Nick Pucci’s career in the fluid sealing industry began in receiving inspection at an aircraft gasket manufacturer, where he had the opportunity to fill in for various roles within the company. One day, while covering for a sales representative, his initiative caught the attention of the company’s owner, who tossed him a set of car keys and said, “Now you’re in sales, go get some orders.” That moment kicked off a long and successful career built on technical skill, field experience and a reputation for trust and follow-through.
Soon after, Pucci joined Garlock and became a go-to fluid sealing specialist supporting critical gasket, packing and expansion joint applications for some of the most demanding environments in power generation, water treatment, mining and refining. He was often brought in to advise on high-risk, non-isolatable systems where a failure could result in a full plant shutdown. “All folks want is safe, reliable performance,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what matters.”
His foundation was built in the field, where real-world challenges and hands-on training shaped his expertise. Pucci helped customers improve system performance and prevent downtime through proper installation and material selection. Over time, his honest, practical approach earned him the confidence of even the most skeptical plant managers. “You earn people’s confidence one solution at a time,” he said. “Once they see you care about getting it right, they start to trust you. That’s when the real partnership starts.”
Throughout his 40-plus-year career, Pucci has supported everything from standard flange leaks to highly specialized sealing projects involving nuclear research, lithium recovery and desalination systems. He has witnessed sweeping industry shifts, including the closure of long-established facilities and a move toward less frequent maintenance intervals. “Access to facilities has become more restricted, especially after the pandemic, and regulatory requirements have increased in complexity. Technology has brought efficiency, but it also introduces a challenge: younger professionals often turn to online resources before consulting someone with field experience. That can be a missed opportunity for real learning.”
Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking and walking his dog. After decades of constant travel, he values a slower pace and time in nature.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges that the industry is facing?
One major challenge is the decline of some traditional industries, especially those tied to fossil fuels, which has led to plant closures and fewer opportunities for hands-on learning. Another is the widening gap between design and real-world application. Many younger professionals enter the field with strong technical knowledge but limited exposure to how things actually operate in the field.
What training have you had besides college?
Most of my training came through direct field experience and technical instruction at manufacturing facilities. I also participated in Garlock’s internal training programs, which helped me deepen my knowledge of sealing applications and material behavior in real-world conditions.
What career advice did you learn from, and what career advice can you offer?
One message that stuck with me early on was, “If you don’t like what you’re doing, find something else.” You have to be honest with yourself and others. My advice to anyone starting out is to be transparent, be accountable and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know”—as long as you follow it with, “but I’ll find out.” People respect that kind of honesty.
What has working in the industry meant to you?
It’s been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the chance to solve meaningful problems, build lasting relationships and see firsthand the impact of reliable sealing solutions across a wide range of industries. I would not trade it for anything. It has been a colorful ride.
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