Employee Spotlight: Anthony Gomez, IT Manager
When you walk into ADKF, you might not immediately notice all the systems quietly running behind the scene, the network connections, the security measures, the countless small tasks that keep the firm operating smoothly. That’s exactly how Anthony Gomez, ADKF’s Information Technology Manager, likes it. “When you do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”
Anthony joined ADKF in 2021 and has since become an essential part of keeping the firm’s technology secure, efficient, and reliable. A San Antonio native, Anthony’s path to IT management wasn’t traditional. After high school, college wasn’t financially possible, so he made a bold decision by joining the U.S. Navy. “The Navy recruiting office was the closest and within walking distance,” he laughs, “so that’s where I went.”
He served for over nine years as an Information Systems Technician, achieving the rank of E6. Anthony told himself if he reached ten years, he would make it a career, but before that milestone, he decided it was time for a new chapter. “I was tired of deploying. I wanted to stay somewhere,” he explains. After his honorable discharge, Anthony remained in Virginia working government contracting jobs before returning home to San Antonio. He worked in tech support through the early days of COVID-19, but the constant travel and exposure made him ready for a change plus he was looking to get back into IT management, and ADKF proved to be the perfect fit.
In his role today, Anthony wears many hats. From system maintenance to cybersecurity to troubleshooting, no two days are alike. What he enjoys most, though, is the problem-solving aspect of his job. “I like helping people when they’re in a panic or a pinch.” Being that spot of hope and resource for people when they are struggling with technology makes the work meaningful. Additionally, his competitive nature and drive to succeed pushes him to always look for solutions and never turn down a daunting task or new project.
One of his proudest accomplishments came during his Navy years. While serving in Africa, he helped set up temporary village living sites, including establishing satellite systems that provided communication, internet, and power for medical aid teams. That experience taught him not just technical expertise, but also adaptability and teamwork, skills that continue to guide him in his work today.
Anthony’s motivation stems from what he describes as an “intense fear of failure.” He’s driven by a desire to constantly improve and stay competitive with himself. You just have to keep getting better, he says. His advice for those starting out in technology. “Remember, it’s customer service at the end of the day. There’s nothing we do that’s independent; everything supports something. If you forget that, it’s harder to succeed.”
The best advice he’s ever received also came from his time in the Navy: “Just show up and smile; it will be over in a few minutes.” It’s a reminder, he says, that challenges are temporary and perseverance pays off. He also carries with him the belief that “the world doesn’t owe you anything, everything is earned.” Work hard, help yourself, and you’ll get what you want.”