrepreneurial skills. His return to Gulf Coast Western coincided with significant challenges in the oil and gas industry, including price volatility and shifting market dynamics.
Fleeger applied the lessons from his independent ventures to transform Gulf Coast Western's operations. As he told an interviewer, "The trend that excites me is the innovation and American ingenuity taking place in our industry. The advancements in technology have created opportunities and efficiencies that weren't there even five years ago."
His approach included reducing corporate overhead, embracing technological innovation, improving operational efficiency, and forming strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, Gulf Coast Western expanded beyond its traditional Gulf Coast focus to include operations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, and Kansas.
Entrepreneurial Approach to Real Estate
Matthew H. Fleeger's entrepreneurial mindset extends beyond company operations to strategic real estate investments. In one notable venture, Fleeger and his wife invested approximately $7 million in renovating a mountain-style home in Vail, Colorado. The extensive renovation transformed the property into an 11,000-square-foot luxury estate that was subsequently listed as one of Vail's most expensive homes.
More recently, Fleeger led Gulf Coast Western in purchasing the company's office complex along the Dallas North Tollway through a foreclosure sale, with plans for renovation. He described this as a "contrarian" investment strategy during a time when many investors were avoiding commercial real estate.
"A lot of people are running from commercial real estate, but from my perspective, I'm investing in my home... we can make this a fun place to office," Fleeger explained, demonstrating the same calculated risk-taking that has characterized his business approach throughout his career.
Lessons in Entrepreneurial Resilience
Throughout his business career, Matthew H. Fleeger has weathered various economic downturns, including the oil industry crises of 2008 and 2020. His experiences taught him valuable lessons about maintaining cash reserves and identifying unique opportunities during challenging times.
Fleeger's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates that success comes not just from recognizing opportunities but from executing strategic visions with discipline and adaptability. His track record across multiple industries stands as testament to his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, qualities that continue to drive Gulf Coast Western's growth and success in the competitive energy sector.
