I support teams and businesses that make the world more compassionate. In 2022, I launched See the Stars, a company that builds and invests in businesses who use technology to make the world a better place. I consider myself a “venture socialist” who is giving back by using the strengths I have been given. In 2023 I shared my story of a lifelong struggle with disordered eating on the TEDx stage. You can find that video, here.
How can I help you? Simply put, I build teams that create products, services, and programs that achieve business objectives. Here’s how!
- Developing High Performing Teams: I believe that when we understand our strengths, we can reach our personal potential and surround ourselves with people who help us exceed it. I use the Clifton Strengths Assessment as an objective basis for personal and team development. I have used this framework personally and with my teams for more than twelve years.
- Hiring A+ Executives, Creatives, & Engineers: I’ve built a network of amazing colleagues who are experts in many disciplines (that’s you!). I love helping people find people and advance their careers.
- Why am I qualified to help you? For nearly 25 years I have supported the work of leading nonprofit organizations, venture-backed startups, and professional service agencies to transform their teams and lead them to growth.
Early in my career I worked for direct service and national nonprofit organizations. I was awarded a Fellowship with the Congressional Hunger Center where I coordinated field research for a regional food bank in Ohio and developed a strategic marketing plan for Share Our Strength in Washington, DC. I also worked with Prosperity Now, where I developed programs to help low income, working families save money to build businesses, go back to school, and buy homes.
After attending graduate school, I led the Solutions Engineering and Product Development groups at several software companies serving the nonprofit sector – including GetActive, Convio, and Merkle. I also led the Service and Product Development teams at Giveo and Spotright, which are now part of Wiland Direct. My ability to understand business needs and translate them into high performing technical solutions is what makes me unique. Office Space devotees will recognize this as an ability to “bring the specifications from the clients down to the engineers.”
In 2012, I started Strength in Members, a creative agency that united the disciplines of direct response marketing and agile product development. Our mission was to help organizations reach their audience and drive all kinds of engagement. Our team raised millions of dollars for organizations including the Seeing Eye, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, and KaBOOM!. We developed custom Web applications for AARP Foundation, Cornell Botanic Gardens, Sierra Club, and Human Rights Campaign. In 2018, I sold Strength in Members to New Hampshire-based Concord Direct, where I served as Vice President of Innovation & Growth for four years.
In 2021, I founded See the Stars, a company that will achieve one goal – to take the best (worst?) tools of capitalism and use them to make the world a better place. The portfolio will include a series of investments, startup businesses, and my personal consulting work. The first business we are incubating is Victory Beachwear, which is making a full-coverage 1920s inspired swimsuit for good looking men of all shapes and sizes.
After hours, I’m building my life on Mount Zion, a small rocky outcropping at 7,500 feet located just above Boulder, CO. I’m working hard to become a strong, feminist father to a high schooler. I ride bikes. I go to the beach and streams every chance I get. While I love Buddhism and the laid back pace of the Colorado foothills, I bring the intensity of a Sicilian Aries who hails from South Jersey to everything I do.
Let’s connect! Reach out and email me at peter [at] again see the stars dot com.