How do gray matter and party games
go together?
Meet the Gray Matters Games team!
Lauren, Joe, and their dynamic Vizsla duo, have set out to Brighten Your Play!
Gray Matters Games designs and publishes lively and cognitively challenging experiences for people with active minds. Through its games, Gray Matters promotes community, encourages fun and gives back to Alzheimer's research.
Why gray matter is so important...
Joe and Lauren believe that business should be a force for good. Over the years, they have witnessed family members bravely fight for quality of life when diagnosed with memory-based diseases. Because of this, Gray Matters Games donates a meaningful portion of its profits to Alzheimer's research.
Why board games?
On a family road trip from Tombstone to Sedona, the best of Joe’s creativity came to life, and he thoroughly entertained a car full of passengers with his new trivia-based “game.” After testing it with friends and family, as well as adding a few fun twists, the initial concept for the Company's first game You Bet-Cha! was born!
Joe and Lauren spent many nights brainstorming the company's name and finally came up with Gray Matters Games. It connects the games they create with the company's devotion to supporting brain health. In short, they believe that exercising the gray matter in your head…matters!
Meet the Team
FAVORITE GAMES
Things, Wits ‘N Wagers and Trivial Pursuit
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.
EDUCATION
B.S. in Finance from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
FAVORITE GAMES
Contract Rummy, Uno, and Monopoly
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.
EDUCATION
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
Tug of War and “The Chase Game”
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
EDUCATION
Graduated as Valedictorian in her Advanced Puppy Skills class from Wiggles ‘N Wags Dog Academy
FAVORITE GAMES
"Hey, Mr. Squirrel, Come Down From There" and "Let's See What's In The Garbage?"
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
EDUCATION
Graduated at the bottom of his class from Woof Beach - but we love him anyway!