Entrepreneurship

EntréView: The Ascent of Matthew Fleeger – From Family Business to Oil and Gas Luminary

Born into a family with deep roots in the oil and gas industry, Matthew Fleeger seemed destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. Thomas H. Fleeger, the founder of Gulf Coast Western, established the company in 1970, focusing on acquiring and developing domestic oil and gas reserves along the resource-rich Gulf Coast states. As a young boy, Matthew watched his father navigate the early days of the business, forging strategic partnerships and fostering a culture of earnest hard work.

After completing his education at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, Matthew Fleeger joined Gulf Coast Western’s administrative team. For seven years, he immersed himself in the intricacies of the oil and gas trade, absorbing valuable lessons from his father. However, the entrepreneurial spirit in the family soon compelled Matthew to venture out on his own.

In 1993, Matthew Fleeger founded MedSolution, a medical waste management company that he led to remarkable success and profitability over the next 14 years. Demonstrating a keen eye for emerging trends, Fleeger also acquired two startup tanning businesses in the late 1990s, just as the industry began to soar in popularity. Under his guidance, Palm Beach Tan and Mystic Tan became the most profitable franchises in their respective niches.

These diverse experiences outside of Gulf Coast Western equipped Matthew Fleeger with a unique perspective and a sharpened ability to identify promising opportunities. When his father retired in 2007, Fleeger was ready to take the helm of the family business, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.

Matthew Fleeger’s return to Gulf Coast Western coincided with significant oil and gas industry upheaval. The challenges were manifold, from the rise of alternative energy sources to fluctuating global demand and economic uncertainty. Undeterred, Fleeger embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the company, streamlining operations, embracing new technologies, and adapting to the evolving landscape of worldwide energy consumption.

Under Matthew Fleeger’s leadership, Gulf Coast Western weathered the storm and emerged more vital than ever. The company’s reach and profitability grew, and its reputation soared, earning an A+ grade and a five-star rating from the Better Business Bureau. Clients praised Fleeger’s active and responsible stewardship, noting that every joint venture was conducted with “engineering and fiscal rigor with an active risk management protocol.”

Today, Gulf Coast Western is a leader in oil and gas exploration, with thriving operations spanning Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Colorado. In the latter state, Fleeger made headlines for his astute real estate investments, partnering with his wife, Candy, to transform a \$17 million traditional stone home in Vail into a breathtaking \$32 million mountain retreat.

From his early days learning the ropes of the family business to his bold entrepreneurial ventures and triumphant return to Gulf Coast Western, Matthew Fleeger’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, innovative thinking, and the courage to seize opportunities. His leadership has not only propelled Gulf Coast Western to new heights. Still, it has also solidified his reputation as a luminary in the oil and gas industry. As Fleeger continues to navigate the ever-changing energy landscape, his positive attitude and unwavering commitment to excellence inspire all those who aspire to leave their mark on the business world.