Gretchen Riemenschneider is the strategic sidekick high-growth companies call when they need to move from ambition to execution—fast. With two decades of experience scaling B2B SaaS and EdTech companies, she thrives in high-stakes growth moments—whether it’s post-acquisition integration, go-to-market execution, or operational scaling. As the founder of Grit & Gather, Gretchen partners with leadership teams to bridge the gap between vision and results, ensuring sustainable success.
Prior to launching Grit & Gather, Gretchen held leadership roles at Abl, Hobsons, and Starfish Retention Solutions, where she led transformational initiatives that delivered market expansion, operational excellence, and revenue acceleration. Her ability to align business strategy with execution ensures that companies don’t just set ambitious goals—they achieve them.
A hands-on strategist, Gretchen is known for cutting through complexity and aligning cross-functional teams to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency. At Abl, she spearheaded a 113% increase in sales within a year and drove a 50% boost in annual recurring revenue within six months. At Hobsons, her strategic leadership fueled an 18% profit increase and a 35% surge in new business. Her expertise spans go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, sales enablement, and post-merger integration, making her an invaluable partner for companies navigating critical inflection points.
Beyond corporate strategy, Gretchen is a passionate advocate for leadership development. She mentors emerging executives, contributes to advisory boards, and champions workplace cultures that empower teams to perform at their best. She has been actively involved with Women in Tech, NASM, and Sigma Kappa Sorority and has served on multiple advisory boards, lending her expertise to help organizations scale effectively.
A sought-after speaker, Gretchen has presented at numerous industry conferences on topics including student success, higher education technology, and strategic growth. Notably, she served as a keynote speaker for MCCADA in 2014, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of EdTech and its role in student retention and success. Her thought leadership continues to shape conversations around innovation in education and business strategy.
Gretchen’s professional philosophy is rooted in efficiency, effectiveness, and playfulness. She believes that great strategy isn’t just about planning—it’s about execution, iteration, and adaptability. Her ability to distill complex challenges into actionable solutions has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor to CEOs, founders, and leadership teams navigating high-stakes growth challenges.
When she’s not strategizing for clients, Gretchen is a devoted mom to two incredible soccer-obsessed kids, an energetic, giant Sheepadoodle, and a feisty little French Bulldog. She finds joy in home decor, health and fitness, and bringing creativity into everyday life. Whether coaching her kids through life’s challenges or helping businesses unlock momentum, her guiding principle remains the same: everyone deserves to feel worthy, empowered, and fully capable of reaching their utmost potential.
With an unwavering commitment to driving sustainable growth, fostering collaboration, and removing obstacles to success, Gretchen Riemenschneider continues to be a catalyst for transformation in the SaaS and EdTech industries. Her work doesn’t just elevate businesses—it creates lasting impact for the teams and communities she serves.
Character:
Gretchen’s unwavering resilience and integrity fuel her mission to empower both individuals and organizations to realize their fullest potential. She leads with a collaborative spirit and a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, driving impactful and lasting change.
Knowledge:
Gretchen’s extensive expertise spans go-to-market strategy, branding, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. She excels at dissecting complex business dynamics and crafting data-driven solutions, making her an invaluable ally for companies poised for growth.
Strategic:
Gretchen masterfully bridges the gap between strategic vision and execution, propelling organizations toward measurable success. Her knack for enhancing cross-functional collaboration and streamlining processes empowers companies to scale sustainably and navigate transitions with confidence.
Communication:
Gretchen is a dynamic keynote speaker and executive leader who believes in the transformative power of storytelling to build buy-in and alignment. She excels at translating complex strategies into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and shared success. By weaving vision and values into engaging stories, Gretchen inspires teams to connect emotionally with organizational goals, driving collective commitment and action.
