We build what’s next.

We made our careers in retail, which is why we know first-hand how to develop industry-leading strategies tailored to our clients’ needs, including guiding through implementation for lasting organizational transformation.

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Why I Started NexChapter

After 25+ years in retail across merchandising, marketing, operations, and digital, I saw an industry trying to keep up with change but too often held back by legacy thinking, siloed systems, and a lack of clarity. I’d spent the last chapter of my corporate career leading digital transformation for a regional grocery and a major convenience retailer, and while we made real progress, I realized there was a bigger opportunity to help others do the same. That’s why I started NexChapter.

I wanted to build a firm that doesn’t just offer strategy, but helps retailers, brands, and tech partners activate what’s next — whether that’s loyalty, retail media, digital commerce, or customer data. We’re hands-on, outcome-driven, and rooted in real-world retail experience. NexChapter isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about helping good people inside good businesses move faster, think clearly, and deliver results that matter.

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Leadership Team

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    Art Sebastian

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Art Sebastian leads NexChapter as Founder and CEO, driving growth advisory services that propel convenience and grocery retailers forward. With over twenty-five years spanning retail and consumer packaged goods, he empowers clients across retail, brands, and technology sectors. During his time at Casey’s, he led five transformative years in Digital Transformation and Omnichannel Marketing, orchestrating world-class technology ecosystems that launched industry-leading loyalty programs, e-commerce platforms, and retail media networks. Previously serving as VP of Digital Shopping at Meijer and Category Leadership at Kraft Foods, Art extends his influence as a technology startup advisor and Shoptalk Advisory Board member.

    When not thinking about retail strategy, Art stays busy with his kids' activities from competitive dance to seasonal sports; enjoys traveling with his wife and three children; and maintains a modestly impressive bourbon collection.

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    Mike Templeton

    PARTNER & VICE PRESIDENT

    Mike Templeton is a retail marketing technologist and digital transformation leader with fifteen years driving industry innovation. At Casey’s, America’s third-largest convenience retailer, Mike led large, cross-functional teams driving omnichannel evolution. He designed and launched the award-winning Casey’s Rewards program and oversaw the top-rated app and digital e-commerce ecosystem that drove the vast majority of the brand’s orders. A Certified Loyalty Marketing Professional recognized as Future Leader in Convenience by Convenience Store News and CSP’s Power 20: The Futurists, Mike partners with NexChapter clients to leverage digital transformation for sustainable growth.

    Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three children, as well as catching up on the latest streaming sci-fi series and trying any breakfast restaurant he can find.

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    Matt Riezman

    PARTNER & VICE PRESIDENT

    Matt Riezman architects transformative marketing and digital growth strategies for retailers, brands, and technology companies. With over fifteen years spanning retail, consumer packaged goods, and consulting, he offers deep expertise in digital transformation and customer engagement. Previously at Kum & Go, he orchestrated a comprehensive marketing transformation, revolutionized customer engagement through a new brand identity, reimagined the &Rewards loyalty program, launched the first ever always-on paid media strategy, and award-winning campaigns that drove significant growth. His Kraft Heinz brand management experience with Oscar Mayer and Lunchables, plus consulting roles at AlixPartners and Deloitte, cement his strategic foundation. Matt is a recognized thought leader earning Shorty, Effie, and One Show awards.

    In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and three children, collecting vintage spirits, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa.

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    Matt Van Gilder

    PRINCIPAL & VICE PRESIDENT

    Matt is a seasoned retail strategist with deep roots in grocery, shaped early on by his family's grocery business, VG’s Food and Pharmacy. He brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience across the grocery landscape, from community-based retail to leading omnichannel strategy for SpartanNash, a Fortune 400 grocer and wholesaler. At SpartanNash, Matt led enterprise-wide ecommerce and digital transformation initiatives across web, app, loyalty, fulfillment, and third-party marketplaces. With expertise spanning marketing, merchandising, IT, operations, and vendor partnerships, Matt transforms complexity into clarity and actionable roadmaps. At NexChapter, he leads the omnichannel practice, helping clients create seamless, scalable strategies that drive digital engagement, customer growth, and operational performance. Matt was recognized as a 2025 Crain’s 40 Under 40 and a 2020 Progressive Grocer GenNext honoree for his leadership and contributions to the industry.

    Matt enjoys staying active outdoors, music, and spending time with his wife and two boys.

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Our Mission

We partner with our clients to listen deeply, serve with purpose, and activate bold ideas that help them reach their goals and realize their full potential.

Our Vision

We see a future where companies lead with innovation, adapt with agility, and accelerate with confidence as they thrive in a fast-changing world.

Our Values

Bold Inquiry | We challenge conventional thinking to uncover breakthrough opportunities that drive your business forward.

Strategic Velocity | We deliver excellence with the speed and agility your market demands.

Integrated Partnership | We work as an extension of your team to maximize collective impact and results.

Purposeful Clarity | We cut through complexity to create actionable strategies you can confidently execute.

Join the Team

Are you passionate about the retail industry? Do you get excited about the latest innovations in technology? Are you hardwired for strategy and a skilled thought-leader? We would love to talk to you about your next chapter with us.

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Ready to move your business forward?

Let’s turn ambition into action. Connect with NexChapter to accelerate growth,
unlock opportunity, and build what’s next.