Pete Guelli of the Bills speaks with The Voice

Bill Wippert

Pete Guelli of the Buffalo Bills

Pete Guelli is the Executive Vice President and the Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. His job is to oversee the business operations of both major sports teams. I conducted this interview through email to gain insight into what a career in sports is like and what he has done to become successful, to help influence and inform young adults who hope to pursue a career like his. 

What did you want to be when you were younger?

P.G.: I was interested in a broadcasting career or potentially something in politics.

What did you study in college?

P.G.: I was a political science major. 

What drove you to pursue this particular position with the Bills and Sabres?

P.G.: I actually started in consulting. I was not planning to work in sports. I landed an entry-level position with the Bills and my career in sports took off from there.

Is there anything you would change about how you got to where you are now?

P.G.: No. Everything led me here, to this incredible role with the Bills and Sabres. 

What is your daily schedule like?

P.G.: My day is full of a lot of meetings. I meet consistently with my department heads of each team to keep a pulse on our day-to-day business and continue to strategize on our longer-term projects and goals. 

What’s the most stressful part of your job and how do you handle it?

P.G.: Any time we lose! You have to compartmentalize anything negative, so it doesn’t impact your ability to perform at the job. 

What traits do you think are good to have for a career like yours?

P.G.: Discipline and composure are very important. 

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

P.G.: Competency in your job is worthless without integrity. You need to be professional. These roles are very visible, and there is a certain standard you have to maintain at all times. 

What’s your favorite part of your career? Is there anything you wish you could change? 

My favorite part is how different every day can be. The hours may change, but even when they are long. I still enjoy it. 

How do you balance work and your personal life?

That is a challenge. There really is no balance. It is a more work/life blend. 

What advice or tips would you give young adults who want to pursue a career like yours?

P.G.: There are no shortcuts. Plan on putting in the work. I would recommend finding a good mentor that can help you create a strategy to help you reach your goals. 

Who is your inspiration or hero?

P.G.: My father. He was a US Marine and a decorated boxer. He was the toughest and hardest-working person I have ever been around, but also one of the nicest people you would ever meet. He was a great example of why you should never mistake kindness for weakness. 

While a career in sports can be very stressful and time-consuming, it is also rewarding in ways. As young adults begin to find their future careers, it is important to make sure you put in the effort, regardless of what it is. Pete has stated that in his career, it’s important to be hardworking, dedicated, and honest in all aspects. Thank you, Pete Guelli, for letting the students of Orchard Park High School know what a career like his is truly like and what kind of person it takes to achieve it.