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Gad Petel: Golden Touch

By Matt Solis, Editor

For Gad Petel, construction wasn’t just a career choice—it was part of the background noise of his childhood. “My father was a contractor in Los Angeles during the ’80s, so construction was always discussed at the dinner table,” he recalls. “My brothers and I didn’t have plans to follow in his footsteps, but when I was in college in 1999, I started doing handyman and light construction jobs to pay my way. The word spread and I kept taking on more work, so I eventually decided to get my license and incorporate myself.”

Today, as owner of Golden State Designs, Gad says his favorite part of his job is the overall process of helping people improve their homes. “I love the planning stage because I often see things that homeowners, architects and even engineers miss. And it never gets old to see the look on a client’s face at the end of their project—it makes me realize how much I’ve impacted their life.”

After years of operating in L.A., Gad relocated to the San Jose area in 2017. “We came for one house, stayed for another and then had to decide whether to go back to Southern California,” he explains. “The decision was obvious. I just love the people and weather in San Jose—it’s a very quiet, nice area. Plus, it doesn’t have L.A. traffic!”

Family plays a central role in Gad’s life—he and his wife, Inna, have two young children and are expecting a third soon, and he also has a daughter from a previous relationship. Outside of work, he enjoys the simple pleasures of life. “I’m a couch guy,” he laughs. “I like watching basketball and I’ll even shoot some hoops from time to time, but my favorite thing is spending time with my family.”

When asked what his life might look like if he retired tomorrow, Gad says it wouldn’t take long to get back in the swing of things. “I would probably come out of retirement as soon as possible. I think I’m on a mission to help people. The world would miss me if I stopped…and my guys probably wouldn’t let me retire anyway.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Vesuvio in Carmel. It’s not local, but I don’t mind driving 75 minutes to eat great food.

Q: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
A: Frog legs. They were very good.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas. It’s the only time of the year when I can actually stay home with my family.

Q: If you could talk to anyone alive or dead, who would it be?
A: My father. He died seven years ago, so I would love to have one more conversation with him.

Q: Are there any quotes that you live by?
A: “If you want to create change, start with yourself.”