Greg Pesky is a T'99 who spent the past 16 years in corporate America in increasing roles of responsibilities for marketing and strategy with notable companies including General Mills, Advance Auto Parts, and Select Comfort. This past summer, he started a business with a partner called NEATgoods, LLC. Its mission is to bring a dignified experience to everyday products for seniors and caregivers by offering attractive design, improved ease-of-use, and elevated functional benefits. Greg is based in Minneapolis, married, and with two wonderful children.
1. What was the exact moment when you first felt like you were a part of Tuck’s community?
I had the unique experience of deferring my acceptance to Tuck for two years due to the unexpected passing of my older brother Lee. Tuck was amazing in its support of my decision to defer, more concerned with what was important to me than the school. This made me feel very attached to the school.
2. Who had a profound impact on you during your time at Tuck and why?
My second year at Tuck was Professor Kevin Keller's first year the school. I greatly appreciated his passion for brand management and how he made us understand the importance across the total customer experience. I was and am able to use many of the key learnings in his course in how I now manage my businesses.
3. What’s your favorite Tuck/Dartmouth/Hanover/Upper Valley event and why?
Admittedly, I was studying too hard at Tuck to enjoy much during my two years there. But I did love the Tuck Hockey Tournament, and having the opportunity to compete and then enjoy a few beers with fellow MBAs from other programs.
4. Fill in the blank: every visitor to the Upper Valley needs to_____.
Ski Tuckerman Ravine, or at least hike to the base. Lets just say that I am glad it is checked off my bucket list.
5. What’s a challenge that you’re currently working on solving? Or perhaps a world problem you’d like to see solved?
The current challenge I am working on is creating a highly respected and valued brands for seniors. Everyday, 10,000 people are turning 65 years and older, and by 2016, more than half of the U.S. population will be +50. There is a huge opportunity to better serve this powerful demographic in a way that celebrates their age in a functional yet dignified way.
6. What do you personally feel is the key to good leadership?
Being open minded and listening. Some of the best ideas or solutions are from those that you may never expect. As we learned at Tuck, the key to being a great general manager is not that we have to be the smartest person in the room, but that we need to ask the best questions and listen.
7. Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?
I love being active, whether it is taking a five-mile run, coaching my son's hockey team, or kicking the soccer ball with my kids. I am also very involved with nonprofit causes, serving on three boards.
9. What’s the best piece of advice you can offer on getting ahead? Or, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Pick your battles. Early in my career, I thought I had to win every argument or strongly defend every decision. I learned the hard way that people tire of this behavior quickly and will soon stop dealing with you if everything is contested.
10. What is one thing that people would be most surprised to learn about you?
To those that don't know me, I am not nearly as laid back and patient as I may appear.