Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry J Snyder.
Hi Larry J, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a family business with my grandfather and father. I witnessed my grandfather’s love of people and community with my own eyes. His joy was finding others that wanted to build a town through economic development, public events, and culture. Over the course of 50+ years, the City of Burien, WA. (20 miles south of Seattle, became an economic powerhouse and center of residential development. As a very young man, I had little idea what a powerful leader my grandfather (M.C. Snyder) was. I just knew everyone in town loved his community approach to organizing local business and they loved to visit his home furnishings showroom. With these examples and inspirations, my first career in residential interior design was always in honor of him and my late father, Larry Snyder, Sr.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing really good ever happens in a straight line. Between economic challenges, conflicts with business partners, addiction issues, spouses who did not endorse 65-hour work weeks, and losing focus, my path has been anything but smooth. I’m just glad I had mentors that helped me stay on course. One of those mentors was my late mother Jean, for whom I dedicate every day I’m alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FOCUS Income Group, Inc.?
My primary endeavor is a philanthropy consulting practice. I was exposed to community-based philanthropy/fundraising while attending charity events in the mid 1990’s that included live auctions and straight donation appeals. I became a licensed fundraising auction professional, acquiring a diploma from Western College of Auctioneering, Billings, Montana. Like most, I began hosting PTA auctions. I soon became drawn to international causes in Africa, Central America and SE Asia. These international causes are about half of my current event portfolio. I also advocate, generate resources for: addiction/recovery causes, animal welfare causes, special needs causes, faith communities, global access to clean water, and pediatric brain tumor research labs.
Today, although many of my 40 annual events (in six states) include some type of competitive bidding, the appeal for contributions is the centerpiece of every special event as its the sole way to engage the whole audience in answering the call to give. Most of these evening gatherings are planned 8-12 months ahead to maximize attendance and fundraising outcomes. I spend 10-20 hours of consulting, planning time with each client, a feature of my work that sets me apart. I’m also both hands and feet involved in the causes I champion. Having been to West Africa and Central America several times to celebrate the meaningful work my causes/clients support, this travel has galvanized my passion for them. I’d like to think my brand is based on a reputation of trust, passion and creative strategy.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Philanthropy is a way for people to honor the ones they love.
When I recently cut the ribbon on a school in Sulehun (Sierra Leone-West Africa) named after my mother, I realized how many others would like to do something equally as meaningful. Even with the smallest number of resources, I’m able to find legacy projects that honor what was important and meaningful to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://larryjsnyder.com
- Instagram: larryjsnyder
- Facebook: larrysnyderauctions
- LinkedIn: Larry J Snyder BAS
- Twitter: auctioneer4hire
- Youtube: Larry J Snyder
