In 1994, after a decade working in the construction industry in the North Bay, Ed Nessinger started Nessco Construction, Inc., in Santa Rosa. Since then, the landscape construction and erosion control company has expanded to serve clients in the greater Bay Area and Sacramento regions. Nessinger is also vice president of RE West Builders (general construction), R & K Construction (cabinet and carpentry) and Estate Landscape Services, Inc. (a landscape maintenance service). Asked how he juggles all these roles, he says simply, “The secret of success is simple: Get up and go do it, every day, no matter what.”
How long have you lived in the North Bay?
I moved to North Bay in 1983 when I was 18 years old.
Do you believe in destiny?
I believe that we create our own destiny. You can choose to let things happen or choose to make things happen.
What item from your past holds special significance for you?
I served in the Maine Corps from 1983 to 1987. I kept my Marine Corps handbook, and I refer to it often. It reminds me of the importance of integrity and discipline.
How many siblings do you have? How has your birth order affected you?
I have two brothers, one older and one younger. They helped me learn how to mediate/negotiate.
If you could have a different career than the one you have now, what would you want it to be?
I’d want to be a litigator, because I enjoy strategic thinking and would get great satisfaction in helping people to achieve justice.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I’d like to be a dolphin because of their freedom, ability to move swiftly and high intelligence.
Describe one of your craziest life moments.
That would be having the economy fall out from under our feet and having to find a way for my companies and employees to survive.
What are the hardest and best things about your job?
The hardest part is landing the job and working through the process of getting it started. The best is the sense of accomplishment from seeing a job completed.
What do you do when you have free time?
I enjoy fishing the rivers of the Pacific Northwest and I like to travel.
What was your favorite childhood snack or candy?
Oatmeal raisin cookies
What’s something you did growing up that your parents never found out about?
I took the family car out for a joy ride when I was 12 years old.
Share a favorite birthday memory.
One hundred friends and family surprised me on my 30th birthday.
What’s your favorite song to sing?
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
When was the last time you gave a speech or presentation? How did it go?
At a recent Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting, we discussed the negative impact of Private Labor Agreements on our community. The discussion went well—the supervisors decided not to move forward with these agreements.
If you could enact one law that doesn’t currently exist, what would it be?
Anyone who initiates and subsequently loses a frivolous lawsuit, or unjustly accuses or slanders a person or company, automatically pays the defendant’s litigation costs plus damages.
Share a cherished memory.
For several years, I participated in the annual Rohnert Park Fishing Derby at Wilford Lake. It was rewarding to share my love of fishing with approximately 300 local kids. The kids were given breakfast and a new fishing pole. Most left with fish, and all left with fun memories.
