When Gulf Coast Western was established by Thomas H. Fleeger in 1970, few could have predicted that his son Matthew would one day transform the family business and rise to become a titan of the oil industry. The younger Fleeger, learning at his father’s knee, absorbed the values of diligence and hard work that shaped Gulf Coast Western’s early years. After graduating from Southern Methodist University’s esteemed Cox School of Business, Matthew Fleeger dove into the family trade, spending seven formative years as part of Gulf Coast Western’s administrative team, gaining a deep understanding of the oil business.
However, the enterprising spirit in Matthew Fleeger’s blood soon compelled him to prove his mettle separate from the family name. He founded MedSolution, a medical waste management company, and helmed it to remarkable success and profitability from 1993 to 2007. Fleeger also demonstrated a keen eye for rising consumer trends, acquiring two fledgling tanning salon businesses in the late 1990s as the industry surged in popularity. Under his skillful leadership, these startups – Palm Beach Tan and Mystic Tan – burgeoned into the most profitable franchises in their respective niches of tanning beds and spray-on tanning.
Leading these ventures outside the familiar domain of Gulf Coast Western provided Matthew Fleeger with invaluable perspectives. It honed his ability to identify lucrative industry trends and acquire promising nascent companies. Armed with this diverse business acumen, Fleeger was poised to steer Gulf Coast Western to new heights when his father passed him the torch upon retiring in 2007.
Matthew Fleeger’s homecoming was baptized by fire as the oil and gas industry reeled from instability and strife. Alternative energy was rising, global oil demands fluctuated wildly, and gas shortages, breakneck technological changes, and an uncertain economy collided in a maelstrom of challenges. Undaunted, Fleeger spearheaded a bold transformation at Gulf Coast Western, streamlining operations, embracing innovation, and nimbly adapting to the changing tides of worldwide energy consumption.
Gulf Coast Western emerged from this crucible stronger than ever, its reach and profitability swelling under Matthew Fleeger’s steady hand at the helm. Fleeger attributes the company’s enduring success to an unshakable positive mindset, even in adversity. He believes this attitude is the hallmark of any successful leader: “You have to portray this quality constantly, or else negative morale and despair will creep into your business quickly.”
Today, Gulf Coast Western is a pinnacle among its peers, boasting an A+ grade and a five-star rating from the Better Business Bureau. One client testimonial encapsulates Fleeger’s impact: “Under the active and responsible leadership of Matthew Fleeger, every joint venture has been conducted with both engineering and fiscal rigor with an active risk management protocol.”
From the heart of Texas to the mountains of Colorado, Gulf Coast Western has flourished under Matthew Fleeger’s stewardship, with thriving operations spanning Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Colorado. In the latter state, Fleeger made waves with his savvy real estate moves, partnering with his wife Candy to undertake a \$7 million renovation of their Vail estate. The Fleegers’ \$17 million investment and subsequent remodel transformed the traditional stone home into a breathtaking showcase of sweeping mountain vistas, sprawling living spaces, and luxurious outdoor amenities. Just a year post-purchase, Fleeger listed the reborn property for \$32 million, cementing its status among the most expensive listings in Vail’s history and testifying to his golden touch as an investor.
From his early days as an eager apprentice to his father to his bold solo ventures in medical waste and tanning salons, to his triumphant return and remaking of Gulf Coast Western, Matthew Fleeger has crafted a legacy of entrepreneurial excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership in the oil industry and beyond. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, positive thinking, and the fearless pursuit of one’s passions.