Richard Maize On The Joy of Mentoring

Richard Maize On The Joy of Mentoring

"There is more satisfaction in helping others, than in receiving help."

Los Angeles ---- April 21, 2010 ......This is the mantra Richard Maize, a Los Angeles real estate entrepreneur, has adopted since he made the decision to share his wealth of business knowledge, experience and expertise with young entrepreneurs as part of a mentoring program for young leaders in his local community.

About 10 years ago, Richard Maize - a founder of the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation - after a decade of running a highly successful real estate business, decided he wanted to share his knowledge and experience with those who were starting out, or who were struggling to make their businesses successful.

“I decided that after I retired, which I had hoped would be relatively soon, I would share my knowledge either with friends who were struggling in business, or those who were just starting out, “Richard Maize said.

“About four years ago a new division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, called YLDI (Young Leadership Development Initiative) asked me to mentor some young adults who were relatively new in the business world – more specifically, in the real estate industry in which I had made my mark."

Richard Maize added: “One of their projects was to recruit established Jewish businessmen or women to mentor the eager mentees who joined this group. It was not without a price – each mentor was asked to contribute $4,500 per year, but I joined in willingly.

“I have now been fortunate enough to be a mentor for the past four years and I’m pleased to say that I have met and enjoyed working with at least three great young men with tremendous futures as businessmen and community leaders," Richard Maize said.

“I love to give especially when I have something to give. It wasn't for the money as it costs the mentor to join to join the program.”

As an example, Richard Maize related how he was able to teach and guide one of the mentors and his business partner toward a successful purchase of mobile home parks.

“As a show of good faith and confidence in their plan, I became one of their investors: the offering showed enough promise to sell out of all the equity required,” Richard Maize added.

“Another mentee was starting a real estate commercial brokerage business and we discussed the possibility of his becoming a ‘niche’ brokerage to give him a unique positioning. This has been very successful.”

Richard Maize concluded: “This is so satisfying for me and it enables me to give something back to the community which is more than regular financial donations.

“There is a wise old Chinese proverb: ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day – teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ This is exactly what I wanted to do in my senior years – teaching people ‘how to fish’.”

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 the nation of Israel and is one of the first to be on the spot to lend a helping hand when disaster occurs around the world.

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.

Richard Maize 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.

Richard Maize, through his foundation, Richard Maize Foundation, also provides support for a major benefit for the Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

Richard Maize, who was responsible for the largest mortgage banking company in the US, also talks about his involvement with Israel. "The US and Israel have so many good, solid democratic and family values in common. It was great to contribute to the Maccabiah Games and sports competition between the Jews of Israel and the US. I can only imagine how well the Israel Defense Forces and the US military cooperate when they get together in fighting terrorism in this region."

As a young and ambitious graduate from California State University, Northridge, Richard Maize began his business career investing in Southern California real estate. In 1988, he co-founded a mortgage banking company that has grown into one of the largest and most respected mortgage brokerage firms in the US. With an entrepreneurial spirit and tireless effort, Richard Maize expanded his business and became known as an industry expert, regularly appearing as a commentator for KCAL-TV news sharing his insights about real estate trends, marketing and finance.

An engaged and involved member of his local community in the US, Richard Maize continues to be involved professionally and personally in relevant causes. Through the foundation, Richard Maize contributions focus on working with various non-profit organizations, charitable endeavors and finding ways that will have the greatest ability to positively impact the lives of others.

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