Peter Gandolfo has been with GDT for just over five years and plays an important role in supporting our customers through the Layer 1 bid specialist team. As a senior bid manager, he helps develop the scope of work for the physical components of customer opportunities, bringing strong knowledge, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering the right onsite solutions. His leadership, customer-first mindset, and passion for helping his team grow make him a strong example of the people who help GDT deliver for customers every day.
Can you describe your team, your team’s role at GDT, and what makes your team dynamic and impactful?
Peter: The Layer 1 bid specialist team is made up of two U.S.-based specialists: one specialist based in India, and me. Together, we support our account managers, solution architects, and customers by developing and defining the scope of work for the physical aspects of opportunities sold to our Layer 1 customers for onsite work. This includes tasks such as installing equipment, running and connecting cabling, powering on equipment, running cabling between locations as needed, and providing spare-hands support during testing and turn-up.
Our team also works closely with solution architects when additional solutions need to be deployed. We help define the scope, review design partner request forms for quoting, validate quotes, and document everything in the scoping template so a formalized quote can be sent back to the customer. Our work includes, but is not limited to, structured cabling, equipment installation, and smart hands support during testing. By collaborating with internal teams and our partner network, we provide quotes for all Layer 1 work and help ensure the right on-site solution is delivered for each customer.
What goals or initiatives are your team focused on in 2026, and how do they support GDT’s broader mission?
Peter: The Layer 1 team is focused on supporting GDT’s AI initiative in 2026. As a team, we are learning and growing while supporting GDT’s vision of becoming a leader in the AI space. Each team member also has individual professional goals. For example, one is working toward finalizing their PMP, another is staying current with networking certifications, and I encourage the team to stay on top of new technology and industry developments, including cabling standards, the differences between CAT 6 and CAT 7, and material costs.
Part of my role as a manager is making sure each team member is encouraged to pursue their interests while also keeping broader company goals in mind.
Who or what inspires you in your career, and why?
Peter: This is a good question. There are so many people I can thank throughout my career who have helped me grow in the industry that this could take too long. My wife inspired me daily to be a better person in all I do. Here at GDT, I am grateful for the relationship I have with John Crawford and Brent Imthurn for trusting me to lead the Layer 1 group. I value the mentorship they both have given me and how they’ve helped me become a better leader within the group.
What’s one professional goal you’re currently working toward, and how are you approaching it?
Peter: One of my personal goals is to complete my sound masking training. It’s a course I started when GDT had the opportunity to install a sound masking solution for one of our customers. I am currently halfway through the course and hope to complete this by the end of the year.
What’s your favorite GDT core value, and how do you see it in action—either in your work or across the company?
Peter: One of my favorite core values is embracing collaboration. In my career, GDT is the only place where I feel a true sense of teamwork, where we are all working together toward the same goal.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Peter: If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would take my wife to see Italy, Sicily, and Greece. My wife and I have been together 27 years in July, so it would be great to take her there on a second honeymoon. They are also the places of my heritage. I am Sicilian and Greek!
Tell us more about yourself outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
Peter: I am a sports enthusiast; I like watching baseball and volleyball. I enjoy reading mystery novels and learning history. My favorite hobby, though, is spending as much time with my family as I can, even if they say I can be annoying from time to time. LOL!
Thank you, Peter, for sharing a little about yourself and for the role you play in making GDT a great place to work. Your commitment to teamwork, customer success, and continuous growth reflects the kind of culture that sets GDT apart. To learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore our career options, visit Work at GDT.
