Meet Gerhard Mayer.

Questions:

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: One of my cousins persuaded me to go into business with him. He wanted to open up a dental lab in Seattle, he was a dental technician and he needed somebody to run the business. I packed everything I had and moved from Ireland to the US. I also have relatives in Carefree and decided instead to move close to them, that is when I went into the construction business. I learned everything I could about designing and building a house. I built my first house in 1983.

Q: What is one thing you wished you learned earlier in your life?

A: When I was young I wanted to be an Architect, my father did not want me to follow that path. I wish I would have.

Q: What is one piece of advise that most changed your life?

A: Never shy away from any challenge, you have to walk through that challenge, it will enhance your knowledge.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Sedona?

A: My wife. I met my wife in Sedona..that was 33 years ago and we’re married for 27 years now.

Q: What age would you be again, and why?

A: I would say 23 or 24 because I was drafted into the Austrian army. In 1968 in Czechoslovakia, there was an up rise from the population because Russians were dominating the country. I went through that time where you have to make the most of what you have, you don’t waste anything, I grew up in a totally different environment. It’s hard for other people to understand what it means especially the oppression and the freedom so I really really appreciate to be here in this country and having the freedom of expression, the freedom to do what I want to do without being held back with bureaucracy and with all that stuff.

Q: What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment is staying healthy despite my age,  having gone through lots of hardships I am still alive. Also I have a family and a beautiful wife who I love dearly!

Q: Choosing anyone with whom would you love to have lunch with? Why?

A: Barrack Obama because he’s a very interesting person, 2-term President, the first black person to become the President despite all the obstacles. I have great admiration for him.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?

A: Italy, I prefer it because it’s close to Austria just across the border. My ancestors had a castle in Italy, I like Italian food and I am quarter Italian.

Q: What is your favorite music?

A: Tchaikovsky on the classical side and the other side is Motown. I was a DJ in my student-time.

Q: What is that one thing you would most like to be remembered for?

A: A great guy!