Few business leaders in the heart of Texas’s oil country exemplify the combination of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic vision quite like Matthew H. Fleeger. As President and CEO of Gulf Coast Western, Fleeger has continued his family’s legacy in the energy sector and emerged as a transformative force in business and charitable giving.
From Family Business to Industry Leader
Following in the footsteps of his father, Thomas H. Fleeger, who founded Gulf Coast Western in 1970, Matthew has transformed the company into a prominent player in the oil and gas industry. Under his leadership, Gulf Coast Western has expanded its operations across multiple states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Colorado. It has earned an impressive A+ grade and a five-star rating from the Better Business Bureau.
But Fleeger’s path to success wasn’t a straight line. Before taking the helm at Gulf Coast Western, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess in diverse industries. From 1993 to 2007, he founded and led MedSolutions, a medical waste management company, to remarkable success. He also made strategic moves in the commercial tanning industry, acquiring and growing two startup businesses – Palm Beach Tan and Mystic Tan – into industry giants that approached $100 million in revenue under his management.
A Vision for Energy’s Future
At Gulf Coast Western, Fleeger has shown remarkable adaptability in navigating the complex energy landscape. His leadership has focused on implementing new technologies, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining strong risk management protocols. This strategic approach has positioned Gulf Coast Western as a domestic gas and oil reserve exploration, development, and acquisition leader.
Championing Education Through Athletics
Fleeger’s impact extends well beyond the business world, particularly in his dedication to his alma mater, Southern Methodist University (SMU). As a proud member of the class of 1987, he has maintained a deep connection to the institution that helped shape his career. Recently, Fleeger and his wife, Candee Richmond Fleeger (SMU class of 1986), made headlines with their transformative $2 million contribution to SMU’s Atlantic Coast Conference Competitiveness Campaign.
The timing of their gift proved crucial, helping SMU surpass its ambitious $125 million campaign goal, ultimately reaching $159 million in cash and commitments for fiscal year 2024. Of their donation, $1.2 million was specifically earmarked for the Weber End Zone Complex, while $800,000 supported the campaign’s broader objectives.
“I’m thrilled with the future direction of SMU Athletics,” Fleeger remarked. “There’s never been a better time to be a Mustang, and I’m proud to support our transition to the ACC.”
SMU’s Director of Athletics Rick Hart praised Fleeger’s contribution: “We are deeply grateful to Matt Fleeger and the Fleeger Family Foundation for their extraordinary generosity. Their commitment propels us to our campaign goal and significantly enhances our facilities and resources, positioning SMU Athletics for sustained success in the ACC.”
Personal Experience Driving Philanthropy
Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of Fleeger’s philanthropy stems from his personal experience as a cancer survivor. This journey has inspired his partnership with the Sadie Keller Foundation, an organization founded by a young cancer survivor dedicated to bringing joy to children battling cancer during the holiday season. Through Gulf Coast Western, Fleeger has contributed $25,000 to the foundation and sponsors its annual fundraising gala, demonstrating how personal challenges can transform into powerful forces for positive change.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond his business and philanthropic endeavors, Fleeger has shown his strategic investment acumen in real estate. In Vail, Colorado, he and his wife undertook an ambitious renovation of their mountain-style stone home, investing approximately $7 million in improvements. The resulting 11,000-square-foot estate, with its six bedrooms and luxurious amenities, is a testament to his ability to recognize and enhance value across different sectors.
The Legacy Continues
Matthew H. Fleeger’s story is about continuous growth, adaptation, and giving back. From building upon his father’s legacy at Gulf Coast Western to supporting the next generation of leaders through his contributions to SMU, Fleeger exemplifies how business success can be leveraged for broader community impact. His multifaceted approach to business and philanthropy continues to shape industries and institutions, creating lasting positive change that extends far beyond the bottom line.
As SMU prepares for its historic transition to the ACC and Gulf Coast Western continues to evolve in the dynamic energy sector, Fleeger’s influence models how business leaders can combine professional success with meaningful community engagement. Matthew H. Fleeger has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and impact future generations through his various ventures and philanthropic initiatives.
