MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND VALUES

I'm a simple natured person who believes you only get out of this world what you put into it, that when you're talking you're not listening and if something sounds too good to be true it usually is. I like to break down complex issues and problems into smaller, less complicated pieces so I don't out smart my own common sense. Growing up I was taught that rules were important and there was one rule above all others, "The Golden Rule". Over the course of my personal and professional life, I'm truly convinced that things always work for good when we serve others and treat them as we would want to be treated.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

I'm a life long Washingtonian, grew up in the South Puget Sound area and have always called University Place my home. After attending Pacific Lutheran University, where I studied Finance and Economics, I married a wonderful woman whose heart is as big as mine. We are raising our three daughters on the same principles and values by which we were raised where faith, family and friends are most important and your word and handshake mean everything, especially when it comes to people and relationships.
I've been an active real estate investor for more than 25 years where I manage and maintain my own properties. I have purchased and sold several properties over this time period and also built a home from an unimproved piece of land to a finished dream home. You might say I know and understand real estate from the ground up.
In addition to my real estate background, I worked more than 25 years in the banking and financial services industry where I spent more than a decade of this time as the National Private Banking Credit Executive for one of the top 20 largest banks in the U.S.. During this time, I was privileged to gain invaluable experience in the financial markets across the region as well as other parts of the country where I structured, negotiated and approved thousands of deals over the course of my career.

GIVING BACK TO MY COMMUNITY

I believe we should all be good stewards of our gifts, talents and resources. Giving back to my community is very important to me, which is why I serve as a Commissioner on the University Place Economic Development Board where I've been involved for the past 6 years. Through this board of dedicated individuals, we look for ways to help small businesses thrive in our community. In addition, I serve as the Co-Chair for the University Place Children's Fund. This is an organization helping children and their families in our community cover medical, living and other necessary expenses as they face difficult times.
As I continue to look for ways to give back and pay it forward, it is important for me to support our local communities. For this reason, I donate a portion of my commissions each year to The Windermere Foundation, an organization created by Windermere Real Estate to support local charities and non profits in the region. This is just another way for me to connect with and give back to the communities in which I live and do business. 

FINAL THOUGHTS .......

I've been afforded the opportunity to live my dream where I am able to combine what I do for a living with what I enjoy doing most, real estate. In addition, I feel privileged to help others realize their dreams. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading in size, downsizing to a more simplified lifestyle or looking to invest in commercial or residential real estate, I would be honored to have the opportunity to work with you through every step of the way. Until we connect again .........

Warm Regards,

Rick Larson
The Larson Connection