Meet Gustavo Lojano

Writing by Max Chwatko

Photography by Justin Negard

Gustavo Lojano

Immigrated from Ecuador, 1997

Pleasantville resident Gustavo Lojano left Ecuador when he was 18 years old, hoping for a better life in America. He began working as an apprentice, and today, he owns his own contracting company, Gustavo Lojano General Contracting in Thornwood.

When and why did you immigrate to the United States ?

I walked out of my home on December 18, 1996, and I arrived in this beautiful country on February 14, 1997. My brother and sister were already in America. I was working so hard in my home country and not making progress. Where I lived was violent, too. My family was poor, and I wanted to find better opportunities for myself and all of us.

What was the immigration and citizenship process like?

I came to this country illegally. When I think back, I wish I could have done it differently; I tell my children this all the time. Once I came here, I worked really, really hard. I was an apprentice for my boss, who was like a father to me. He helped me get my green card and sponsored me.  

I applied in 2002, and five years later, I received it. In 2012, I became a citizen of America, which was one of the happiest days of my life.

What was the hardest part about coming to the United States?

It was very hard to leave my parents; it was scary. Even though my parents are here now, I still cry thinking about it. It was my first time away from my parents, and I cried every single night of that trip, which took five very hard weeks.

I traveled from Ecuador to Guatemala to Houston. I borrowed money from my brother and sister to make the trip, and I only had enough to hopefully get me to America. I took a bus to Guatemala and a plane to Mexico. Once in Mexico, I was stuffed in a van with like 30 people—we couldn’t breathe or move for five hours. Once we got near the border, we had to walk; I walked 64 hours. I was tired and scared and hungry. I just kept praying and praying that I would make it. My goal was to get here and not die on the way.

I took the bus from Houston to NYC; I was in shock when I saw the tall buildings! It felt like a dream. I was excited and thankful and happy, and I called my parents—it was my dream. I arrived in Sleepy Hollow, where I had family, at 2 a.m. I went to work that very first day. I was eager to start; I wanted to take this opportunity and make the best of it to build my future. I made $320 the first week and felt RICH! It was so much money for me! When it happened the next week again, I really couldn’t believe it. I never had that kind of money in my hands. 

What surprised you most about the United States?

First, the buildings! And the noise! But then it was all of the other things. The food was different. I knew only my family.  I had to make friends and trust people, eat the food, and I was scared. 

I was surprised that people were respectful and helpful. People tried to understand me, since I spoke no English, and make me feel welcome here. I had planned on going back to Ecuador one day, but right away, America felt like my true home; this is where I am meant to be.

How often do you visit Ecuador?

After becoming an American green-card holder, I went every year, but since my family is all here now—my parents and my 11 sisters and brothers—I don’t go as much. I got married here; I am raising my kids here. I am thankful every single day.

What traditions do you keep?

My wife is from Ecuador, so we teach our kids some of the traditions from when we grew up, like food and celebrations, but we enjoy all the American traditions too.

What would you like people to know about immigrants?

I think the people I know are very thankful to be here and love this country. 

Anything to add?

Before I came to this country, I never thought I would own a business. I never thought I would have a hobby! I love to ride my bike when I have time on all the nice trails in this area.

This article was published in the July/August 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.