His good friend and fellow alum, John Siy BS '82, MS '97, once told Ed, "Forget about getting your MBA. Go get another degree, in packaging this time–the opportunities are endless and you'll never look back." Heeding his friend's advice, Gentile did just that while embracing a new passion along with a new career. 
After getting a degree in business marketing in 1984, Gentile earned his bachelor’s degree in packaging science in 1988. His first position out of RIT was at McDonald Douglas Corp., where he had worked on co-op. A business development executive at Perfecseal North America, he oversees sales, development and service of flexible and rigid sterile packaging products used in the healthcare industry. He daily applies what he terms "the great, solid technical skills I learned at RIT." 
 
Gentile's advice to students is based on his own RIT success. "Get to know your classmates and professors. They will help you, not only while you're at RIT but also in the future," he says. "And don't ever limit yourself."