Nick Gomez isn’t just the COO and Co-Founder of Gleky – he’s an AEC whisperer. After years navigating the trenches as a professional engineer, Nick witnessed firsthand the talent mismatch plaguing the industry. It wasn’t just spreadsheets and deadlines; it was missed opportunities, stalled projects, and ambitions frustrated by a lack of skilled hands.
So, Nick did what any builder does – he built a bridge. Gleky isn’t just a platform; it’s a lifeline for AEC companies struggling to scale. Powered by Nick’s empathy and insider knowledge, Gleky connects them with vetted, top-notch LATAM talent, ready to inject skill, fresh perspectives, and a can-do attitude into their projects.
Beyond resumes and portfolios, Nick understands the unique language of architects, engineers, and contractors. He knows the unspoken pressures, the tight deadlines, and the satisfaction of a job well done. That’s why Gleky’s connections aren’t just about filling slots; they’re about building partnerships, fueling growth, and ensuring every project reaches its full potential.
With Nick at the helm, Gleky isn’t just changing the game – it’s redefining it. He’s a leader who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, a bridge builder who speaks the language of ambition, and a problem solver who sees opportunities where others see roadblocks. So, if your AEC dream is facing a talent gap, Nick Gomez and Gleky are ready to build the solution, one perfect match at a time.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
In my life, no two days are ever the same! That’s the beauty of working in a fast-paced startup environment. My mornings usually start with a quick scan of the latest industry news and Gleky’s internal channels to get a pulse on the market and any company updates. Lunchtimes are often used for building relationships or grabbing a bite with colleagues to brainstorm and solidify team dynamics. The afternoons are typically dedicated to focused work sessions. I meet with individual team members and my executive team to discuss ongoing projects, strategize for upcoming initiatives, and tackle any roadblocks.
I try to wrap up around 6:30 to go to the gym and spend quality time with my wife before bedtime.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Empathy & Execution: At Gleky, we know great ideas are just the beginning. It’s about understanding user needs, and then building the tools that seamlessly solve their problems. My approach? Empathy-fueled execution: Deep dive, collaborative brainstorming, rapid prototyping, ownership & empowerment, relentless iteration
What’s one trend that excites you?
Definitely digitization of traditional industries. From farming robots optimizing crop yields to AI-powered medical diagnoses, technology is blurring the lines between physical and digital. It’s like watching a caterpillar morph into a butterfly, with clunky processes transformed into elegant, data-driven ecosystems.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Master of My Minutes: I swear by timeboxing, my productivity superpower. Each week, I map out my priorities and break them down into bite-sized tasks, allocating specific time slots for each. My calendar becomes a fortress against procrastination, ensuring I dedicate focused attention to every project without the overwhelm. No more blurry days! Timeboxing keeps me accountable, energized, and on track to conquer my goals. Plus, the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks throughout the day fuels my motivation like magic.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stay hungry for knowledge. Dive into every new challenge at Gleky with relentless curiosity. Ask questions, experiment, and learn from every mistake. The tech world is constantly evolving, and the only way to thrive is to keep that learning flame burning bright. Secondly, remember, no breakthrough happens in a vacuum. The best solutions often emerge from unexpected connections, so nurture a culture of open exchange and shared learning
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
The American Dream is more attainable than ever before, not a dying reality. With rising income inequality and skyrocketing costs of living, the classic American Dream feels out of reach for many. But advancements in technology, education, and globalized opportunities also create unprecedented pathways to success. I challenge the prevailing narrative and argue that with hard work and smart choices, the dream is alive and well.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Embrace the network, not the net: Instead of getting caught in the digital net of endless online connections, I prioritize building tangible, human networks. Every day, I make a conscious effort to connect with someone outside my immediate circle – a potential collaborator, a thought leader in a different field, even a customer with a unique perspective. It’s in these diverse, face-to-face conversations that real magic happens, and that’s where I find the energy and inspiration to keep pushing Gleky forward
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I don’t immediately reach for a coffee or jump into another task. Instead, I take a 15-minute vacation for my mind. Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out: Those 15 minutes do wonders. When I re-open my eyes, the tension has melted away, my thoughts are clearer, and my focus is laser-sharp. It’s like I’ve rebooted my internal system, ready to tackle anything with renewed energy and perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Focus on relentless iteration and customer obsession. Every day is an opportunity to improve something, no matter how small. It’s like compound interest for your business – those tiny daily gains add up to exponential growth over time. This laser focus on iteration and customer obsession has been a key driver of our growth, building a loyal community and fueling word-of-mouth advocacy.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Launching Gleky wasn’t smooth sailing. We initially overestimated market demand and underestimated operational challenges. We experienced a period of slow growth and had to make tough decisions to adapt. Instead of panicking, we pivoted our strategy, tightened our budget, and doubled down on customer feedback. It was a grueling process, but we emerged stronger and more focused. This experience taught me the importance of agility, resilience, and embracing feedback. Now, we celebrate calculated risks and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a silent epidemic facing our communities: loneliness. We crave connection, but traditional methods are crumbling. I dream with a network of local hubs where anyone can join in on shared hobbies, from cooking classes to coding circles. Think community centers 2.0, buzzing with energy and fostering real, human connections. That’s an idea worth giving away, wouldn’t you agree?
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One tool that’s become my secret productivity weapon is Zapier. It’s like a digital glue that connects all the different apps and services we use at Gleky, so they talk to each other seamlessly. We’re constantly juggling tasks across platforms like Google Calendar, Asana, Mailchimp, and more. Zapier automates the handoffs between them, saving us tons of time and effort
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
Forget fancy dinners or gadgets, the best $100 I recently spent was on a spontaneous weekend camping trip with a few close friends. Reconnecting with nature, swapping stories under the stars, and just letting loose for a couple of days was priceless. It’s a reminder that the most valuable things in life often don’t have a price tag.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Atomic Habits provides a practical, science-backed framework for building lasting positive change. James Clear shows how even tiny, incremental shifts in our daily routines can compound over time into remarkable achievements. This resonates beautifully with the long-term, patient approach advocated by the ‘Outsiders.’ Small, consistent habits, fueled by the right mindset, can lead to exceptional results, whether in business or anything else.
I lost more than 30 pounds thanks to this book. It changed my life!
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Honestly, my latest viewing wasn’t a new blockbuster, but a deep dive into the golden arches with ‘The Founder’. You know, the Ray Kroc and McDonald’s origin story? Now, I’m not usually one for business biopics, but this one had me glued to the screen. It’s like a roller coaster of ambition, innovation, and… let’s just say, some creative contract interpretations.
Key learnings:
- Embrace a culture of curiosity and continuous learning
- Prioritize human connection and build diverse networks
- Focus on relentless iteration and customer obsession