Meet Rachel, a Senior Manager on our Lifecycle Services team. Rachel fosters a collaborative, high-performing team that consistently delivers results and celebrates wins along the way. Her contagiously positive attitude and dedication to GDT’s culture make her a true culture champion who uplifts those around her.
Rachel: I’ve been with GDT for seven, going on eight years, and I currently manage our Strategic Services team. My group is responsible for overseeing all maintenance renewals, ensuring customers stay covered, and GDT maintains strong vendor relationships.
Can you describe your team and their role at GDT?
Rachel: My team is made up of 11 incredibly talented individuals with deep experience in this field. We’re a white-glove, customer-facing group that manages all of our customers’ maintenance renewals in partnership with the Account Managers, vendors, and other internal teams.
Our shared sense of purpose really defines the team dynamic. Everyone’s motivated by our collective success, and that energy is contagious. We like to win, we are competitive, and we celebrate wins together. But we’re also comfortable challenging each other when something can be improved; it keeps us sharp, collaborative, and focused on results. We always have each other’s backs and can share a good laugh when needed, too. They are the best team in the business, hands down.
Our shared sense of purpose really defines the team dynamic. Everyone’s motivated by our collective success, and that energy is contagious. We like to win, we are competitive, and we celebrate wins together. But we’re also comfortable challenging each other when something can be improved; it keeps us sharp, collaborative, and focused on results.
What goals or initiatives has your team focused on in 2025, and how do they support GDT’s broader mission?
Rachel: We’ve had several key focus areas throughout 2025 that were asks of our team, including new client logos, LOAs, and multiyear uplifts. I’m really proud of how the team as a whole has performed. In less than a year, we’ve grown from 73 signed LOAs to over 220, completed 40 multi-year upsells, and delivered over 250 deals that were either new or competitive takeovers. All of this focus and execution directly contributed to GDT’s success in 2025!
What’s a recent win—big or small—that made you proud?
Rachel: While I manage a team, I am still an individual contributor as well. If I’m not in the trenches, I can’t support my team, so I still support an Account Manager and get involved with other specific deals. One project I’m especially proud of was for a service provider’s renewal this past summer. This particular company can be a challenging client, but we managed to complete the renewal on time and keep it profitable for GDT. I partnered closely with the Account Manager and vendor on that deal, and it was a great example of teamwork and persistence paying off!
Who or what inspires you in your career?
Rachel: Honestly, all of the people around me. My coworkers, my team, my boss David Watkins, Team Goodrich, and our leadership. GDT is such a special place filled with incredible people. And I don’t say that to sound cliché; I really mean it. The collective drive we all have to win and to support each other’s success is contagious.
I’d also add that my husband, Mick, is my biggest supporter. He’s always in my corner, celebrating the wins, keeping me grounded when things get hectic, and reminding me that hard work really does pay off. His encouragement motivates me to keep pushing myself, both personally and professionally, and he helps me want to succeed.
GDT is such a special place filled with incredible people. And I don’t say that to sound cliché; I really mean it. The collective drive we all have to win and to support each other’s success is contagious.
What’s one professional goal you’re currently working toward?
Rachel: One of my biggest focuses right now is keeping up with the constant changes coming from our largest vendors, Cisco and Juniper. I’m determined to stay on top of those changes so that I can make sure my team is fully enabled and prepared, too. That means a lot of learning, training, and enablement planning. Honestly, it’s a lot of “homework”, but my goal is to tackle it head-on. That way, we’re always ready and confident in this evolving environment, and my team is equipped for the changes to come.
What’s your favorite GDT core value, and how do you see it in action?
Rachel: ‘We celebrate success’ is my favorite core value. GDT has a winning culture, and to do that, we have to live all of our core values. There is nothing better than celebrating each other after a lot of hard work, especially when that effort helps our customers succeed as well.
Something that really stuck with me from GDT’s SKO was when the Dollar Tree CIO spoke about GDT helping set up the various stores. I thought, “People depend on these stores, and we are actually making an impact with our customer.” It’s such a great reminder that our wins and our customers’ wins go hand in hand.
‘We celebrate success’ is my favorite core value. GDT has a winning culture, and to do that, we have to live all of our core values. There is nothing better than celebrating each other after a lot of hard work, especially when that effort helps our customers succeed as well.
We are approaching the holiday season. Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?
Rachel: It has somewhat changed recently because I’ve spent my whole life in Buffalo, New York, and now live in Tennessee. My mom’s side of the family is very Polish, and we celebrate something called Wigilia, which is the Polish tradition for Christmas Eve. It’s my absolute favorite: lots of family, a bit of chaos, and way too much food! Even though I’m not always able to be there in person every year, it’s a tradition that means a lot to me.
Tell us more about yourself outside of work. What are your hobbies and interests?
Rachel: I love spending time with family and friends and exploring our new surroundings in Franklin, Tennessee. We moved here a few years ago, so I love exploring, even if it’s a walk 5 minutes away or an hour drive. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I enjoy trying restaurants, new foods, and cooking or baking new recipes. A great meal and a good glass of wine are my favorite ways to unwind!
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing a little about yourself and for the role you play in making GDT a great place to work. Learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore our career options by visiting GDT online.
