After Larry Lytle has described his family, it's no surprise that many of his nonprofit commitments are supportive of children and their families.
"We're all about family, and have a family centered approach to life! We have two boys, 12 and 7, who are involved in soccer and other sports. We enjoy horseback riding at my father's place, and do many family activities together. My entire extended family loves to take long trips together. Italy and French Polynesia, and Wyoming are just a few of the places we've been in recent years. We like to combine energy with entertainment on our trips, such as going on shark dives and hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in a day."
Although Larry was born in Texas, he grew up in Indiana, eventually graduating from Purdue University. "My whole family has migrated here to Arizona--my father, brother, sister and their families. I can’t say enough wonderful things about my family. I was raised with the expectation that we will give back to our community. It is something that we are all committed to. My wife and I have our efforts, my father works with the American Enterprise Institute, my brother with the Phoenix Symphony, my sister-in-law with the Junior League, and my sister and brother-in-law are both teachers.”
Larry is particularly committed to Future for KIDS, presently acting as their Vice-Chair. " I have been in touch with them for about five years, but just recently became involved with the board. Our focus is on mentorship for at risk children. We accomplish this primarily through sports camps and with after school mentoring. The time we spend with these children is vital to their future success."
He continues "But I've been volunteering with nonprofits since 1992. I first became involved when I helped start a nonprofit in Indianapolis called "Hope WorldWide Indiana". When I moved here, I started leading Hope WorldWide Arizona for the next 5 years. We are the 'legs' for other organizations, assisting them by providing volunteers for their activities. We promote a variety of activities that are directed towards health and children. I am presently passing the reins to a wonderful lady named Lisa McKinney."
Additionally, Larry is the Father Recruitment Chair for the ADA Father of the Year council, on the Development Committee for Florence Crittenton, is part of the Advisory Board for the ASU Fulton School of Engineering - Entrepreneurial Program Office, and is on the Program Committee for Enterprise Network.
In 1999, Larry moved to the Phoenix area to work for the Arizona Republic and since 2004 has been a financial advisor with Smith Barney, enabling families and businesses to secure their financial future. He is firm in his praise of Arizona. "I consider Phoenix to be paradise, it's just perfect! We have such variety here, the mountains, the open land, - it’s big-sky country!”
His personal family life began when he was only in eighth grade. "I saw my future wife in the lunchroom, and a crush was born. We began dating a couple years later when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore in high school. Her senior year I proposed to her on her the last day of school. We got married the following year during my sophomore year at Purdue. We've been married for nineteen years now, and I'm truly a lucky guy!"
The Phoenix nonprofit community is also lucky to have a hardworking family man such as Larry Lytle setting an example of service for others to follow!
What are your volunteer activities? I work with five great organizations: Future for KIDS (Vice-Chair), American Diabetes Association - Father of the Year Council (Father Recruitment Chair), Florence Crittenton (Development Committee), ASU Fulton School of Engineering - Entrepreneurial Program Office (Advisory Board) and Enterprise Network (Programs Committee).
Which social event is your favorite? Future for KIDS Golf Classic and VIP Party. It's a great group of people getting together, having fun, and supporting a great organization. Plus, how can you not enjoy an event that combines Phoenician golf with Axis/Radius.
Favorite Restaurant? Veneto Trattoria - the Salmon Salad is the best in town.
Who is your hero and why? I am a lucky man. The two men that I look up to most are my father and brother. My dad, Ben Lytle, is an amazing man who shows how you can have a highly successful business career while being an incredibly supportive father.
My brother, Hugh Lytle, is amazing as well. He is an incredibly focused businessman, a very loyal friend, and a true joy to be around.
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part Matthew McConaughey - He is a Texas boy, like me. Now, if I could get my stomach to look like his -- that would be a trick.
What gives a woman/man style? Self-confidence. It comes through in so many subtle ways.
Do you have any Pets? 2 Cats, 1 Dog and a Gerbil
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? It would tell some very funny stories about a family that truly enjoyed spending time together. Also, it could tell some interesting things about our monthly baby-sitting co-op. 10 - 14 kids running around makes for some very interesting memories.
What words describe you best? Hopefully the same as what is listed below .
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Trustworthy, honest, and loyal .
What was your first job? In college I was a Mall Interviewer ("May I ask you a few questions?") - It did wonders for teaching you how to handle rejection.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Forgetfulness
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Deceitfulness - nothing can ruin a relationship quicker.
What is your greatest indulgence? Travel. Our whole extended family loves to travel together. We have been blessed to view some of the world's most beautiful places. There are still more on my list (and I actually do keep a list).
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? The gift of life - When my boys were born. They both give me unspeakable joy.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife of 19 years. She stole my heart at the lunch table in 8th grade and hasn't given it back.
What is your current state of mind? Thrilled
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? I am in the middle of creating it.
What is your most treasured possession? My Treo - without it I would be lost. Even my Bible and church songbook are in there.
What is the quality you most like in people? A sense of humor
Favorite books / Writers? Spiritually -- Douglas Jacoby and Gordon Ferguson; Professionally -- Jeremy Siegel & Benjamin Graham; For Fun – I love anything, as long as it is on audio -- Keeps me sane during long commutes.
What is the best advice you have ever received? A life well lived is a life spent in service to others. Also, the Desiderata is a greatpledge to live by.