[6][7] His maternal grandfather, Julius Liener Temerlin, was a prominent advertiser who founded the Dallas International Film Festival.

Gottesman was responsible for managing Bush's day-to-day activities and traveled with him to functions and on overseas trips.

In a 2006 Time article on Gottesman, he was said to understand Bush's moods and tendencies better than most of his other advisors, leading many to have discussions with him on issues before presenting them to the President.

[10] When compared to fictional presidential aide Charlie Young in television series The West Wing, Gottesman stated, "Our jobs are probably pretty similar.

[13] After the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Gottesman joined Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, as a senior associate.