Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Gomez.
Hi Maxine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been anything but linear, yet it has undeniably come full circle. In my formative years, a passion for creativity led me to enroll in an Art magnet program in Miami during middle school.
However, recognizing a different calling, I shifted gears to the School for Advanced Studies, where I earned my AA in Biology alongside my high school diploma. This propelled me to New College, a unique public honors college in Florida, and though it posed challenges for medical school, it laid the foundation for graduate studies.
My trajectory into the medical field took a detour after an enlightening internship with an orthopedic surgeon. Realizing that entrepreneurship beckoned louder, I co-founded a woman-owned American retail product, securing deals with major retailers. Despite initial success, trust issues with my partners led to my dismissal at the age of 35.
Undeterred, I returned to my roots and, with a friend’s loan, founded a water restoration company. Armed with basic principles—dry what’s wet, show up on time, and bill a fair price—I built a resilient team that weathered challenges from water and mold to fire and crime scenes. Our work wasn’t glamorous, but our cohesive team took pride in their roles.
A pivotal chapter involved my first employee, a former ward of the state and aspiring pro football player. Despite support, external pressures led to a tragic outcome—his suicide. This experience fueled my commitment to empower my team, guiding them through StrengthsFinder assessments and investing in personal growth.
After nearly a decade of intense dedication, my health suffered due to mold contamination, rendering me unable to be on-site for projects. Adapting swiftly, I transitioned my team, sold assets, and charted a new course. Leveraging my pre-med knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit, I combined resources to help others through mold remediation, both in their property and their bodies.
The journey continues, powered by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to empowering those around me. From my early artistic pursuits to medical studies and now facilitating mold detox, each phase has contributed to a holistic understanding of my purpose—guiding others toward a healthier and safer living environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life’s journey has been far from a stroll through the park; it’s been a dynamic dance to the rhythm of life’s punches—a two-step forward, one step back, and the occasional cha-cha. Life, as I’ve experienced it, is inherently messy; my phone seemed to ring only on someone else’s bad day. But amidst the chaos, I had my team, and with that came the recognition of my responsibility to show up for them.
In the grand symphony of highs and lows, both personal and professional, I learned to view setbacks as setups for spectacular comebacks. At the age of 35, I faced the daunting reality of being ousted from my own company—a loss that extended beyond business, reaching into my home and an 8-year partnership. Unyielding in spirit, I changed my shoes and took that pivotal first step once more.
Establishing a restoration company, I assembled a resilient team of 10. Even during the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, we stood firm. Yet, a poorly timed business deal disrupted our cash flow, leading me to tighten my belt and resort to Ramen noodles to meet payroll. Just when I thought the storm had passed three years later, an unexpected health setback prompted yet another pivot.
Amidst these trials, one constant has emerged—I’ve harnessed the power of my experience and passion to bring value to others. Life’s curveballs may be unpredictable, but each twist and turn has become an opportunity for evolution, adaptation, and contributing to the greater journey.
Reflecting on this journey, I was asked to speak about my experiences, and it turned into a motivational speech titled “The Power to Change Your Shoes.” Little did I know that my hardships would serve as inspiration for others, guiding them through their tumultuous paths. From that, I co-authored a National Bestselling Book, “Called to Speak, Lead, and Impact.” Life, in its unpredictability, has granted me the wisdom to embrace change, learn from every misstep, and share the empowering message that sometimes, changing your shoes is the first step toward transformative growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At present, my specialization lies in mold—serving as an expert witness, consultant, and instructor. What sets me apart in this field is my unique and diverse background, which contributes to my expertise as a mold specialist. I take pride in leveraging my broad experience to offer comprehensive insights and solutions in this fast-growing industry.
I’m truly grateful to be engaged in work that centers around guiding individuals, helping them with their restoration projects, or on their journey to self-actualization. My focus lies in helping people discover and harness their strengths, firmly believing that true fulfillment arises from aligning oneself with their purpose. I employ various assessments, including StrengthsFinder, to facilitate this transformative process, aiding individuals in crafting their unique life formula.
Unlike offering a one-size-fits-all solution, my approach involves guiding others toward their extraordinary destinies. Through coaching, I provide the tools and support for individuals to design the life they envision for themselves.
My passion extends to embracing diverse experiences that stimulate new synapses, promoting a life rich with exploration and wonder. To achieve a harmonious balance, I indulge in activities such as free diving, hunting, yoga, dance, sauna sessions, and extensive travel. Beyond personal pursuits, I am deeply committed to advocacy work, particularly in immigration reform and training entry-level workers.
What does success mean to you?
Success, for me, was initially framed as the freedom to do what I wanted when I wanted, and with whom I wanted—a guiding principle that shaped the design of my life. However, the lens through which I view success has evolved.
Through the battles for my health and the subsequent rebuilding of my life, success has transformed into more than just a state of being blessed; it’s about truly feeling and recognizing that blessing in every aspect of my existence. It’s about embracing a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment that extends beyond mere circumstances, marking a deeper understanding of the richness life has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drytech247.com
- Instagram: @drytech247
- Facebook: @drytech247
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-gomez-0687b825/
- Twitter: @drytech247
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmX988wfbf2_o0fmteEYyUA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dry-tech-24-7-fort-lauderdale-2
- SoundCloud: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1YSj6Cus9jv8kOokA7ucLh?si=e731730b48a7406f
- Other: www.toughlovedept.com
