User:PolskiGolski/sandbox
Walter Surma | |
|---|---|
 Surma beside his nascar | |
| Born | Władyslaw Surma April 23, 1949 |
| Nationality | Polish American |
| Occupation | Race Car Driver • entrepreneur • author • artist |
| Years active | 1977-present |
| Children | 1 |
Early Life[edit]
Walter Surma was born in Swidnica, Poland on April 23, 1949. He is one of five brothers. At age 2, Surma moved to Bełdnie, Poland. At age 5, Surma along with 4 of his brothers and then 8 year old uncle burned down their house while playing flamming rockets. Walter's father was a steel fixer in a nearby town and his earnings were just enough to make a below average living standard for Walter and his 4 brothers. Very often Walter would eat bread dipped in water with sugar because thats all his family could afford. In 1956 Walter and his family moved to Nowa Huta,Poland where he would grow up into his teen years. It was in those years that Walter dreamed of exploring "The Great Unknown World".
As Walter was growing up he wanted to escape the communistic rule in Poland. At age 24 in 1973, Walter fled to Italy. Half a year later, Walter fled to Austria where he would begin the journey to the United States of America.
Emmirgration to the United States of America[edit]
After fleeing from Poland to Italy and then Austria, Walter decided to move to the United States of America in 1974. He arrived in New York City with very little money to his name. Walter had many odd jobs around New York which included working at a matress company and being a handyman at a hotel. In 1976 walter began found his passion for America and painting. A visit to the top and the World Trade Center influenced Walter to paint a 2 1/2 meter painting called "The BIrth of America". After working various jobs around New York, Walter was able to save up enough money to buy semi-trailer truck in 1978. Over 18 months Surma transported goods and materials through out the USA. In the 18 months, Surma visited 48 out the 50 US States. After trucking for 18 months Surma became interested in entrepreneurial ventures.