The Founders
JOE BARRON
CO-FOUNDER AND HEAD OF GAME DESIGN
In order to survive the long winters in Northern Michigan, Joe enthusiastically took up board games in his childhood. After seeing the movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Joe fell in love with the game of chess and still occasionally puts Lauren’s medial chess skills to shame. He enjoys his family’s annual Thanksgiving weekend game night and is passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
WORK EXPERIENCE
10+ years in Finance and Corporate Development roles. Joe was also the mastermind behind the questions for his Aunt’s annual Who Wants to be a Millionaire? holiday party for many years.
EXPERIENCE
B.S. in Finance from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
FAVORITE GAMES
Things, Wits ‘N Wagers and Trivial Pursuit
LAUREN BARRON
CO-FOUNDER AND HEAD OF FINANCE
Lauren’s family always played cards or board games after their weekly Sunday night dinners, and this is where her love for friendly competition blossomed. As she grew, so did the complexity of the games. What started out as a short round of Pizza Party as a toddler turned into serious games of Contract Rummy as an adult. Lauren has joined Joe in helping fund Alzheimer’s research while bringing engaging and community-driven games to families far and wide.
WORK EXPERIENCE
15+ years in Investment and Corporate Banking, as well as 10+ years of not-for-profit board experience and extensive professional mentoring/coaching work.
EXPERIENCE
B.S. in Finance and B.S. in Accountancy from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.
FAVORITE GAMES:
Contract Rummy, Uno, and Monopoly
The Designers
SOPHIA RICCIARDI
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Since she was a child, Sophia has always had a stash of board games and puzzles at her disposal. Every evening, after dinner, it was a family tradition to huddle together and enjoy an assortment of games - be it board games, card games, or, their all-time favorite, dominoes. These early experiences nurtured her love for strategic thinking, competition, and companionship, setting the stage for her ongoing passion for games and entertainment.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Sophia interned for a year and a half with Innovation DuPage in Glen Ellyn. During her time with them, she experienced significant growth both personally and professionally. This experience allowed her to expand her skill set and gain valuable insights into the world of design. She learned creative problem-solving, communication, organization, and project management. Sophia’s worked to apply these abilities in her everyday life and as a designer for Gray Matters Games.
EXPERIENCE
AAS degree from the College of DuPage with a certificate in design. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago.
FAVORITE GAMES:
Monopoly, Clue, Bang, Dominoes
The Pups
GIPPER
CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER
Despite an intense napping schedule, Gipper manages to run a tight security detail at Gray Matters Games. Her responsibilities include barking at all who come close to the premises and “protecting” Joe or Lauren by hogging the office chair...while they sit in it. She is a frequent gamer but gets easily distracted by treats, squirrels and leaves.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional Cuddler and Food Taster
EXPERIENCE
Graduated as Valedictorian in her Advanced Puppy Skills class from Wiggles ‘N Wags Dog Academy
FAVORITE GAMES:
Tug of War and “The Chase Game”
RUDY
CHIEF FUN OFFICER
Rudy is all about bringing the energy to every situation, which includes jumping four feet straight in the air from a standing position when he gets excited, to giving socially awkward face licks. He loves sitting on anyone who isn't joining in on the fun, so you best comply, or you might be his next seat! Rudy is excited to be the newest member to the Gray Matters Team and spreading joy one puppy kiss at a time.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional High Jumper and Amateur Squirrel Hunter
EXPERIENCE
Graduated at the bottom of his class from Woof Beach - but we love him anyway!
FAVORITE GAMES:
"Hey, Mr. Squirrel, Come Down From There" and "Let's See What's In The Garbage?"