Lonnie Kanetzky

Assembly Manager, Hexagon Agility

Native of Austin, TX

Industry: Manufacturing

Lonnie Kanetzky thinks that job opportunities in Salisbury-Rowan, as well as the area, are a big plus factor. “We’re centrally located, which makes for an easy commute to surrounding towns,” he says. 

Lonnie came here in 2019 as Assembly Manager of Hexagon Agility, a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuel systems used in medium vehicles. Lonnie describes the work as “driving energy transformation with a vision of clean air everywhere.”

He and his family are starting their third year as residents here, and they love the seasonal changes. They last lived in the flat, hot country of Corpus Christi, TX. The promise of the seasons in Rowan County with their change of color— from deep summer greens to the golds and reds of autumn — is what Lonnie talks about to other newcomers. 

His wife, Tammy; his mother, Jeanette; and son Mason, who works in the area as a nurse, also enjoy the beautiful landscape, wildlife, and the outdoors here. “You can find adventure parks, hunting, and fishing in this area … you name. it,” he says. “There’s shopping, restaurants, museums, events, parks, and farms with fresh fruits and vegetables.”

This is place “where you can be yourself,” Lonnie says, referring to the Rowan County slogan, Be an original™. “If you enjoy farming to living in the city, it’s all here.” 

Overall, he has found the cost of living in Rowan County less expensive than his previous locations, another plus for the area. He also found real estate lot sizes and acreage much better than other states where he has lived.

Since he is a native Texan, The Smoke Pit with its barbecue is a favorite restaurant. When family or friends visit, the Kanezkys direct them to downtown local shopping as a must-see. “Downtown is beautiful during Christmas,” Lonnie says.