Andrew Joseph: What is the last book you read?
Scott Selzer: “How to Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life,” by Pat Williams with Jim Denney. Despite being a household name, Walt Disney was actually a humble and kind family man, who happened to have incredibly grand ideas and big dreams that he refused to give up on. This made him unique beyond measure. I think we could all learn something from Walt Disney’s legacy. If you are looking to be inspired, give it a read.
StruXure smart Pergolas are able to open, close and pivot while adding an architectural dimension to your yard. Photography by Matthew Anderson.
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
SS: When I was a kid, I wanted to be Superman. I loved the idea of using one’s physical strength to help people. He had great timing, too, always showing up to save the day in the nick of time. While I’d still take super-human strength over other superpowers, I’d like to think I’ve found a way to help people through my pergola designs, improving the way people live by giving them sustainable solutions for bringing the indoors out and increasing the value of their properties in the process.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
SS: I’d like to be remembered as someone who was real, someone who always tried to do the right thing, in business and in my personal life.
AJ: What are your ideal weekend plans?
SS: I go pretty hard all week, so an ideal weekend is spending time with my family. We all love sports, so whether watching my daughters participate in their sporting activities, or taking in another athletic competition, any weekend I can spend with family doing what we love is great!
This modern pergola is able to be controlled from your phone or by remote. With built-in rain sensors they can open or close themselves so your furniture will never get wet.
AJ: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
SS: I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. My Dad was in the military, so we moved wherever he was stationed. I think living abroad and learning how to adapt to new, often culturally different, environments is a tremendous growth opportunity and really helped shape me into the person I am today.
AJ: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
SS: I believe the pandemic has tightened family bonds, as individuals have banded together to cope with the unknown. I know I feel a renewed inspiration from my own family—my wife and daughters—seeing them explore, develop, and experience life through a new lens. My Dad, a widower, recently remarried, and it has been incredibly uplifting to see the joy he has found at a later stage of life. Spending time with loved ones seems more important than ever, and I’m here for it.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
SS: My parents were great advice-givers. They had an uncanny way of offering encouragement and sharing life lessons, without sounding preachy or dictatorial. They made me believe I could do anything I put my mind to, as long as I was willing to work hard for it. I try to use their approach with my own kids. So, my advice to my teenage self would be to hang onto every bit of wisdom my parents shared, because it’s all golden.
Combine modern amenities while keeping a classic design aesthetic. These gorgeous pergolas provide elegance and luxury to any yard or garden.
AJ: A book that everyone should read?
SS: The Bible. You don’t have to be religious to read the Bible. The moral standards alone are worth consideration by everyone. There’s something in it for everyone.
AJ: Has there been a shift in what clients are requesting post-covid?
SS: In my line of work, I think there has been a shift in “why” they are asking. Pre-COVID, people were looking for shade structures that would increase the use of their backyards. Now, people are interested in investing in their homes in ways that will make them more livable, provide more usable space, and offer long-lasting, sustainable solutions should there be future uncertain times. StruXure’s pergolas and cabanas tick all those boxes. They’re strong, sustainable products that require little upkeep. And they can turn a previously unusable outdoor area into an outdoor room, be it an office, a place for kids to do homework, a yoga studio, a lounge, or any other imaginable space needed.
AJ: Where is the first place you want to travel now that everything is opening up?
SS: I look forward to traveling out of North America again. The world is so full of amazing, inspiring places. Home is important, but it’s good for the soul to experience other parts of the world. Travel provides enjoyment, perspective, and is often the springboard for new.
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