From Fortune 1
to Founder-Focused
Ihelpstartupswin—combiningenterpriseexperience,relentlesscuriosity,andrealpartnership.
FounderStory
Hi, I'm Matt Drake.
Myjourneystartedattheworld'slargestretailer,whereIbuiltteams,brands,andnewwaysofworking—oftenatascalefeweverexperience.AtSam'sClub,IplayedakeyroleintransformingMember'sMarkfromanoverlookedprivatelabelintoamulti-billiondollarpowerhouse,drivingsomeoftheboldest,mostinnovativeideasthathelpedmakeitoneofAmerica'smostrecognizedandtrustedbrands.
I'veseenfirsthandhowbigideas—executedwell—canchangeentirecompanies.Butmyrealpassionisrollingupmysleevesandbuildingalongsidefounders,turningvisionintorealityatstartupspeed.
Alongtheway,I'vesharedwhatI'velearnedasaninstructorattheWaltonCollegeofBusinessattheUniversityofArkansasandthroughtheCertifiedRetailAnalystprogramatNorthwestArkansasCommunityCollege—helpingdevelopthenextgenerationofretailandbusinessleaders.
That's why I launched Startup Success Lab: to give ambitious leaders access to Fortune 1 strategy, hands-on hustle, and modern technology—the exact playbook I used at scale, now adapted for those who want more than just advice. I don't just consult—I'm in the trenches with you, helping you win where it matters most.
Mission&Values
Mission
Tohelpambitiousfoundersmovefaster,buildsmarter,andwinbigger—combiningreal-worldstrategy,creativethinking,andthebestofAI.
Values
Webelievethatambitiousfoundersdeservemorethansurface-leveladvice—theyneedstrategytheycantrust,deliveredwiththeurgencyandcreativityofatruepartner.

Speed matters

Because windows of opportunity don't wait.

Partnership is everything

We work with you, not just for you.

Clarity above all

Because you need answers, not ambiguity.

Innovation, always

We challenge the status quo and experiment fearlessly.

Ownership, no excuses

Your results are our reputation.

OurApproach
Big-picturethinking.Real-worldaction.
Ibelievestrategyshouldcreateresults,notcollectdust.Everyfounder,everybusiness,everychallengeisunique—soImeetyouwhereyouare,buildonyourstrengths,andfocusrelentlesslyonwhatmovestheneedle.
Iturnenterpriselessonsintostartupmomentum,bringingyoupracticaltools,hands-onpartnership,andtheconfidencetowinfaster—nogenericplaybooks,nowastedtime.

Enterprise clarity. Startup speed. Your results. That's the Startup Success Lab advantage.

Game-ChangingResults

Sam's Club Senior Product Leader

Drove product strategy and innovation for the Fortune 1 retailer

Member's Mark Transformation

Key contributor, bringing bold ideas that helped turn a private label into a multi-billion dollar, nationally recognized brand

Enterprise Impact

Led cross-functional teams to launch award-winning digital tools and enterprise platforms—including AI and analytics solutions now used across Walmart Inc.

Results

Delivered $400M+ in annual savings, negotiated major software cost reductions, and created systems that enable instant decision-making for thousands of associates

Community Builder

Co-created the My Member's Mark Community, engaging 50,000+ members to guide product development

Award-Winning Leader

Recognized for innovation and results: Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year (team), multiple company awards

Readytomovefasterandbuildsmarter?
Let'stalkabouthowwecanbuildyournextbigwin—together.
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