True Innovation Through Determination and Perseverance
In the world of groundbreaking startups, Gecko Robotics stands as a shining example of innovation fueled by grit. Founded in 2013 by Jake Loosararian and Troy Demmer, the company began as a humble college engineering project and has since grown into a $633 million powerhouse. Specializing in wall-climbing robots for high-risk environments, Gecko Robotics has revolutionized safety inspections in industries such as power plants and nuclear facilities.
Building a Startup From the Ground Up
For Jake Loosararian, Gecko’s co-founder and CEO, the journey to success wasn’t just about clever ideas—it was about embracing the hard work and challenges that came with them.
“So much of Gecko’s success and progress has been just through embracing that value of grit and gritting your teeth,” says Loosararian, 33. This hands-on mindset defined the company’s early years when he spent long days in dangerous environments, testing prototypes of Gecko’s robots in hot, grimy boiler rooms and even nuclear missile silos.
Launching the business itself was a risk. Many of Loosararian’s friends and advisors doubted its viability, but he pushed forward, driven by an unwavering belief that he had discovered an untapped market. “A secret hiding in plain sight,” he called it.
What Sets True Innovators Apart? Grit.
Psychologists often associate grit—the ability to persist toward long-term goals despite obstacles—with success. Loosararian exemplifies this quality. After earning his electrical engineering degree, he spent three years bootstrapping Gecko Robotics, often sleeping on friends’ floors or even at job sites.
At times, he felt out of place. “I don’t belong in this place. … I’m a talented engineer with a hard hat on, steel-toe boots, and covered in coal soot. I shouldn’t be here,” he recalls. But instead of giving up, he leaned into the challenge, proving that perseverance is key to turning ideas into reality.
University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth echoes this sentiment, saying, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years.”
A Culture of Resilience at Gecko Robotics
Gecko’s early struggles shaped its company culture. Today, the company employs over 300 people, all committed to its mission of innovation and safety.
“Everyone has to drive robots, run the software, and understand how the built world works,” says Loosararian. “You want to get a group of people that are all convicted in that value.” This hands-on approach fosters a team that doesn’t just believe in Gecko’s vision but actively works to advance it.
Loosararian believes that innovators must seek out the most challenging environments—places where solutions are most needed. “Unwelcoming environments are actually where we’re needed the most as innovators and designers and technologists,” he says.
What Aspiring Entrepreneurs Can Learn
Loosararian’s journey underscores the importance of grit in achieving success. The ability to endure setbacks and keep pushing forward is what separates the dreamers from the doers. As former Google CEO Eric Schmidt once said, “The most successful people have a lot of skill, but they also have grit. … They’re willing to put up with the setbacks and the inevitable challenges.”
Gecko Robotics’ success story is proof that perseverance, coupled with a clear vision, can lead to extraordinary results.
Looking Forward
Gecko Robotics continues to thrive, leading the way in high-tech safety innovations. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the company is a testament to the power of grit, determination, and a willingness to get your hands dirty—literally and figuratively.
Loosararian’s advice? Embrace the challenges, lean into the unknown, and never stop working toward your vision. “Grit is about sticking with your future,” he says, and Gecko Robotics’ journey shows just how far that mindset can take you.
Gecko Robotics is a true disruptor, proving that perseverance and hard work can turn even the boldest ideas into a global success story.
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