contractors,” says Gómez. He does not do much analysis work, he says, he “just watches the others tackle very complex, signature projects, and offers his two cents from time to time, and less and less every time.” Gómez thinks Schnabel Engineering is a “great place to work, where discovery happens every day.” Allen Cadden says that over the years he’s worked with Gómez, he still finds “every interaction technically astute, and with a sense of personal commitment, with wit thrown in for good measure — he is a great mentor and friend.” Eric B. Rehwoldt, a principal at Schnabel Engineering notes Gómez’s place in the foundation industry, saying that along with others, he helped advance the use of micropiles in the U.S. from a novelty to a widely accepted deep foundation option. He also points to Gómez’s rare combination of experience in construction as well as engineering. This aspect of Gómez gives him “instant cred,” says Rehwoldt, and confidence in com- municating his ideas and concepts across both worlds. “You know he is someone who knows what needs to be done, how to design it, and how to get it built.” Helen Robinson, project engineer at Schnabel, agrees with others that Gómez is a great teacher and mentor, adding that he doesn’t take credit for his innovative design ideas, and instead acknowledges the contributions of each member of the design team. Gómez, she says, can simplify a complex problem and put it in terms that can be easily understood. Supporting the Profession Javier Rodriguez calls Gómez an engineer loyal to the high ethical values of the profession, one who “enjoys contributing to the growth of the profession, and fostering the growth of those around him. He also has the virtue of patience and takes time to listen, think and provide ideas.” Gómez writes papers and makes presentations at seminars and conferences organized by DFI, ADSC, ISM and others. “These organi- zations have been extremely successful in fostering creativity and innovation and are an important outlet for those inclined to share and discuss ideas,” Gómez says. He is a member of various specialty committees in DFI and ADSC, and currently serves on the ADSC Board of Directors. Gómez has always enjoyed teaching others and often does so as Adjunct Pro- fessor at Drexel University in Philadelphia. “I feel strongly that mentorship is the best way for improvement and innovation in our profession. Any accomplishment anyone may ever attribute to me was the product of finding great mentors along the way. In this I have been extremely fortunate.” Life’s Rewards In 2004, Gómez received the Shamsher Prakash Award for Excellence in Geotechnical Practice, and he was included in the CE News Power List of 12 individuals advancing the civil engineering profession. However, he says the greatest professional reward is “having the opportunity to work together with great people to exert a positive change in society.” Gómez hasn’t given up soccer. He enjoys spending time with his family who “support him in every way,” and shares his passion for soccer with his two children, coaching his son’s soccer team. He finds time to play competitively twice a week “mainly for the exercise and the pain.” Virginia Fairweather 50 • DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2013
