Matthew Cross is OE Experiences’ founding partner and CEO. He has a proven track record working with major corporations, and as CEO, he has successfully operated at the intersection of finance, themed entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail in the experience economy.
Cross’ participation in each of these businesses through projects, trade associations and partnerships has contributed to OE Experiences’ status as the definitive experiential development company. Since its creation in 2020, the company has supported $875 million in projects across the US and overseas.
Before starting OE Experiences, Cross was CEO of Boyd Hollow Resorts, where he oversaw the concept development of Ancient Lore Village, a unique themed resort. Before that, he spent nearly 10 years as vice president at USI Consulting Group, a registered investment advisory firm with more than $20 billion in assets under advisement.
One of OE Experiences’ latest projects is The 407: Gateway to Adventure – a 200-acre entertainment, dining and shopping destination in Sevier County, Tennessee. The 407 is being developed by Kituwah LLC, the business subsidiary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with OE Experiences serving as the project manager and owner’s representative.
“Getting the funding was huge,” Cross told blooloop. “That’s a big part of our forte, bringing that financing and design together. But equally important now is ensuring the execution of this at the highest level. So, now OE Experiences is transitioning into finalising that operating model. We will be involved all the way through to opening and operation, as owners’ rep and as that support for Kituwah.”
“Everything’s greenlit, so now we’re moving forward and it’s going to be incredibly fulfilling to see this come to fruition. We are excited to be telling this story, and the community and the county are incredibly supportive.”