Richard Maize: The Green Youth Movement does LA Fashion Week

Filed under Fashion, Style

Kristinit at the Green Youth Movement Showcase at Los Angeles Fashion Week 2010

By Shelton Cheeks, LuxEco Editorial Assistant and Fashion Stylist

On October 16th, Los Angeles Fashion Week forged its alliance with the Green (R)evolution by featuring a showcase of designers, produced in part by  The Green Youth Movement, or otherwise known as GYM. This organization, headed by the beautiful Chole Mills and Vice President Ema Gersh, is  600 members strong nationwide.  They are dedicated to educating the younger generation about environmental awareness, promoting common sense approaches to adapt an eco-friendly lifestyle and participating in events much like LA Fashion Week to amplify their message.

The former president and founder of GYM Ally Maize was not able to attend fashion week because she just recently enrolled at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Which is known as one of the greenest colleges in the states. I did get the chance to sit down with Ally’s mom, Rochelle Maize in her absence. Rochelle gave me a more in depth breakdown of what GYM has accomplished and what they see for the future. Anyone that talks to Rochelle can see the passion in her eyes about this movement her daughter Ally has become dedicated to. This is far from a hobby for Ally and her dream team, this is something real.

The Ladies of the Green Youth Movement, Chloe Mills on the left

I have to admit I was a little nervous meeting Rochelle in one of the most famous zip codes in the world, 90210. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I got a chance to meet Rochelle, Megan Smith and Bonnie Rejaei. Two other representatives for the Green Youth Movement that have dedicated much of their personal time to promote the organization. These ladies were some of the most down to earth individuals that I have ever met. We got a chance to connect on a personal level. We laughed and talked about food, me growing up in Texas and how a bad pair of bad shoes can ruin any outfit (which the ladies strongly agreed.) Most importantly, the conversation always resorted back to the main purpose of my visit- How to better educate the public on living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Being a fashion stylist, I have attended my fair share of fashion shows, but the atmosphere that GYM created for this event had an inviting and welcoming ambiance (a rarity in fashion!) Even my Managing Editor Bethany Colson commented on the refreshing lack of attitudes and egos. People were more involved and dedication to the spirit of GYM and proving that you don’t have to sacrifice your style to go green.

GYM’s LA Fashion Week was strong and cohesive. Four designers, who were talented enough to be mistaken for some of the heavy hitters in the business, hit the runway with eco-friendly collections. These designers had something different to offer and you can see they are all fine tuning their eco-niche in the world of fashion.

Kristinit at LA Fashion Week 2010

KeoK’jay, very distinct name by the way was one of the first collections to showcase. The off the shoulder number with the crisscross backing that blazed down the runway in pearl white and then in a soft gray, was a great way to start off the show. I think my co-stylist Dow has already put in an order to purchase this particular piece. I’m wondering if Keokjay will be able to keep up with the vast amount of orders for that particular dress.

Kristinit was another line that hit the runway. I got the chance to view her website a few weeks before the show and I was anxious to see what was to come. I like to call them feminine and fun pieces. The turquoise mini-which is one of my favorite colors by the way-is a sexy and flirty number for any age group, young or mature.

Jonano, owned and designed by Bonnie Siefers had the crowd wanting more. Her collection was spectacular and the navy bamboo velvet dress she was wearing is a must have for any woman’s personal collection (but you will have to

Emily Factor at LA Fashion Week 2010

wait as she informed us it would be in her upcoming fall line up.)

Last but so not least, Emily Factor present her line, one of the most anticipated collections to be featured at LA Fashion Week. I got the chance to meet her publicist Serene Cicora, who was a total sweetheart and very inviting in letting me meet with her client. I personally told Emily, “ Im not crazy about patterns, but the way you do patterns is oh-so-right.” Her line will be featured in New York this up coming week as well. I’m excited to see Emily Factor’ star quality rise in the fashion world and I’m not just saying that because she said I have gorgeous eyes. Thanks Em!

To see so many talented individuals come together to promote an initiative that will help people adopt a more healthy lifestyle touches my heart. Paired with the fact they are all doing it with such style and grace, makes it even more worth while. Like Rochelle Miaze told me, we are all in this together and only together will be able to make a difference-not only here in the U.S but the world. Thank you for allowing me and my organization, LuxEco, be apart of something so meaningful and powerful. I’m excited to see what the future holds for GYM and the Green (R)evolution.

Green Youth Movement presents Eco Fashion at the Los Angeles Fashion Week 2010

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Green Youth Movement presents Eco Fashion at the Los Angeles Fashion Week 2010

Richard Maize: In Recession, Why Banks Are Perceived As "Bad Guys"?

Richard Maize: In Recession, Why Banks Are Perceived As "Bad Guys"?

Richard Maize: "The banks have done nothing wrong
as they help thousands of Americans realize their dreams."

"Mr. Taylor has a nice family," says Richard Maize, one of the world's most successful businessmen and a respected philanthropist.  

"He has a wife of 15 years and 3 kids all of school ages. In 2006, Mr. and Mrs Taylor had found the house of their dreams within the area and approximate price rage they were looking for. This could have been anywhere from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York to Detroit, Houston or Atlanta." 

"They consulted with a mortgage broker that the real estate agent recommended to them.  A mortgage broker who was very competent with many years of experience.  He went over the available programs that the lenders offered. Very attractive to the borrower.  Mrs. Taylor really wanted the house for her kids and would enjoy the great school system for the neighborhood.  Mr. Taylor was willing to work the grave shift on a few days a week to continue their life style and pay for this new higher expense."

Richard Maize, who became the leading mortgage banker in the US, continues: "The Taylors, like millions of other families in America, borrowed the 10% down payment and got into the house of their dreams.  Both the mortgage broker and real estate agent reassured Mr. Taylor reminding him that the real estate market is hot and will most likely continue increasing so that not only will they be living in their dream house but will be accumulating additional wealth as well.  The Taylors purchased the house and were elated.  They were so grateful, they sent fresh baked cookies to the lender and all of the brokers that were involved." 

 

"Lets zero in on what the bank did so far;  they helped the Taylors get into the house they desperately wanted," says Maize. "The kids got into the fine school system and the Taylors met a group of new friends from the neighborhood.  The bank did exactly was asked of them.  The Bank loaned the Taylors the money to buy their house."

 

"The only thing they did they perhaps should not have done is offer borrowers like the Taylors with good credit a loan whereby if they didn't offer a "no income qualifying" loan, their income would likely not qualify the Taylors to purchase the home.  Is this act really predatory lending?" 

 

Richard Maize says: "Now let's go fast forward".

 

"The economy crashes affecting almost every industry from automotive, real estate and food to travel, steel and construction. Mr. Taylor loses his second employment position which makes this very difficult for him to continue their obligation to the bank to make their home mortgage payments.  On top of that, the value of the real estate property is now lower than the loan balance."  

"What do the Taylors do now?" asks Maize.  "They have a tremendous amount of pressure. They go to a lawyer who calls "bloody murder" of either a technical issue with the loan documents or that the bank had no business loaning money to borrowers who really did not have the means to make the payments for a long period of time and the lenders should take the majority of the downfall because they in fact made this bank real estate loan."

 

"The lender will now either discount the amount owed and take a sizable loss or have to take back their collateral in a foreclosure sale which now is being halted by the government so that the banks will take bigger losses by not converting their bad paper into a saleable asset." 

 

Richard Maize concludes: "Was this really a high risk investment for the lender that was making a low risk return of about 5%? The banks, from Bank of America Corp.  J. P. Morgan Chase & Company and Citigroup to Wachovia Corp., Wells Fargo & Company and HSBC North America Inc. were and are being blamed for simply doing what was asked of them by US consumers and the real estate community as a whole. Helping Americans to realize their dreams and achieving a better quality of life."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize has generously supported organizations and causes both locally and worldwide including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, humanitarian causes in Israel and Haiti, and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.
 

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of the American Cancer Society, among many other organizations, and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to community and global causes by supporting programs focusing on art, culture, family services, and healthcare. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation’s efforts also help people with cancer and those who care for them lead live more fulfilling lives.

 

Richard Maize Advises US Middle-Aged On How to Survive the Recession

Richard Maize Advises US Middle-Aged On How to Survive the Recession

Los Angeles, California (UnitedStatesNewsAgency) October 18, 2010 ---- In an interview with the United States News Agency, Richard Maize provides advice to middle class Americans on how to survive the present recession.


"The downturn in the US economy has affected almost everyone in the country and most throughout the world," says Richard Maize, one of the world's most successful businessmen and a respected philanthropist.  


A historic record financial collapse, this recession from Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and New York to Boston, Miami, Kansas City and Atlanta has been more severe than any since the Great Depression. At the current rate of job creation, the US would need at least nine more years to recapture the jobs lost during this recession.


"The group that will have the hardest time recovering providing the economy recovers as we all anticipate, is the middle aged.  Many, who were once considered middle class had been hit with a set of circumstances they had not been faced with since the time they started their lives in the work force.   What do they do?  How did this happen?  Could it have been avoided?" asks Maize.

"I want to tell you three real life stories of three men in different careers about the same age sharing one thing in common; all either out or work or their occupation had minimized to greatly reduce their income.  Two of them are struggling and one is doing well," says Richard Maize, who was for many years the leading mortgage banker in the US.

"Mr. Jones (obviously a fictitious name but real events) had a very good life.  He owned a modest home in southern California, went to dinner at elegant restaurants three days a week with his wife.  He had many friends and two very expensive cars he paid for (either financed or cash, not certain).   His business was reduced by way of technology and the downturn of the economy.  Fast forward two years. He lost his house to the bank, he is about to lose his apartment and has burnt bridges with his long time friends by borrowing money from them that he knew he would never return and now is drinking daily to avoid dealing with the pressure of being homeless and having one of his last allies leave him - his wife.  Now what?  He is 60 years old living the good life most of his adult life and now wondering where is next meal is coming from," says Maize. 

"Mr. Smith was in the financial field.  He never saved money nor ever grew up with money," says Richard Maize.  "He was always lacking motivation.  He is extremely smart (book smart).  During the "hay day" in the finance business, he was making between 125 -150 thousand dollars a year.  Perhaps enough for him to pay taxes and live higher than he was used to living in the past.  With the financial collapse, he was unable to even make a living.  Again, no savings to live off.   What does he do?  He is living with a long term girlfriend who is working and making a modest income.  How long will she be able to or want to support him?  Not long is the answer.  He took a job that is much less in income and much less than he is capable of doing.  Just to bring in some income.  That is known as "frictional unemployment".  Being employed but settling for a job that is less than one is trained for - i.e. - an attorney settling for a job as a manager of a grocery store.  Not a success story for him either, but not a complete disaster either."

Maize continues: "Now, here is number three. He lost his business by way of poor choices.  He had large savings that were used to pay for legal bills and lawsuits that are sometimes the result of owning a business and losing a business.  This guy is familiar with being a winner.  He is used to acting well under pressure.  He has good logic and good sense.   Many wealthy people had made most of their wealth during the bad economic times.  Great opportunities in bad times.  'Use your head and don't panic' are words that be uttered by this third guy."


"He bought an investment group and they are buying distressed assets from individuals and banks.  Then reselling.  This guy is buying foreclosures on the court steps at lower than market.  He is fixing up the properties and selling them for a reasonable gain.  The 'trophy' properties, they are keeping and renting them out for a cash flow.  He said there are tons of opportunities in this market.  'Are you kidding?' he said to me.  "I am making more now than during the time when I had more business".  By the way, the third guy owned a few retail stores that produced a very nice income for himself and his family.  He also had a few small shopping centers that did very well for him.  Lost them all," says Maize.

Maize asks: "What does Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith do?  How do they get out of their situations?" 


Maize states: "Jones and Smith first of all have to sit back and look from the sky down and not to panic.  They should look at the global markets and see where there a need.   We all recognize the fact that there basics need to taken care of.  It is debilitating not to have work and somewhere to go each and every day.  I perfectly understand that."


"Here is what they should do," advises Maize.  "First off, write down on a piece of paper all their strengths.  I mean all of them.  From the most sophisticated to the most menial.   Then, write down all of their interests that perhaps up to now they could not do based upon the pressures of  their current circumstance.  This could be a new lease on life."


Richard Maize adds: "Having confidence is a very important ingredient as to taking the next step. This one single element holds true today and will always remain a valid move upward."


"At middle age recognizing that you have very little savings and without work is a very humbling experience and can weigh heavily on your own self worth.  Take out that pad of paper again.  Ask yourself why is your value and experience more valuable than a college graduate with little or no experience?  What can you add to your industry that is unique and more productive than almost anyone else?," says Maize.   


"You have to believe in yourself.  Think big and global.  Your best ally is you and your notes about you and the business industry that you either want or previously involved with.  You might have to modernize your thinking in this fast moving, Internet Facebook Twitter world we live in.  If you are having trouble doing that on your own, take an extension class about your industry.  This will often stimulate your thought of where you can fit in and make a difference.  Think positive thoughts and go out and improve your ideas."


Maize concludes:  "Make a plan and move forward." 


The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to local and worldwide causes. By providing financial support to focus on art, culture, family services and healthcare, the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation helps ensure that those in need and their families can live more fulfilling lives.


The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation generously supports foundations and causes such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Board of Governors,  and the Jewish Maccabiah games, one of the world’s largest annual summer  sporting competitions for Jewish youth. “Team L.A.,” supported by the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation, celebrated silver and bronze medal wins at the 26th annual Maccabiah games held in Detroit in 2008. The week-long sporting event included teen athletes from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Mexico and Venezuela.

Richard Maize: Schools Shouldn't Discriminate Against Kids

Justin Aaberg was a high school student living in Anoka, Minnesota. He played the cello, and his mom says he always had a smile on his face. Justin was also gay. And because of that, kids bullied him at school. This summer, he hanged himself.

This kind of tragedy has taken place too many times across the country--in Massachusetts, where Carl Walker Hoover, an 11-year-old who was tormented at school for "acting gay," committed suicide this April; and in Texas, where straight-A eighth-grader Asher Brown, bullied for years, took his own life last month.

A report by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that nearly 9 in 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students had experienced harassment at school in the past year and nearly two-thirds felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation. LGBT students are consistently more likely than their heterosexual peers to face violence at school and attempt suicide.

So what can we do to reverse this awful tide? As parents, we need to teach our kids to respect differences at an early age. School staff personnel need to know how to respond to bullying and create an environment that welcomes a diverse student population. But we also need strong laws to stop the harassment that destroys so many young lives.

Schools shouldn't discriminate against kids based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity--but they also shouldn't be allowed to ignore the kind of harassment that led Justin, Carl, Asher, and too many other young men and women to take their own lives.

These tragedies hit home on a personal level, ripping holes in families and communities. But they also require that we ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be, and what kind of environment we want to raise our kids in. 

I firmly believe that the values of respect and compassion that I learned growing up in Minnesota are still part of the fabric of America. Now, in the wake of so much grief, we have a chance to prove it.

I always keep in mind that it's your support that allows me to take on these fights. And I can't thank you enough for standing with me.

Richard Maize: Fashion Show THIS weekend! Chance to win 2 tickets to Coachella!

Fashion Show THIS weekend! Chance to win 2 tickets to Coachella!

Don't miss out on THE GREEN INITIATIVE HUMANITARIAN FASHION SHOW, or on your chance to win 2 tickets to COACHELLA!

The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show is....

THIS WEEKEND, October 16th! You can still get tickets, and trust us, this is an event you will not want to miss!

PLEASE NOTE: The show is now back to it's original location: 6040 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA, 90028 We apologize for any confusion!

It's not too late to buy tickets!   http://www.facebook.com/l/de511N3k1l5KG_Jgyf66uqk2qXg;gymfashionshowtix.eventbrite.com/


— Things You Won't Want To Miss This Weekend —

THE CHANCE TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO COACHELLA!                         That's right! If you are in attendance this Saturday, you will have a chance to win 2 tickets to Coachella 2011! Raffle tickets will be available for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Are you excited? We are!

PROJECT GREEN DREAM: We will be premiering one of our new endeavors: Project Green Dream! We are very excited about this new project - the idea is to reuse those gorgeous dresses you have, but may never wear again, and give them to a less fortunate girl who might not otherwise be able to have a fabulous gown to wear for her special events.

GREEN HALLOWEEN:Green Halloween has provided us with all kinds of fabulous support, and you can get an idea of some of their fun and festive ideas at our booth! We will be featuring a display "costume swap" A great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Four Fabulous Green Designers
 http://www.facebook.com/l/de511OW2EDGo7e0DBiNsmMpmMLQ;www.emilyfactor.com
 http://www.facebook.com/l/de511-2sGoiPngqtGYi5D4bzA_w;www.kristinit.com
 http://www.facebook.com/l/de5114_N2u9eqCsWt_qml6la0Fg;www.koekjay.org
 http://www.facebook.com/l/de511vbPbaL3_wKB82FrUE0-jlA;www.jonano.com


You won't want to miss out on the lines these designers will be showcasing! For anyone who thought being green and being fashionable couldn't go hand in hand, wait until you see all of these high fashion, eco-friendly, lines!

Richard Maize on The Importance of Physical Exercise for Executives

Richard Maize on The Importance of Physical Exercise for Executives

"Having an exercise routine as a business executive is probably as important as anything you can do for yourself," says Richard Maize.

Richard Maize is respected for his comprehensive, professional knowledge of real estate, mortgage banking and general business practice. Maize was ranked as the number one mortgage banker in the United States and serves today as a consultant to dozens of businesses both in the US and abroad.

"Even as the conclusive tests will reveal of all the benefits to you physically and mentally, the mental edge you get from an hour of exercise everyday is incomprehensible.  A routine that includes at least 40 minutes of cardio exercise will bring your mental being up to a level for the entire day."

 "As a business person, that amount of exercise will spur new ideas and allow for better concentration.  The obvious health benefit trumps all others.  If there is stress in your life, exercise battles the physical deterioration that this causes."

 

Maize adds: "A change in routine is also important.  I, personally have started doing spinning 4 to 5 times a week and lifting light weights twice a week.  Once, my body adapts to this healthy exercise routine, I may revert back to jogging on or off a treadmill so that my routine does not become mundane and will continue to challenge by body." 

 

"Working out not only keeps you young in mind, body and spirit.  While I work out personally, my mind drifts off and I will think of business issues and will often come up with answers during my workouts.  Even while on vacations, my body will react to long walks or activities that other people my age will wear down."

 

Richard Maize says that he enjoys a weekly dosage of golf and tennis.

 

Maize concludes: "I have had a sports trainer as my finance situation will allow.  For me, after a certain amount of trainer training he or she becomes somewhat of a highly productive and motivating baby sitter. Encourages one to continue their routine.  I love them. Especially in helping to stretch you after the workout."

Richard Maize: The Green Youth Movement Presents LA Fashion Week’s Eco Fashion Show

The Green Youth Movement Presents LA Fashion Week’s Eco Fashion Show

Nonprofit Greens the Runway to Raise Environmental Awareness

Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 201`0 – This season, green is the new black. Los Angeles-based nonprofit, the Green Youth Movement (GYM) will be presenting THE GREEN INITIATIVE: A Humanitarian Fashion Show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 16th, 2010 at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, California. As part of Los Angeles Fashion Week, this highly anticipated event aims to celebrate sustainable living by showcasing collections from eco-friendly designers. THE GREEN INITIATVE is positioned to prove that fashion and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, and that eco-conscious alternatives can be just as “haute” on the runway.

Produced by The Gallery Los Angeles, THE GREEN INITIATIVE will feature collections from sustainable designers such as Emily Factor, Kristinit, Jonano and others. All designs are made in the United States, utilize sustainable materials and are responsibly produced – just the kind of environmentally sound solution that the Green Youth Movement advocates in its mission to promote sustainable living and green education amongst the younger generation.

“THE GREEN INITIATIVE is an opportunity to communicate the importance of living sustainably to the next generation of consuming adults,” says 18-year-old Ally Maize, founder of the Green Youth Movement. “We want people to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink the choices they make every day in every aspect of their lives, including fashion.”

Proceeds from THE GREEN INITIATIVE will go to directly to the continuing support of Green Youth Movement’s active projects and initiatives.  THE GREEN INITIATIVE will also give guests a sneak peek of GYM’s “GREEN DREAM PROJECT” which is an effort to encourage teens to recycle holiday dresses by donating them to less fortunate students. “Fashion is such a big part of youth culture and serves as an ideal means of raising global awareness of sustainable living,” adds Chloe Mills, Gym’s 16 year old president “We hope THE GREEN INITIATIVE gets people excited about being green and making environmentally-conscious lifestyle choices.”

THE GREEN INITIATIVE is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase at  

http://gymfashionshowtix.eventbrite.com/

Richard Maize Shares Business Secrets with Young Entrepreneurs

MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010

Richard Maize Shares Business Secrets with Young Entrepreneurs

Richard Maize, a native of sunny California, is a philanthropist and supporter of the poor and hungry throughout the world, as well as in his hometown of Los Angeles. 

Richard Maize actively promotes ecologically sound practices in his own home and provides useful information on "going green". He avidly supports Israel and is one of the first to be on the spot to lend a helping hand when disasters occurs around the world, lending his support to Israel's efforts to provide disaster relief such as in Haiti.

Richard Maize is dedicated to supporting worthwhile non-profit organizations in the US and Israel that give people “the chance to live healthier and happier lives,” according to Richard Maize.
He generously contributes time and financial resources to community organizations that cover health, welfare, young leadership, the environment, art and culture. These include the Los Angeles Police Foundation, American Cancer Society, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Camp Harmony, Greystone Mansion and many others.

“We are trying to facilitate an appreciation and understanding of the role that creativity plays in our lives, alongside support for vital institutions,” Richard Maize stated.

As an example of the activities of Richard Maize is the generous support of the Sheryl Weissberg Lymphoma Research Foundation. Richard Maize funded research for clinical trials and research conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Tower Cancer Research Foundation. 
“We wholeheartedly support research and treatment for lymphoma, one of the most devastating cancers,” said Richard Maize. “Together with partner organizations and individuals, we want to be able to say that this disease has been eliminated and is now a disease of the past,” he added.

Richard Maize now indulges in his real passion, sharing some of his business secrets and insights with up-and-coming young entrepreneurs:

"Success does not mean solely making money," says Richard Maize. "People have passions for different endeavors. Some people love to teach or coach kids. Not much money earned; but the reward with a successful career typically will outweigh the higher wage earner. Some people will give of their time for non profits and charitable organizations. There is very little by way or monetary reward. But, there is nothing that can take the place of that reward especially if their jobs are carried out properly."

Maize adds: "The answer to the question is simply no matter what you chose for self gratification, you must not be lazy, you must be organized, you have to deal with people honestly and forthright, a very important aspect of being a success is that you are available and you must be responsible to your job and others that count on you."

Maize says that the most important tool to be successful is that you must care about what you do and if you are self employed, you must love what you do.

When asked about how to create productive business relationships, Richard Maize responds: "You have to create respect for who you are and your ability in your field. A client business associate wants to hand off a duty to a professional and feels that they gave it to the best (or close to) and that person can do the job better than the client themselves. You have to show your business associate that you are honest and available. The next thing you must make apparent to your prospective associate is that you have fresh ideas and that you know your business as well as anyone. You should glow with confidence without going over the line of cocky.

How many hours per day should you put into your work?

Maize states that if you are an employee, that question is answered for you by your contracted work hours (unless of course you go the extra mile and stay longer for special jobs or projects). Maize says expecting and showing you are staying late for extra money is not always the way to succeed in a salaried position. For a self directed entrepreneur, the hours you put in to a day is made up of mandatory hours as you need to get something completed whether it is an idea to fully develop or an actual project. Also, for a service job, Maize says that one needs to basically be available 24/7

.

"Clients love that. Available and encroaching too much on your family life has to be guided with great direction," says Maize. "A very important aspect of time for work is also directed by your mental and physical state for the day. On great feeling and sharp days, take advantage of them. Write out new ideas on current and future projects."

Richard Maize, who has faced some of the highest peaks and lowest valleys, was asked how should one handle adversity?

"This can be tricky," says Maize. "If you have backing and are an honest person, adversity is just a bump in the road. You are allowed a couple of those. If the adversity is simply a business crisis, you need to face it head on and understand you are the best in the field and can work it out. Another idea in your field can sometimes be helpful. If the adversity is a bit more than a simple business crisis, you need to get the strength to lift above it. You know the person you are and must lift above the challenge knowing it will pass. Don’t put your head in the sand. You need to deal with all problems with dignity and decorum. Be happy and continue to show both strength and confidence."

Maize says that many global leaders and American Presidents when faced with their most challenging moments, when the entire world appears to be stacked against them, takes the good advice of their PR advisors to "act and be Presidential in all you say and do." Maize says that by exhibiting such confidence during a crisis, one places those around him or her in a comfort zone of security. And this is one of nature's most basic principles for leadership.

Is there a connection between team sports and business success?

"As an athlete that understands working with others to a achieve victory, I think team sports may have been the single most important ingredient to a successful business life," says Maize. "In team sports, you are taught playing fair, yet aggressive. You are taught the importance of your teammates as if they were in your own family and their success is vital to your own success. Helping others (your teammates) go forward is also helping you going forward. One thing you are not taught but are inherent in sports as a whole if you are an athlete, are the internal competitions which give those that have a successful operation have the competitive edge. It teaches you had to get both mentally as well as physically prepared to meet your next opponent. The better you are prepared, the more likely victory will come your way. And then, you go through victory and loss. You get to react and learn how to accept both in a professional and fair way."

How does one balance both their personal and business lives?

"When you are successful in business, the two intersect often," says Richard Maize. "As a successful business person, you yield confidence that is felt in your personal life. You are more apt to be a leader amongst your friends and family. In my opinion, personal is way more important. Friends and family is not easily lost and rebuilt. For a successful business person, you often can make the wrong choice in fields or investment options due to choice or financial shifts, but can rebuild that just as easily as losing."

Maize continues: "I feel, unlike others if asked this question (whereby they may say business first), is that I would always make time for my friends and family and have plenty of time for my business matters in between (there are obviously exceptions to that rule if a business matter is pressing). In general an ingredient to a successful business is to have a successful personal life."

How important is formal education?

Richard Maize smiles, looks down and again makes direct eye contact with a warm, youthful pose.

"An education is important for a couple of general reasons. By the way, education could, but often does not, come from pure experience depending on what type of individual you are. If you are a professional such as a doctor, lawyer, journalist or scientist, a formal education is mandatory. There too, you get your best education by on duty learning by those with more experience. That holds true with any type of career. It is very important (and lucky in most cases) to find the right mentor to learn from. Your business career in some instances can be so influenced by the first mentor out of school you learn from."

Maize concludes: "I truly believe a formal education is important, not to remember facts you learn in school (which is likely forgotten during our lives). It is to massage your brain so that you have the tools to logically figure out problems that will be in front of you. To have good inductive and deductive skills, is more important in the business world than to have pure facts. A solid pre and post University graduate education will also empower you with the potent tools to find the urgent answers to the many unexpected questions you will face down life's long and winding road." 

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