It is always entertaining to spend time with Ed Szczesniak, a great landscape designer and and all around funny human being. Former president of Suwanee Business Alliance, Szczesniak has done great things for the community and always keeps us smiling.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I spent 27 years working for IBM in the corporate world, then went back to college at age 50 to learn landscape design because I always loved it, and then it became my new career. No airplanes, no traveling, no eating food when I don’t know what it is.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
I was born in Buffalo and love wings. Friends and Hammerheads are some of my favorite because the food is good and the atmosphere is fun.
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
12 years
What has made you want to stay?
There are so many things. I have lived in a lot of places and Suwanee has been the first place with a great sense of community. I love knowing the current and past mayors of Suwanee. The Suwanee Business Alliance has been a great group professionally and personally.
How big is your family?
I have two grown children, my wife, and a small dog.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
My longtime friend and former mayor Richard Trice. He is fascinating, and I admire his volunteerism and attitude.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Northern Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
Ben-Hur. I think my sisters took me to see it.
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
Have fun and do what makes you happy!
What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to Europe.
What is your favorite music? Name three bands you would like to see?
Rock and soul. I was a singer in a band in college. I would love to see Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the Doobie Brothers.
What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
The old Atlanta Falcons training field behind McDonald’s, and I would have to say Main Street in Old Town, where the town began.
Choose anyone (past or present and a non-relative) with whom you would love to have lunch. Where would you go locally for this lunch?
Craig Lowe, one of my contemporaries from IBM. I would take him to a good Mexican restaurant.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
The people!
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Hopefully doing exactly what I am doing now with the same people. I love what I do so much.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I met my wife Lucy at the Jersey Shore with a big group of people on the Fourth of July. We were both engaged to others at the time. One year later, to the day, we met there again, both of us not engaged, and we were married in nine months. 45 years now!
