The resolve to make a difference occurred at a young age for Larry S. Kush. “I decided when I was 7 that I was going to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. At that time I lost both my brother and my sister, ages 6 months and 5 years old, to the disease. ” For many years now, Larry has been closely involved with the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “In the organization I’ve provided ideas for several of their events for fundraising. I conceived of the Cystic Fibrosis Wine Event, a high-end dinner that has raised over a quarter of a million dollars. This is our third year, and we have invited eight boutique wineries to showcase their products. It is really an educational and fabulous evening!”
Larry was born in Pennsylvania, but was very young when his parents moved to Los Angeles. Shortly after high school graduation he was drafted into the army, where he ultimately served six years, including a tour in Vietnam. “I went in as a private, but ended up as a Captain, earning a Bronze Star.” During his military career Larry attended officer candidate school, learned to speak Mandarin Chinese, and worked as a linguist for Army Intelligence.
After the Army, Larry attended CA State at Northridge where he majored in marketing. “After I graduated, I worked for a childhood friend in the building trades, and then ended up running my own company.” Today as a premier homebuilder he has earned a respected reputation.
Larry is also incredibly proud of his wife, Sandra, a native of Omaha. “She is a published, highly regarded Interior Designer, a member of the ASID. Occasionally she collaborates with me on some of my projects. ” Their two sons also are partners in what is truly a family business.
Having resided in the Phoenix area for over thirty years, Larry appreciates most “the people who live here; there are a lot of good, solid citizens residing here. I also love the weather, of course. And Phoenix reminds me of LA when I was a kid--a big city that is clean and new, with many opportunities and not so many problems.” Larry has also been an active member of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Scottsdale for a number of years. Larry Kush has led an interesting and fulfilling life, one that has also helped further the nonprofit community in the Phoenix area.
What are your volunteer activities? Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church
Which social event is your favorite? My annual wine dinner for CF
Favorite Restaurant? Right now Wildfish
Who is your hero and why? Anyone serving in the Armed Forces. Because I spent 6 years in the Army during the Vietnam War and I understand the sacrifice they make for our freedom.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Frankie Avalon; My father was an upholsterer and I went to the Avalon’s house a number of times when they wanted work done. I even ended up babysitting their eight children one time when Frankie’s wife needed to run an errand. They were asleep when she left, but soon woke up and started crying when they saw me there!
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Kevin Spacey
What gives a woman/man style? The same thing that gives them class which is being themselves.
Do you have any Pets? Unfortunately no my wife is very allergic.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? That they loved this house.
What words describe you best? People-pleaser and funny; Loves his wife, sons, family, God and Home Building.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Caring; Funny, loves his family.
What was your first job? Sweeping the floors of my father's upholstery shop.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Lack of patience.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Cruelty
What is your greatest indulgence? Wine
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? My wife's love and my love back to her; plus the gift of my two sons.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Sandra, my wife.
What is your current state of mind? Excited about the future.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My two sons.
What is your most treasured possession? I really cannot say, I am not one to covet things.
What is the quality you most like in people? Faith in God.
Favorite books / Writers? Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet and most anything on Winston Churchill.
What is the best advice you have ever received? 1 Corinthians 13:4