Episode 144. Matt Thornton – President and CEO, Thorntons Inc.
Matt Thornton cites his desire to win as the trait that drives him in his roles leading Thorntons and contributing to the community.
Matt is president and CEO of Thorntons Inc., a leading, independent gasoline and convenience chain retailer with well over 170 stores. Originally founded by Thornton’s father, James H. Thornton, the first location opened in Clarksville, Indiana in 1971.
For eight years, Matt served as Vice President of Operations. During this time, Matt revolutionized the convenience store industry with a new award-winning prototype store, featuring a wide variety of fast food products, groceries, and beverages within a well-lit, customer-friendly environment. In 2001, Matt was named CEO of Thorntons Inc. He practices “lead by example” in his role and it is not uncommon to see him picking up discarded items to ensure a clean store for his customers.
The company is proud to be an ongoing member of Forbes magazine’s list of largest privately held companies in America, and for their peer-awarded recognition as the Most Admired Convenience Store Chain in North America.
Matt also founded a private equity real estate firm, L3, targeting urban retail investments within first tier US markets. He has served as chairman of the Waterfront Development Corporation and chairman of the Metro United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society. In addition, he has served on the boards of several organizations including the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Free Public Library Foundation, and the Crusade for Children Foundation.
Matt lives with his wife, Fran, and their three children.