Spotlight | Omar Guzman
Omar Guzman
Principal Project Manager
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In this edition of our Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Omar Guzman, Principal Project Manager in our Enterprise Solutions team. With more than two decades in the ERP industry and nearly two years at Mayan Technologies, Omar’s career has been defined by adaptability, leadership, and a strong commitment to client success.
Before joining Mayan, Omar spent over 20 years at Epicor Software, advancing through roles in development, product management, and leadership of both teams and product lines. Today, he applies that experience to guiding complex Epicor implementations, always with an emphasis on communication, collaboration, and building trust with clients.
For Omar, communication is the foundation of every successful project. It is what ensures quality, reduces risks, and creates clarity for both clients and teams. In this article, you’ll learn more about his professional journey, the lessons he carries from decades in the field, and the personal passions that keep him grounded outside of work.
Professional
Omar’s career spans more than 20 years in the ERP industry, beginning with his early work in development and later evolving into leadership roles at Epicor Software. Over the years, he gained experience across product management, team leadership, and large-scale projects, with some of his most gratifying moments coming from working directly with clients and seeing solutions take shape.
Today, as a Principal Project Manager at Mayan Technologies, Omar brings that depth of experience to every implementation. From guiding Epicor Kinetic rollouts to resolving challenges in existing systems, he focuses on communication and change management as the keys to success. Transitioning from a large corporation to a more agile service partner has meant taking on broader responsibilities and new challenges. Still, it is a shift that has allowed him to grow while staying close to the clients he serves.
You spent more than 20 years at Epicor. What first drew you there, and how did your career begin?
That is correct, 23 years to be exact. I first connected with Epicor while working at Softtek, where we developed localizations for Latin America. That meant adapting the software to work in different countries, and Epicor was one of my clients.
When Epicor decided to open an office in Monterrey, I already had a strong relationship with their team. I knew the people, I liked the environment, and I was eager to gain experience working directly with an American company. In the back of my mind, I even thought it could someday lead me to move to the United States, which it eventually did.
I was one of the first three people hired in Monterrey. We built the team from scratch, and I became the bridge between the U.S. office and our local developers. That role gave me the chance to grow quickly, take on responsibility, and eventually make the move to California and later Texas.
After a long career at Epicor, you made the move to Mayan Technologies. How did you approach that transition, and what has the journey been like so far?
The transition wasn’t necessarily easy. At Epicor, responsibilities were clearly defined, and if you needed something, you always knew who to ask. At Mayan, being a smaller company means you often wear many hats. Sometimes you face situations no one has encountered before, so you work closely with teammates to figure out solutions together.
That constant change can be challenging, but it also keeps the work dynamic. Every few months, there’s something new to adapt to, and it pushes you to grow. What I’ve enjoyed most is being closer to clients. Even when the situations are complicated, it’s gratifying to know that you’re helping them solve problems and seeing the direct impact of your work.
In your role as Principal Project Manager, what does your work at Mayan Technologies involve day to day?
My day-to-day involves a lot of interaction with clients. I spend time giving them updates on what we are working on, receiving new requirements, delivering completed work, and making sure everyone is aligned on the next steps. Part of that is also looking ahead. I often remind clients about what is coming in the future and help them start preparing for upcoming priorities.
On the internal side, I work closely with both our functional and technical teams. I check in on project progress, ask whether tasks are on track, and if something is delayed, I need to understand the reason so I can explain it clearly to the client. That means translating client requests into actionable tasks, ensuring our teams have the clarity they need, and then following up as work gets completed so I can bring that information back to the client.
It is a constant back and forth, but that flow of communication is really at the heart of my role. It ensures clients always know where things stand, and it gives our teams the direction they need to deliver successfully.
You’ve also led both teams and product lines over the years. How have those leadership experiences shaped the way you manage projects today?
One thing I always say when people ask me about project management is that it’s communication. More than the plan, more than the tools, everything depends on how well we communicate. If there is good communication, there will be quality. If there is good communication, the plan will be clearer, risks will be lower, and everyone will understand what needs to be done.
That lesson came from my time leading both teams and product lines. Whether as a development manager or later as a director of product management, I saw how important it was for people to understand exactly what they were working on, when it was due, and what the priorities were. It is the same for clients. They need to understand expectations, deliverables, and timelines, and it is my job to make sure that clarity is there.
For me, communication takes many forms. Sometimes it is a detailed design document, sometimes an email where timing is less urgent, and sometimes it is a quick phone call to resolve something immediately. No matter the format, clear communication is the foundation in project management.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about your role at Mayan Technologies, and where do you see the company going?
What excites me most is that there will always be new projects, new clients, and new challenges. No two projects are ever the same, and that keeps the work interesting. One personal goal I still have is to sell a new project myself, which is something I would like to accomplish.
As for the company, I think Mayan is on the right path. Sergio set a goal for 2026, and in the two years I have been here, we have grown in line with that vision. Even if some years are more challenging than others, I believe we are well-positioned to meet that goal. More importantly, I see us continuing to grow in an orderly way and establishing ourselves as the number one Epicor partner in the market. That is where I believe we are headed, and I am confident we will get there.
Over those years, you worked across different teams and departments. What lessons or experiences had the biggest impact on you?
The most rewarding experiences were always the ones where I had the chance to interact directly with clients. In my early years on the development team, I was more removed from that side of things. But when I moved into product management in California, I got closer to clients and began to understand firsthand how our work impacted them.
Some of the most memorable moments came from projects where clients were brought in to request new functionality or participate in testing. Seeing them validate a feature, implement it, and later thank us for delivering what they had envisioned was incredibly gratifying.
I also had the opportunity to participate in Insights for more than a decade, often as a presenter, which gave me another way to engage with clients. Those interactions reinforced just how important it is to listen, to collaborate, and to make sure the solutions we deliver truly meet their needs.
What do you do at Mayan Technologies?
At Mayan, I wear a few different hats. My primary role is Project Manager, where I oversee new Epicor Kinetic implementations, manage continuous improvement projects, and step in to support clients whose initial implementations didn’t go as smoothly as expected. I also collaborate on projects subcontracted through Epicor, recently expanding into project management in addition to consulting.
Beyond that, I occasionally work as a functional financial consultant, since I hold a certification in that area. At the core, my work is about connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and guiding projects so they move forward in the right direction. It’s a mix of planning, communication, and problem-solving, which keeps every day interesting.
How has it felt to now work with a service partner like Mayan Technologies? What has been the most challenging part of the change, and the most rewarding?
The most challenging part has been standing in front of a client, knowing they expect immediate answers. No matter how much you prepare, there are always moments where you have to say, ‘I don’t know, let me check.’ That tension is real, but it pushes you to keep learning and finding solutions.
The most rewarding part is reaching the end of a project and seeing the client satisfied. Getting there requires navigating the uncertainty, doing the research, and putting in the effort, but delivering results that truly solve their problems makes it all worthwhile.
You’ve worked with countless clients across industries. What do you think sets apart a successful ERP project from one that struggles?
Success in an ERP project always comes down to change. Every ERP has good and bad functionality, good and bad technology, and every client has strong and weak resources. What makes the difference is how people respond to change.
In every project, there are people who are excited about the change and others who are frustrated by it. That is where communication becomes critical. You have to understand what is driving that frustration and, when possible, address it. Sometimes you can shift their perspective, and other times you simply have to find a way for them to move forward with the project.
For me, the key to a successful implementation is managing change and using communication to guide and influence how people adapt to it.
As you approach your second anniversary, what have you enjoyed most about working at Mayan Technologies?
From the work perspective, what I enjoy most is interacting directly with clients and seeing the satisfaction that comes from helping them solve problems. That part of the job is always rewarding.
From the company perspective, I appreciate the effort Mayan puts into building a strong culture. Even though we all work remotely, there is a clear effort to keep us connected, involved, and engaged. That makes a big difference and is something I truly value.
What changes or trends in ERP stand out to you the most?
Right now, the most revolutionary trend is clearly the implementation of AI. I know Epicor Kinetic already has a module, although it is not yet fully developed, and some of the consultants inside Epicor are still working on it.
What interests me most is how it will actually be applied. There are simple use cases, such as asking a system in natural language, ‘What was the last sale I made to this client?’ and receiving an immediate answer. But there are also more complex applications, like improving purchasing processes, forecasting, and material planning. Those are the ones I would really like to see put into practice in the real world.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in this industry?
Don’t give up. When you are just starting, you know very little about ERP systems, how businesses work, or the details of different types of manufacturing. It is easy to feel discouraged.
What I would say is focus on the small wins that happen every day. Just like there are daily problems, there are also daily successes. Hold on to those three or four things that went well and use them as motivation to keep moving forward. Over time, those small wins add up and give you the confidence to grow.
What do you enjoy most about mentoring and guiding younger consultants, and how do you see your role in developing the next generation of talent?
I really enjoy mentoring. For me, it is about giving younger consultants tools from my own experience so they can solve problems more easily. Some people are naturally good at problem-solving, while others get overwhelmed, and my goal is to help those who feel overwhelmed gain the confidence to handle challenges.
That is how I try to live my own life; instead of worrying, I focus on solving. I also like to help teams broaden their perspective. Sometimes a team might be focused on one specific change, but I’ll ask them if they’ve considered other impacts or dependencies. The point is not to stop the change, but to ensure it aligns with the bigger picture and avoids problems down the line.
Preferences + Stats
Years of Experience -
30+
ERP Expertise
- eBackOffice (e by Epicor), - Epicor 9.05,
- Epicor ERP, '
- Epicor Kinetic
Google Certified Project Manager
Experience with Agile Methodology -
11 years
Epicor Certification
- Epicor Cloud Foundations
- Kinetic Financial Management
Areas of Expertise
- Project Management
- Software Development
- Business Analysis
- Financials
- Training
Personal
Outside of work, Omar’s life is centered on family and meaningful traditions. Married and with a son preparing to begin college, he is navigating an important stage as a parent while cherishing the time they share. He values the small celebrations and routines that bring his family closer, as well as the chance to step away from work to enjoy weekends, travel, and new experiences. Whether reflecting on past vacations or looking forward to future adventures, Omar finds balance in the moments that recharge him and keep him connected to what matters most.
Could you tell us about your family?
It is just the three of us — my wife, my son, and me. My wife and I are both originally from Monterrey. I moved to the United States in 2003, we got married the following year, and we spent 12 wonderful years in Southern California before settling in the Houston area, where we have now been for the past decade.
Our son was born in California, and although he grew up here in the U.S., he proudly considers himself 100 percent Mexican. He is 19 now and preparing to start college, which makes this an exciting new chapter not only for him but for us as a family as well.
Do you have a favorite family tradition that’s especially meaningful to you?
As a Mexican family living in the United States, our strongest tradition is traveling to Monterrey every December. That is where my wife’s family lives, and my parents are there as well. I only have one brother, and although he lives in Florida, he also makes the trip for the holidays.
Those visits are when our extended family truly comes together. December in Monterrey means reconnecting, sharing meals, and spending time with the people who matter most. It is the tradition we look forward to all year, and it is the one that keeps us closely tied to our roots.
Looking back, what has been the best vacation you’ve taken so far, and what made it so memorable?
A couple of years ago, we traveled to Spain for the first time, visiting Madrid. That trip was very special for many reasons. For my son, it marked the beginning of his interest in Spain, a passion that later grew stronger after he spoke with friends who had studied abroad. For me, it combined several personal passions. I have always enjoyed Spanish music, and I also follow a late-night comedy show called La Resistencia, hosted by David Broncano. I was such a fan that I even found tickets to attend a live recording during our trip.
What made it even better was the coincidence that some old friends from our years in California happened to be in Madrid at the same time with their kids. We spent time together and had a wonderful experience, both for the younger ones and for us as parents. All of those elements came together to make that vacation unforgettable.
With such a busy role, how do you approach balancing work and family life?
It is not always easy. There are weeks when I work 45 to 50 hours, which is a lot. The big advantage is that I work from home. During the summer, I usually start my day before everyone else is awake, but during the school year, we all get up early and see each other in the mornings. At lunch, I just set my Teams status to away and head downstairs to eat and spend time with my family before returning to work. At the end of the day, it is as simple as putting my computer to sleep and being back with them right away.
That is what makes the difference. If I were commuting every day, it would be much harder to balance. I also do my best not to work on weekends, even though there are times when the workload requires it. My family understands the ups and downs, and I appreciate their support. For me, the key is being present whenever possible, and working from home gives me that opportunity.
If you could relive one day from your life, which would it be and why?
I would relive the day of my son’s high school graduation. He was very happy, my wife was very happy, and I was too, even if I am not the one to show it as much as they do. It was a wonderful day that marked an important milestone for our family.
There was a celebration with dinner and dancing, and my son enjoyed being with his classmates, while my wife and I were proud to see him reach that goal. It was a day filled with joy, and one I would gladly relive.
What’s the best piece of personal advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is to listen more than you speak. It sounds simple, but it has been invaluable in many areas of my life. As a parent, especially with a teenager, it is easy to get impatient and want to react right away. I have learned that listening first makes conversations more constructive and prevents things from becoming more complicated.
The same lesson applies at work. You do not need to jump in with all the answers immediately. Taking the time to listen helps you understand what people really need, and that understanding leads to better solutions. Listening before speaking has shaped the way I approach both family and work, and it is advice I carry with me every day.
With your son preparing to start college soon, what has that experience been like for you and your family?
“It has been a gradual process, not something that happened overnight. When he finished high school last year, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study. Instead of rushing into a decision, he chose to start at a community college. That gave him the flexibility to explore different subjects while staying close to home, which turned out to be a great choice.
Earlier this year, after talking with friends who had studied abroad, he came to us and said he wanted to go to Spain. From there, we began months of applications, exams, interviews, and paperwork, and eventually, he was accepted to a university in Valencia.
Since then, much of our focus has been on preparing, from getting his visa to finalizing all the details. It hasn’t felt like he is leaving suddenly, because we have had time to adjust, but we know the hardest moment will be when my wife and I return after dropping him off. It will be bittersweet, but we are excited to see him start this new chapter in his life.
How do you usually like to spend your weekends or free time?
Since it is just the three of us, we easily notice when one person is missing, so most of our weekends are spent together as a family. We love being at home, especially in the backyard, where grilling has become our favorite tradition. Whether it is carne asada, chicken, or anything else on the grill, it is a time to relax, talk, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
In recent years, we have also made it a point to travel more. The pandemic made us realize how much time we had spent staying in, so now we try to plan small adventures whenever we can. Discovering new places together has become another way of making memories, whether it is a short getaway or just exploring something different close to home.
If you could plan your dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?
I don’t really have a dream vacation of my own, but my wife has always dreamed of going to Switzerland. As a child, she grew up watching Heidi and imagining the mountains and that setting, and she has carried that image with her ever since.
In Switzerland, there are ecotourism experiences, which are trips focused on nature and local culture. You can stay on a farm in the mountains, live with the people who run it, and share the food they make themselves, like cheese from their goats. On top of that, you are surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Swiss Alps.
For her, it would be the fulfillment of a childhood dream, and for me, the dream would be to make that experience possible for her.
Is there a new routine or hobby you’ve recently started, or something you’d like to try in the future?
No, but I should probably start looking for something. Sports have always been part of my life. For many years I went to the gym regularly, but like many people, I stopped during the pandemic. About a year ago I finally went back. It helps clear my mind, gets me out of the house, and gives me the chance to see different people, which is refreshing since I work from home.
With my son moving abroad for college, I think my wife and I will also need to find something new to do together, instead of just sitting around missing him.
I have also thought about music. My son is very musical, and it makes me wonder if I should try as well. We already have a piano and a drum set at home, so maybe that is where I will start.
What’s something you and your family especially enjoy celebrating together, big or small?
For us, birthdays are the celebrations we always make sure to enjoy. Now that my son is leaving to study abroad, it will be just the two of us here, but birthdays remain important. My wife is very social and loves planning parties with her friends for her birthday, while I am the opposite; I do not even like being congratulated. But within our family, we always celebrate with a cake and time together.
Beyond birthdays, we also make the most of bigger milestones, such as my son’s graduation, or, of course, Christmas with our extended family in Monterrey. Those moments, whether small or big, are what bring us together.
Outside of work, what personal accomplishment are you especially proud of?
On a personal level, I am proud of returning to the gym after many years away and keeping the discipline to stick with it. It has become a routine that I enjoy and want to continue.
As a family, one of the accomplishments that means the most to us is being able to give our son the opportunity to study in Spain. Supporting him in taking that step is something we truly value.
Every ERP project comes down to managing change. Technology matters, but how people adapt is what defines success.
Tips from Our Experts
We have the privilege of working with incredibly knowledgeable consultants, and Omar is no exception. Here are a few of Omar’s expert tips for successful project management and client communication.
Confirm your understanding – Always make sure you are interpreting the client’s request correctly. Restate it in your own words, either in writing or during the conversation, and ask the client to confirm. This avoids moving forward with the wrong idea.
Overcommunicate – It is better to send extra emails, follow-ups, and reminders than to let something slip through the cracks. If someone tells you they need more time, respect that, but if there is silence, do not hesitate to check in.
Validate before closing – Once something is built or resolved, validate it before marking it as complete. Ideally, confirm with the client, but if that is not possible, validate internally. This extra step ensures the client receives a solution that works as expected the first time.
Did You Know?
Here are three things you probably didn't know about Omar:
Omar spent several years as a soccer referee.
He played basketball at the university level.
He was the third person ever hired at Epicor Monterrey.
Gallery
Take a look at some moments Omar has shared with us, from family trips and travel adventures to snapshots that reflect the experiences he enjoys most outside of work.
Thank you for reading this month's Spotlight article. In each edition, we shine a light on our team members, giving you an inside look at their roles at Mayan Technologies and the impact they have on our success. If you enjoyed learning more about Omar, be sure to check out our other Spotlight articles featuring the talented members of our team. Each edition offers a unique look into the people who make Mayan Technologies what it is today.
Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to highlight the people who bring their unique skills and perspectives to Mayan Technologies.
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