Rachel Gomez: The Art of Authentic Growth

The path to entrepreneurship often begins long before the actual launch of a business, and for Rachel Gomez, this journey was paved with rich experiences that would later prove invaluable. Her story begins not in a garage or with a sudden inspiration, but in the structured halls of corporate America, where she developed the foundation that would later support her entrepreneurial dreams.

Early Career and Foundation
Before founding Mountain Air Marketing in 2017, Rachel's career took her through experiences that would shape her future approach to business. At Lockheed Martin, she worked in a unique role supporting the Department of Interior's branch of renewable and distributed generation of energy. "I provided technical assistance and consultation to American Indian tribes and Native Alaskan villages, helping them to develop renewable energies on their own lands, to support economic stability," Rachel recalls. This early experience taught her the importance of making a meaningful impact while delivering technical expertise. Her journey continued as she transitioned to an international mineral industry advisory firm, where she served as marketing manager overseeing initiatives for 12 offices worldwide. This role proved to be a crucial stepping stone, allowing her to develop the global perspective and organizational skills that would later become instrumental in her own business venture.

The Entrepreneurial Leap
The decision to start Mountain Air Marketing wasn't driven by dissatisfaction with corporate life but rather by a vision of creating something that she truly has full control over. What sets Rachel's story apart is the partnership that formed the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey. Together with her business partner Carly, they faced the challenges of starting a business while growing their families. "We were knees deep in diapers, literally," Rachel shares, describing the early days of balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. The partnership proved to be more than just a business arrangement – it became a source of strength and support. "Having someone to collaborate with, brainstorm with, and share wins has been truly the game changer," she reflects.

Building a Different Kind of Agency
What distinguishes Mountain Air Marketing in the crowded marketing agency space is Rachel's unique approach to business operations. "I genuinely love the business of the business," she explains, "every aspect of how it operates and how all the pieces come together." This passion for business fundamentals, combined with a strong focus on structure, strategy, and efficiency, has created a distinctive agency model. But perhaps more importantly, Rachel and Carly have prioritized creating a culture of empowerment and support within their team. This balance between operational excellence and fostering a positive environment has become their key differentiator within their agency, creating a high employee and client retention.

Overcoming Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Rachel faced her share of challenges and moments of doubt. The biggest initial fear was uncertainty – the question of whether she could create something sustainable. "Starting a business comes with so many unknowns," she admits, "and the thought of taking full responsibility for its success or failure was really intimidating." However, having a business partner meant facing these fears together, supporting each other every step of the way. One of the most significant challenges Rachel had to overcome was perfectionism. "I spent too much time trying to make everything flawless, which often slowed down progress," she reflects. This realization led to an important lesson: "Taking action, even if it's imperfect, is far more valuable. Progress and adaptability are really where career growth happens."

Recognition and Growth
Rachel's commitment to excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. Her achievements include being recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40, being named among the top 20 unstoppable female entrepreneurs in 2021, and leading her agency to be ranked among the top 30 best marketing agencies in the United States in 2019. Most recently, Mountain Air Marketing was named the best marketing agency in Colorado in 2024. These accolades, while impressive, aren't what drive Rachel. Instead, she measures success by the impact she creates – both for her clients and her team. The agency has grown to handle substantial revenue while maintaining its commitment to quality and personal service across diverse industries.

Mentorship and Community Impact
One of the most meaningful aspects of Rachel's entrepreneurial journey has been her commitment to supporting other entrepreneurs, particularly young women, helping them navigate not just the marketing space but also the challenges of balancing work with personal life, especially as first-time parents. "It starts at home," Rachel explains, describing her approach to mentorship and community building. This commitment to supporting others extends beyond formal business relationships into creating genuine opportunities for growth and development.

Evolution of Success
Rachel's definition of success has evolved significantly since her early career days. "Success used to be all about milestones, like a prestigious title or a high salary," she reflects. "Now I see success as building a life and business that aligns with my values, creating flexibility and empowering others. It's about making an impact while maintaining balance and fulfillment in both my personal and business life." This evolved perspective influences how she runs her agency. Rather than focusing solely on client deliverables and invoices, Mountain Air Marketing prioritizes creating meaningful impact while maintaining a healthy work environment for its team members.

Leadership Philosophy
Rachel's approach to leadership is deeply rooted in her understanding of business fundamentals combined with a strong emphasis on human elements. She believes in creating structures and systems that support both operational excellence and personal growth. This philosophy has enabled her to build a team that's both highly effective and deeply engaged. The agency's success in serving clients across various industries, from manufacturing to professional services, stems from this balanced approach. "We love the diversity of our client range," Rachel explains, noting how working with different industries keeps her team engaged and prevents monotony.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked about advice for new entrepreneurs, Rachel emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the day to day events and the importance of adaptability as key factors for success. She stresses the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and maintaining flexibility in approach while staying true to core values. Some key lessons she shares include: Don't wait for perfection before taking action Build strong partnerships and support systems Stay true to your values while remaining adaptable Focus on creating impact beyond just financial success Maintain balance between structure and flexibility

Future Vision
Looking ahead, Rachel continues to focus on growing Mountain Air Marketing while maintaining its commitment to excellence and empowerment. Her vision extends beyond just business growth to creating lasting impact in her community and industry. "I think there's something powerful in sharing the raw, unfiltered realities of building a business, especially as a minority woman juggling family, partnerships and leadership in a really fast-paced world," she reflects. While she hasn't considered writing a book herself, her story serves as inspiration for others following in her footsteps.

Rachel Gomez’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Through Mountain Air Marketing, she has built a thriving agency that reflects her vision and commitment to excellence. Her success goes beyond business growth—it’s about creating meaningful value while staying true to her principles. As she continues to expand her impact, Rachel’s influence reaches beyond her agency, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.