Matt Simmons
Franklin,TN
Summary
Results-driven Chief Operating Officer with 10+ years of executive leadership across multi-state operations, driving operational excellence, M&A, market expansion, and revenue growth in healthcare, technology, and hospitality. Proven leader in regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and organizational development, delivering 32% revenue growth and 90% manager retention while bridging strategy and execution through compassionate, accountable leadership.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
GRACE AESTHETICS
09.2024 - Current
- Scaled the organization's operations, building the systems, processes, and leadership structure needed to support sustained growth
- Established operational rigor and accountability, introducing KPIs and operating systems that improved visibility into performance and decision-making across the business
- Strengthened the patient's experience by streamlining workflows and standardizing processes, enabling more consistent, high-quality care delivery
- Built and developed high-performing, cross-functional teams, elevating managers and creating clear ownership across clinical and non-clinical functions
- Improved financial discipline and operational efficiency through budgeting, forecasting, and vendor optimization, supporting healthier margins and scalability
- Partnered with the owner to translate strategic vision into executable plans and measurable outcomes
Interim Chief Operating Officer
CROW ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Provided executive-level operational leadership for an estate planning and probate law firm during a period of transition, ensuring continuity, stability, and consistent client service
- Led firm-wide operations across people, processes, and systems, partnering closely with ownership to assess gaps and execute priority initiatives
- Played a key role in opening new offices, building the operational infrastructure, staffing models, and workflows to support geographic expansion
- Founded and operationalized a title company, establishing structure, processes, and compliance to support integrated legal and transactional services
- Implemented operational structure and accountability, improving workflows, role clarity, and cross-functional coordination between legal and administrative teams
- Strengthened financial and operational visibility through improved reporting, budgeting oversight, and performance tracking
- Improved client experience by streamlining intake, case management, and internal workflows in a high-touch legal services environment
Vice President of Development
KUSTOM ENTERTAINMENT - DIGITAL ALLY
02.2022 - 02.2024
- Directed operations and business development for a $222M publicly traded company achieving operational excellence and revenue growth.
- Supported strategic partnerships and operations, generating $15.6M in new revenue.
- Identified market opportunities, securing strategic partnerships with companies such as IndyCar and PGA, driving revenue growth and brand awareness.
- Fostered collaboration and continuous improvement, supporting sustainability during a public spinoff.
- Strengthened internal systems, improving performance metrics and operational workflows for scale.
- Ensured regulatory compliance and quality assurance, overseeing risk management for high-profile events.
- Managed artist relations, fostering strong partnerships with performers and their teams to ensure seamless event delivery and artist satisfaction.
- Led RFP processes, negotiating contracts with vendors and partners to secure cost-effective solutions and drive event success.
Regional Vice President of Operations
WAFFLE HOUSE
09.2015 - 02.2022
- Directed multi-state operations for 40+ locations, achieving operational excellence and financial oversight of a $200M+ P&L.
- Led a large team of 1,000+ employees with consistency, fostering continuous improvement and achieving 90% manager retention.
- Implemented process improvements, increasing profitability by 12.5% YoY through enhanced workflows and performance metrics.
- Acted as a liaison for franchises, managed acquisitions, and developed strategic plans for market expansion.
- Ensured regulatory compliance and quality assurance, improving customer satisfaction across multi-state units.
Patrol Officer
MURFREESBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
02.2010 - 09.2015
- Partnered cross-functionally with diverse groups to deliver strategic oversight for key operations, contributing to the organizational mission of public safety while nurturing community relationships.
- Led and contributed to community programs, building strong, trusted relationships with community members.
Sergeant
TENNESSEE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Earned numerous honors and awards, including Soldier of the Year for the Company, Battalion, Brigade, and runner-up for the State of TN, and an Army Achievement Medal.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN01.2012
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Operations Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Financial & P&L Management
- Organizational Development
- Operational Excellence
- Performance Metrics & KPIs
- Change Management
- Rapid Growth Scaling
- Leadership Development
- Team Building & Retention
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Market Expansion & Go-to-Market Strategy
- Strategic Partnerships & Negotiation
Selected Achievements
- Delivered exceptional development and mentorship opportunities for management-level staff, growing a top-performing leadership culture and achieving a manager retention rate of 90%
- Comprehensively redesigned operational strategy and internal structures, enabling an average net profit increase of 12.5% YoY while significantly reducing payroll percentage and operating expenses
- Developed customer and market-driven tactical plans, driving an average sales increase of 32% by delivering innovative, consumer-focused offerings. Contributing to the generation of a $15.6M revenue increase in 2022
- Led and supported mergers and acquisitions, including integration and operational alignment, to drive sustainable value creation
- Earned recognition as a transformative leader and change agent; ranked within the Top 5 Regional Vice Presidents from 2019 - 2022 and won Top Recruiter of The Year in 2021.
- Partnered with stakeholders to concept, develop, and launch three new businesses resulting in a $125M valuation
Websites
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
GRACE AESTHETICS
09.2024 - Current
Interim Chief Operating Officer
CROW ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE
02.2024 - 09.2024
Vice President of Development
KUSTOM ENTERTAINMENT - DIGITAL ALLY
02.2022 - 02.2024
Regional Vice President of Operations
WAFFLE HOUSE
09.2015 - 02.2022
Patrol Officer
MURFREESBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
02.2010 - 09.2015
Sergeant
TENNESSEE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
01.2008 - 01.2014
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Trevecca Nazarene University