Peter Goldsmith worked for CBS Records as director of A&R Operations under the mentorship of Clive Davis.
He then joined Grumman Data Systems from 1975 – 1995 and was director of operations. In this capacity, he traveled around the country supporting the many Grumman won IT programs at NASA and other government sites.
In 1995 he was put in charge of Project Long Island, and in the fall of 1997, an organization was formed called the Long Island Software and Technology Network or LISTnet.
Peter was elected chairman and president of LISTnet, which in 25 years has grown to nearly 800 member companies with 50 corporate sponsors.
The purpose of LISTnet is to promote our region as a Technology Center of Excellence and help tech companies grow their business.
In March 2016, LISTnet formed the Digital Ballpark a co-working and event space in Plainview with 24 tech companies.
In 2018 he stepped down as president but remains chairman of LISTnet and co-manager of the Digital Ballpark. Peter currently is also the Ccoordinator of the Co-Op Program at New York Institute of Technology, as well as an adjunct professor at NYIT, teaching an entrepreneurship class called, “Technology Business Startup Practices.”
He has a BBA from CCNY and received a MBA with honors from St. John’s University in 1978.
He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, 2020 Who’s Who in America, and was also an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University. He is on the board of United Way, and he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Briarcliffe College, received the “Have a Heart” Award from the American Heart Association, the Touro Law School’s “Friend of Justice,” the Rough Rider Award from the Boy Scouts of America, the Kings of Long Island Award and the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Power List, from Long Island Press.
Married to Joyce, they have one son, Matthew, an attorney, and three granddaughters.
How do you see your business evolving due to the changing times?
As the Chamber of Commerce for the LI Tech Industry many of our events can no longer be held in person. So, we must rely on technology to make sure we stay in touch with all our members. Our co-working space in Plainview called the Digital Ballpark has 24 Offices and a large event space. At the present time we are full and still hold our Thursday Happy Hours.
What advice would you give other business owners?
Be ready to pivot quickly. What worked before due to the health crisis might have to be changed and adapted to this new world. You can’t wait, and you need to use the latest technology to keep current.
