Coming To America – Gabor Molnar

By Sandra Buxton

Like most people from Europe, Gabor loves the active outdoor lifestyle. He grew up in a small town on his parents farm in Hungary. Growing your own food, being outside for extensive periods of time and the sense of community with neighbors, these were valued traditions. His father stressed the value of hard work, which wasn’t appreciated as a young boy but that ethic has served him well as an adult. Gabor was active in sports and served as a partner to his father as they worked in the fields, managed farm animals, and sold vegetables. He relates that the soil is so rich in Hungary that there is no comparison between produce grown there and other parts of the world. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and participating in most sports played an important part of his youth all behaviors which continue today.

There was no such thing as processed foods in Hungary and he totally avoids them at this point as well. He feels that a strong body equates to a strong mind which leads to a happy life.

Gabor enjoyed school and the process of learning. He was a good student, grasping concepts quickly but his favorite season was summer. He traveled Europe with his family which was an education in itself. Touring the various countries where he could experience cultures, enjoy the natural beauty and listening to the variety of dialects. He learned German, Russian, his native Hungarian of course and as he puts it “now a little English”. Actually his English is excellent with an enchanting accent, he is a warm and articulate communicator.

Gabor Molnar

His love of sports, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle transitioned into a career choice. He went to college and became educated as a physical education teacher which allowed him to be a role model and encourage the next generation. In addition to physical fitness, he taught his students to be respectful, committed, focused and goal directed. In thinking ahead he explored all options including what would work for himself and the family he wished to have. He had a friend who lived in Naples and after hearing how beautiful the area was and considering the opportunities that this country offered he decided to give it a try. He felt in three months he would know if he had made the right decision.

It was one of the most difficult choices that he would make and he felt quite brave in doing so. He left parents, friends, his beloved country, and all of the things that he knew and loved. Speaking no English, he took the leap of faith, obtained a work visa and he and his fiancée were off. Gabor fell in love with American traditions, especially the Naples culture and our healthy lifestyle. In less than three months he knew that he had made the right decision and this was his new home and his future was here. Related to the language barrier, his first job was on the Naples docks maintaining the boats and yachts. He attended adult education classes at Barron Collier High School to learn the language of his adopted country. He states that after about four months he was communicating on a basic level and after a year felt comfortable in most conversations. He and his fiancée Heni married and decided that the quality of life and their career goals could be met exactly how they envisioned.

Now ten years later he is still living his dream. This small but energetic family “live” outdoors and participate in water sports, bicycling, running, walking and especially the beach. Gabor takes his young son, a gorgeous blue eyed blond to the beach every day. Since Marco was born in Naples he is a true water baby and loves the feel of the sand and waves splashing on his feet. Following his passion for fitness Gabor is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist.

Combining these skills with his college degree in physical education he individualizes healthy living plans for people of all ages. His path to citizenship has been a long and expensive journey however he expects to have met all of the requirements, paid all the fees and will obtain his American citizenship by the end of the year. Gabor clearly states that his goals in life are simple, contribute to his community and be a good husband and father. Spoken like a true American. Gabor can be reached at 239.692.4274.