Lancaster Chamber | Small Business Person of the Year – Walt Grudi

For the second year in a row we had the pleasure of creating the video content for the Lancaster Chamber’s Annual Dinner. Although this year’s event was quite different than last year for two main reasons: (1) this year’s event was entirely virtual and (2) Derek won an award so we got to create a video about one of our own!

Transitioning from an in person dinner to a virtual experience created a unique opportunity for MAKE/ to contribute additional video elements to the event’s experience. As always, a project that allows us the opportunity to highlight the community we live and work in means so much to us, especially during such a trying year. We were honored to contribute our services to such an inspiring night for our county’s business community.

THE CREW:
Director: Derek Dienner
Producer: Catlin Williams
Director of Photography: Steve Buckwalter
2nd Camera & Gaffer: Aaron Dienner
Audio Tech: Seth Bortner
Intern: Zacc Bangert

Learn more about the Lancaster Chamber’s 148th Annual Dinner Experience: lancasterchamberannualdinner.com

FROM THE CHAMBER:
The Small Businessperson of the Year recognizes a small business (100 or fewer employees) owner who has demonstrated business growth, invested time & energy in to developing their teams, and has contributed to our community.

For nearly thirty years, Walt Grudi has owned and managed a highly successful Telecom and IT services business, helping thousands of business customers in Central PA and beyond effectively connect and communicate to achieve greater success. Grudi Associates, Inc., was founded in 1992 by Walt Grudi and his father, Walter A. Grudi, to help businesses save money on long-distance service and payphones.

Few industries have changed as much as or as fast as Telecom & IT in the past three decades, which created both tough challenges and incredible opportunities for Walt and his company. Grudi Associates has remained on the leading edge of the industry and technology by continuously reinventing itself and its services. Walt leads an incredible team of professionals who have made Grudi Associates one of the premier Telecom & IT services providers in its markets.

Walt graduated from The College of William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and English. Walt has been married to his wife, Kelly, for thirty years. They have two daughters, Karlee and Kayla. Walt and his family enjoy many outdoor activities from skiing and golf to hiking, hunting, and fishing.

Personally, Walt has participated in the American Lung Association Lung Force walk since 2003, has been a Lector at St. Peter Catholic Church since 1996 reading during Mass, has coached youth sports, has provided financial support to many non-profit and community organizations, and more.