Adam Schwam, of Lynbrook, overcomes devastating accident injuries

Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow illuminated its iconic tower in purple on July 27, commemorating the life-saving journey of Lynbrook resident Adam Schwam, a local businessman and entrepreneur who nearly died in a horrific accident 37 years ago. 

On July 27, 1987, at the age of 16, Schwam was involved in a devastating motorcycle scooter accident as the driver with his friend, Chris Narciso, as the passenger.

“We were going to rent a movie from Pick a Flick Video,” Schwam recalled.

The accident occurred on Franklin Avenue in Lynbrook when a car made a left turn, hitting Schwam and leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

“I blacked out, and when I woke up, my head was cocked over, and my right leg was next to my head,” he said. “My face was shattered. I had a compound fracture of my femur, so the bone came out of the skin, and my leg was folded up backwards.”

Following the accident, Schwam was airlifted to NUMC, suffering from arrhythmia. Doctors and surgeons at the hospital managed to restore his heart rhythm, performing multiple surgeries and placing him in the intensive care unit to save his life. Narcisco was taken to then Franklin General Hospital (now Long Island Jewish Valley Stream a part of Northwell Health) with minor injuries. Over the years the two lost contact.

“I had amnesia for months,” he said, describing the dream-like state he experienced. “Everything is in slow-motion. I only felt pain for probably 10 seconds. Either I was in shock or because of head trauma.”

NUMC's medical professionals played a crucial role in Schwam’s recovery, he said.

“There were a bunch of doctors and staff, and the care was great,” he said.

Through the past three decades, Schwam has faced numerous medical challenges, including undergoing multiple cosmetic surgeries to reconstruct his jaw and cheekbones, and in 2018, he had his “knee replaced” and his “leg rebuilt,” he said. Despite these hardships, he found motivation to persevere.

“They had me on painkillers back then, and I never went back to high school,” he said. “I never finished high school.”

Nevertheless, Schwam turned his life around, founding Sandwire Technology Group, which is based in Farmingdale, in 1998 and serving as its president. The color purple that illuminated NUMC’s tower holds special significance for Schwam because it is the company color of Sandwire,

“Purple is my favorite color — it makes me smile,” Schwam said.

The lighting event symbolizes his gratitude for the care he received and his journey of resilience.

Schwam's experiences have profoundly influenced his leadership at his company. He likened running his business to managing a hospital, with emergencies and critical operations happening daily.

“Nothing is more important to the success of your business than the functionality of your IT systems,” he said.

Schwam’s commitment to service and his understanding of emergencies shape his approach to business, where failure is not an option.

Schwam continues to balance his role as a businessman with his personal life in Lynbrook — he said he is happily married to his wife of 25 years, Marisa, and they have two daughters, Allie, 22, and Ava, 19.

Schwam’s success has always been driven by his love for his family and his community. He is a member of Long Island Elite, a group dedicated to using business influence for community service.

“Our mission is philanthropy and business,” Schwam said, highlighting the group’s annual masquerade ball that has raised more than $2 million for charity.

Schwam said he wants to expand Sandwire beyond Long Island.

“The height of the bar isn’t set,” he said, discussing growing the company on a national scale.

His partnership with a company in Iowa marks the beginning of this journey.

“Psychology first, business second, and technology third — that is the recipe in our business for success,” Schwam added.

His near-death experience and the long journey of recovery have deeply shaped Schwam’s perspective on resilience and optimism.

“You can survive anything,” Schwam said. “I feel that there is no problem that can't be solved, nothing that can't be cured. It’s taught me to understand pain and compassion. I can live through it and hope others can too.”

Reflecting on his journey, Schwam’s message is clear: “Life is like rock and roll — it flows. Live in the moment and enjoy it now.”