We were lucky to catch up with Uziel Gomez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Uziel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was launching my firm, Primeros Financial. As the first in my family to graduate college, I started earning a salary that was more than my family had ever seen. Leaving that stability behind to start from scratch wasn’t easy. But I knew if I didn’t take the leap now or I might never do it.
I grew up in a low-income household where money was tight, but we always managed to get by. My dad has working since he was 12, doing intense, physically demanding jobs. My mom worked at a factory until the ‘08 recession, when she was laid off. Growing up, “getting by” meant there was no extra money to save for things like retirement.
In my family, I’m my dad’s retirement plan. He’s 61 now, and while he’s still working hard every day, I know his body won’t let him do this forever. For many Latino immigrant families, the reality is that people work until they physically can’t anymore. But I want something different for my dad.
Starting my firm wasn’t just about chasing a personal dream. It was about building something meaningful—a way to empower first-generation individuals like me, who are often overlooked because traditional financial planning feels out of reach. I wanted to make real financial guidance accessible to them while also creating a path that would allow me to support my dad and give him the retirement he deserves.
It wasn’t an easy decision. I kept thinking, “What if my family needs me to earn more for an emergency? What if I can’t find clients? How do I even build a brand from scratch?” I doubted myself a lot. Honestly, I didn’t know if I had what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
I had faith that this was the right decision for me. In May 2024, I took the leap and launched Primeros Financial. Today, I’m proud to be working with six incredible clients—and growing. It’s still the beginning, but I’m confident in the vision I’m building and the impact it’s already making.
The most rewarding part has been making a real impact in my clients’ lives. For me, this isn’t just about running a business—it’s about changing lives. It’s about helping people like me build financial stability, all while supporting my family.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Uziel Gomez, a Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor®, and I launched my practice, Primeros Financial, eight months ago. Growing up, I witnessed the financial challenges my family faced, and early in my career I realized how inaccessible financial planning can feel for many in underserved communities. That experience shaped my mission to make financial planning approachable and meaningful, especially for individuals like me who come from similar backgrounds.
When people hear “financial planner,” they often think of numbers, investments, or insurance agents selling commission-based products—particularly in minority communities where these sales-focused approaches are common. At Primeros Financial, I strive to change that narrative. I provide comprehensive, holistic financial planning that prioritizes my clients’ unique goals, values, and aspirations.
My approach begins with understanding my clients on a deeper level. Before we dive into the numbers, I focus on what truly matters to them—their values, dreams, and the life they want to create. By putting their values at the center of the conversation, I’m able to craft financial plans and recommendations that genuinely align with what matters most to them. This is my favorite part of my work—getting to know someone’s unique beliefs, experiences, and background.
I offer a wide range of services, including cash flow management, credit reviews, debt reduction strategies, insurance assessments, tax planning, and investment guidance. But more than the services themselves, what sets Primeros Financial apart is the personalized guidance I provide every step of the way. Many of my clients come from backgrounds where financial literacy wasn’t emphasized, and for many, finance can feel intimidating or even unattainable. I work to break down those barriers, helping my clients feel confident and empowered as they take control of their financial future.
Primeros Financial isn’t just about numbers or transactions—it’s about transformation. My mission is to empower first-generation individuals by helping them harness the power of money to create a life filled with abundance and fulfillment.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The idea that success requires nonstop grinding is deeply ingrained in our society. There’s this notion that you have to keep pushing forward, working tirelessly, and never taking time off until you’ve achieved your goals. For me, this belief is rooted in my upbringing—my family spent so much time in survival mode, and I had to adopt the same mindset to get through college. I juggled multiple jobs and classes, grinding endlessly to make ends meet and secure a future.
Since launching my business, this mindset has only intensified. The goalpost always seems to move, and I constantly feel like I can’t afford to rest. As the heart of my business, taking time off feels like hitting pause on its growth. But over time, I’ve learned a critical lesson: not prioritizing rest and well-being doesn’t just affect me—it threatens the very foundation of my business.
If I burn out, I can’t show up for my clients or sustain the mission I’m building. I’ve had to remind myself that this journey isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. What I’m creating is meant to thrive and grow for years to come, and that requires taking care of myself along the way. By prioritizing rest and my own well-being, I can continue to uplift my clients, show up fully, and build something impactful that makes a lasting difference.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Having a mission that extends beyond myself and serves the greater good has always been my guiding force. By consistently aligning my work with this mission—showing up authentically, sharing my story, and focusing on empowering others—I’ve built a reputation rooted in purpose, trust, and meaningful impact within my market. I believe that when we live a life driven by a purpose bigger than ourselves, everything else naturally falls into place. Over time, I realized that people don’t just buy a product or service—they buy into your story and the why behind what you do.
Even before launching Primeros, I was unknowingly building my brand within the profession. Through volunteer work, attending events and conferences, and networking, I consistently showed up as my true self. By embracing authenticity, leaning into vulnerability, and sharing my story openly, I’ve formed meaningful connections with colleagues who have become friends and trusted supporters of my journey. These relationships have been instrumental in the growth of Primeros, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or client referrals.
Clients, too, are drawn to my story because I understand their struggles on a personal level. I’ve faced many of the same challenges, and I’m not afraid to share those experiences with them. They can see that my mission is clearly defined and deeply rooted in a desire to create a lasting impact in their lives. This clarity and intentionality show how much I truly care, which helps me build trust and forge meaningful, lasting connections.
This intentional authenticity has become the cornerstone of my brand and a natural foundation for building a strong, organic presence. It serves as a reminder that when you lead with purpose, embrace vulnerability, and genuinely strive to serve others, the right opportunities naturally follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://primerosfinancial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primerosfinancial/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/uziel-gomez
- Twitter: https://x.com/Uzigomez