Meet Gustavo, a Senior Manager for our Logistics and Warehousing team. With over 11 years at GDT, Gustavo and his team play a crucial role in managing the flow of products from receiving to outbound shipping. His commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration ensures that GDT’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. Gustavo also helps GDT stay active by helping to lead the GDT Running Club! Keep reading to learn more about Gustavo and his team.
How long have you been with GDT, and what does your role entail?
Gustavo: I’ve been with GDT for 11 years and 4 months, and I currently work on the Logistics and Warehousing team. My role involves managing the flow of product from receiving to outbound shipping, supporting internal teams (such as Sales, PMO, and Finance), making sure orders are fulfilled efficiently, and ensuring all costs are applied correctly. I enjoy being part of a team that keeps everything moving smoothly behind the scenes, but where our team adds the most value to GDT is in our continuous improvement efforts. We work very closely with many of our internal teams to help improve processes and provide cross-functional support where needed.
Can you describe your team, their role at GDT, and their dynamics?
Gustavo: The team supports the logistics and warehousing functions of GDT. We play a critical role in making sure everything that moves through GDT—from inbound deliveries to outbound shipments and everything in between—does so accurately and on time. We work very closely with Sales, PMO, Finance, and pretty much all internal groups, as what we do touches every part of the business. We are the front line until products go to a customer. The team is a tight-knit, diverse group that is highly collaborative and passionate about their contributions to GDT. We all bring different strengths to the team, but there’s a shared mindset of accountability, collaboration, and problem-solving. Whether it’s supporting a tight deadline or figuring out how to improve a process, everyone’s willing to be part of the solution. Even as we are all from diverse backgrounds and experience, we collaborate with our thinking, hold each other accountable, and are respectful towards one another. It’s a great group to be part of.
Even as we are all from diverse backgrounds and experience, we collaborate with our thinking, hold each other accountable, and are respectful towards one another. It’s a great group to be part of.
What has been your most memorable project or achievement here?
Gustavo: One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my time at GDT has been being part of the SAP EWM implementation. It was a huge milestone for the company and definitely one of the most challenging—but also rewarding—projects I’ve worked on. From the start, we focused on stabilizing warehouse operations to set the foundation for a smooth transition. That meant developing and documenting processes, cleaning up data, and tightening inventory controls.
The rollout itself was a major team effort, involving close collaboration across departments and a lot of moving parts. There were plenty of long days (and nights), and yes—some frustrating moments—but watching everything come together was incredibly satisfying. It was one of those projects where you could immediately see the value, and you knew it would continue to make a difference well into the future.
An additional project I am proud of with the team was when we consolidated the warehouse from two to one. It was a three-month-long project that took long hours, weekends, hot temperatures, and lots of dust. The team did this all while not missing a beat in our day-to-day receiving and shipping.
Is there anything specific you look forward to in 2025 for your team’s goals and initiatives?
Gustavo: In 2025, I’m really excited about the opportunities to bring even more value to GDT—not just through day-to-day operations. We have plans to enhance our GDT Connect page, improve reporting, enhance our warehouse layout—really, anything we believe can make a difference. We feel that it will add value to GDT. The goal is simple: to make every customer interaction feel like a best-in-class experience. At the same time, I want us to keep pushing for stronger cross-functional efficiency. Whether it’s improving communication or finding smart ways to automate manual work, there’s always room to do better. We’ve already made great strides, and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum going with the team.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?
Gustavo: I stay motivated by focusing on the bigger picture, knowing that the work I do every day directly impacts how efficiently GDT runs. It’s rewarding to solve problems that make things easier for other teams and to see those improvements in action. Professionally, I’m always looking to grow by learning more about the systems we use and finding ways to make a positive impact. I also stay curious—whether that’s asking questions, jumping into cross-functional projects, or learning about other functions across the company, there’s always something new to learn, and that keeps me engaged. I enjoy asking questions and learning more about our tools and capabilities here at GDT.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
Gustavo: One of the most important parts of my role at GDT is building strong, connected teams. What really keeps me going is seeing my team succeed—whether it’s someone stepping up to take ownership of a new process, delivering a great customer experience, or us reaching a team goal we’ve all worked hard for. Watching the team grow, gain confidence, and make an impact—and knowing I’ve played a small part in that journey—is incredibly rewarding. It’s what makes the work meaningful. I had a leader tell me, ‘My goal is to see you run your own department one day,’ and that stuck with me.
What really keeps me going is seeing my team succeed—whether it’s someone stepping up to take ownership of a new process, delivering a great customer experience, or us reaching a team goal we’ve all worked hard for.
What aspects of our organizational vision, mission, or values resonate with you?
Gustavo: What really resonates with me about GDT’s vision and values is the culture of collaboration and accountability. I appreciate that team members are trusted to take initiative, learn new things, and really make an impact. When I talk to new team members, I always say, “You can learn as much as you want, and you will be exposed to topics that you typically wouldn’t at other companies.” It’s not just about doing your job—there is no “not my job” mentality—it’s about being part of something bigger and helping drive the company forward. I’ve seen firsthand how people are encouraged to speak up, step up, bring ideas to the table, and lead change when they see an opportunity. That kind of environment motivates me and makes me proud to be part of the GDT team. It is a place where people truly care about one another and their work.
This month is mental health month; how do you prioritize your well-being?
Gustavo: For me, prioritizing my well-being starts with balance, which is sometimes easier said than done for me. Especially now that I have a family, it’s even more important for me to be deliberate and draw a line between work and personal time; again, that is a challenge for me. I used to say, “I’m always on the clock.” Obviously, that is not healthy. I now try to make time for things that help me relax—whether that’s going for a jog or working out, spending quality time with my family, or simply just putting my phone away. I’ve learned that taking care of your mental health isn’t a one-time thing—it’s about consistently assessing yourself, setting boundaries, and making space for the important things in life. GDT’s culture definitely helps with that. Finally, I am a big runner, and running helps me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Gustavo: I would choose China because of its rich history and diverse culture. From the Great Wall to the ancient traditions and historical landmarks, there’s so much to explore. I’ve always been fascinated by how China’s past has shaped the modern world, and I’d love to experience it firsthand.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Gustavo: Outside of work, I stay pretty active—running and working out are big parts of my routine. I also enjoy going to sporting events like UT games, concerts, or even a local brewery. It is a great way to unwind and enjoy some time out with family and friends. One of my favorite things is watching my son play sports—whether it’s baseball, basketball, or flag football. It’s such a joy to see him grow and improve. I’m also a fan of traveling, and I love taking trips with my wife whenever we can. It’s a great way to break away, recharge, and explore new places together.
Thank you, Gustavo, for sharing a little about yourself and for your role in making GDT a great place to work. Learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore our career options by visiting Life at GDT.
