Gary Peterson

Gary Peterson is an accomplished executive coach and visionary founder with three decades of leadership and strategic insight. Gary began his career as an industry analyst in 1996, focusing on the printer hardware market. This role placed him at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with global technology powerhouses and presenting to industry legends, including Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Vyomesh Joshi, and Anne Mulcahy.

In 2003, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Gary invested his savings to establish Gap Intelligence, a competitive intelligence firm dedicated to delivering real-time data and insights for smarter business decisions. Under his leadership, Gap Intelligence became an industry-respected name, building an elite client portfolio that includes Amazon, Google, Apple, Consumer Reports, Meta, Samsung, LG, Sony, and Dyson.

Gary’s journey from data analyst to visionary CEO required continual growth as a leader, which he achieved through a commitment to learning from executive coaches, industry forums, and leadership thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Jim Collins, and Peter Drucker. His leadership approach fostered a celebrated company culture, earning Gap Intelligence numerous accolades, including 17 "Best Places to Work" awards, the Heilbron Award, and recognition as San Diego’s Small Business of the Year.

Gary's accomplishments have also earned him personal distinctions, such as twice being named San Diego’s Most Admired CEO and a two-time recipient of the Aggie 100 award from Texas A&M University.

Following the successful sale of Gap Intelligence, Gary now dedicates his expertise to executive coaching through Esteemed Consulting. His goal is to guide clients toward achieving both a peaceful mind and a thriving business, believing one is best realized through the other. Today, Gary continues to contribute to the business community, serving on multiple boards, owner of 701 Island Avenue, and resides in San Diego with his wife, Teresa, and their two children.