Sharing Larry’s faith online…from an excerpt of “Driven” –the newly published biography of Larry’s life story, captured by Doug Robinson through interviews. See the challenge below and please share your memories, reflections with us. Thanks for stopping by.

So, for a short tribute here to the Late Jazz Owner, entrepreneur, Latter-day Saint (Mormon) who vowed to himself not to lose perspective, change how he saw himself or others once he accumulated wealth and financial prosperity. Thanks, Larry, for continuing your influence on this side of the veil. Our love goes to you as we share a glimpse of your soul, shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ and a love of your wife, Gail, and your family.

It wasn’t because we didn’t want things, but we wanted to build security more. Gail and I were uncomfortable with debt. We had always lived within our means. It’s important that husbands and wives share the same philosophy about money because it can be such a source of contention. We were fortunate because we shared the same upbringing and outlook on money. We never bought anything on credit, and our priority was to pay off bills. We had both been self-sufficient as teenagers, even while we were dating. Gail baby-sat and cleaned houses. I had a paper route and worked other odd jobs as a teenager. I saved up money and bought a Schwinn three-speed bike, and we used that as our transportation for dates — we’d ride double. We had been working since we were 12 years old.

When we got married, we continued to live frugally. On our honeymoon, we stayed in cheap hotels and bought our food at the grocery store and fixed sandwiches while we drove. We just didn’t spend money. We didn’t have a power mower for years. We owned one of those old-fashioned hand mowers with the twirling blades that was powered by sweat. We stayed in the same house — 1,700 square feet, three bedrooms — for four-and-a-half years, remaining there even after we had our fourth child. We didn’t landscape for years because we couldn’t afford it. We had no lawn. Our yard was dirt and weeds so tall that you couldn’t see the kids when they were playing out there. We could have afforded a bigger house, but it just didn’t feel right to take on that kind of debt. Just because the bank says you qualify for a certain mortgage doesn’t mean you should do it.

Our one luxury was an annual family vacation, but even those were spartan events. We’d go four-wheeling and stay in Motel 6, all of us in one room, and eat fast food.

I advise people not to change their standard of living as their income increases. Protect the base. It’s tattooed on my brain. I still won’t spend $60 at a restaurant. We eat at restaurants that have good food but are cheap — $15 or so for a meal. Gail still shops at Costco and buys things on sale. It’s just ingrained in her. If she buys something nice, it’s the exception. I drive what most would consider a normal car.

My conservative nature has proved to be advantageous and put me in a position to do some of the things I’ve done. One of my investments was a joint purchase of 48.8 acres of land near Littleton, Colo. It was in the middle of nowhere at the time. We could see that the city was going to expand southward and figured land there would appreciate. Eventually, they built a dam out there and then things started to develop, and we sold the land to a developer. When we returned to Utah, I had saved $88,000 — which I used to buy my first car dealership. By saving that money, I was able to start my own business and everything in my professional and entrepreneurial career began with that purchase.

Through the years, as my wealth grew beyond any of my wildest expectations and I could afford to buy things, I spent money sparingly with two notable exceptions — my Cobras and our current home. I have always been determined not to let money change me, and I hope I have achieved that. I have not wanted the accumulation of money to change my lifestyle or the way I treat others or cause me to lose perspective. For me, money was the means to an end, and that end is to help others.

Application & Challenge to Share Your Faith & Perspective Online
Have to ask: Have you written yours? Do you record the things that pass before your observation, that are generously taught to you by the Spirit? Start a blog or site today to share a slice of your life and faith with the world. Contact us at email at More Good Foundation or write a response to this post. How have you kept your priorities straight in the face of any worldly acclaim? or in the face of none that is visible but that is so evident in who you are and who others have become through God’s work in your life?