Richard Maize: How Do I Get Employment, Jobs In Real Estate During A Recession?

Los Angeles ---- January 17, 2011 ..... "This is a difficult time for the US real estate and the mortgage markets," says Richard Maize. "Unemployment is up and your interest is in the real estate or mortgage fields as an employee. How does one get a job and what is the real estate marketing looking for?"

"We are looking at one of the most difficult years in selling real estate and securing a mortgage. Lenders are poised to take back more homes this year than any other since the US housing meltdown began in 2006. About 5 million borrowers are at least two months behind on their mortgages and industry experts say more people will miss payments because of job losses and also loans that exceed the value of the homes they are living in," says Richard Maize.

"The blistering pace of foreclosures this year will top 2010, when a record 1 million homes were lost. One in every 45 US households received a foreclosure filing last year, a record 2.9 million of them. That's up 1.67 percent from 2009. But you still want to work in real estate."

 Maize suggests to differentiate between these two markets.

"Real estate - to come out of the box for the first time to be a residential real estate agent would be an uphill battle (unless of course you have a family or friend base that qualifies you as an exception).  However, you need to look at the marketplace as a whole and think outside the box. Come up with a niche that will not label you as another residential real estate broker," says Richard Maize.  

"Be the guy or woman who can produce REOs (real estate owned by the bank or mortgage holder) directly from the institution that may result in a lower than market acquisition for your client.  Or be an expert on how to buy real estate at the county steps on the day of sale.  Perhaps you are the person with the know how of getting to a defaulter (about to lose their home by way of a foreclosure) prior to sale when there is real equity in their home and both the seller and buyer could benefit.  These are a few ideas that can put you in the minority of this field."  

Maize continues: "There are many other ideas you can explore in the real estate market especially if you have a desire to get good in the commercial arena.  The money and ideas are endless because of the state of the country in both the lack of availability in finance and the dismal condition of the commercial real estate economy.  What an opportunity for the smart and initiative person in this field.  There is always an opportunity during an economic crisis." 

"If a clerical position is what you actually want and you are not the creative self motivator that works on commission yet still wanting to participate in the real estate markets.  You need to find top producers in your area.  You need to have another approach that you show you are beneficial to them as being part of their team.  You need to show by hiring you that in fact you will bring something to the table outside rather than  simply clerical efficiencies."

"One thing is that you can come up with a better and more efficient way to do their business whether it is a new software or a much more organized manner to produce.  Bring something to the table.  You might even bring one of the niche's from above to hand to your new prospective boss and give him the benefit of the working something that you bring that will equate to more money for him or her.  You may get a higher pay because of your initiative." 

Maize addresses the mortgage market.  

"Here is a good way to get through the door of a mortgage company. Call the manager of the company or one of the top producers.  Tell them that you are anxious to work and that you have a solutions for a large producer to be more effecient and secure potential clients (i.e - business managers or realtors) that he may not have access to."  

 

"Going to a company like Bank of America or Wells Fargo for example are a bit more difficult unless you have experience in mortgage management.  With that desire and background, you then have an opportunity to perhaps run a small division in the larger institutions." 

"A mortgage broker is starting to be a rare breed.  The broker in the eyes of many in the US government was partly the cause of the mortgage meltdown.  I understand why the blame is directing it to the brokers, but the banks and institutions in my opinion because of the desire to place money to anyone, created the open desert for the brokers - another day another story."    

"Why go into this field?  However, eventually, this market will evolve into a growing, profitable position. Mortgages are the nucleus to the real estate market.  Better rates, higher demand.  Funds available, higher prices.   My opinion is to look at a small bank that has a desire to create a mortgage division within its four corners.  If you have the experience, you might apply for a managers role.  If you don't have managerial experience, try to get a job behind the scenes and create a position for yourself."

Richard Maize states: "I can write pages and pages for the real estate job seeker to help position them properly to get the job into either one of the positions noted above.  Each person has a different circumstance and qualities to bring to the table so that it is absolutely impossible to help everyone without a question and answer for each situation. I am here for your questions. Join me on my Facebook page for Q and A.  

Richard Maize: US Real Estate Trends For 2011

Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that interest rates will increase from its current very low numbers. This factor is a negative for the industry. If we are keeping score we are 0 for 1 as to a positive for 2011 real estate market."

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Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To US

The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole. The positives are consumer confidence and the prices.

Los Angeles  January 10, 2011

http://www.prweb.com/releases/richardmaizerealestate/trendsrichardmaize2011/prweb4953954.htm

Richard Maize, one of America's most respected businessmen and philanthropists, responds to current indicators for the US real estate market for 2011.

"This is a difficult topic to discuss because of the vast variety of types of real estate in the United States i.e. - commercial, residential, industrial - and different areas that are greatly impacted with other parts of the country less affected . A simple answer is too general. I will discuss this in general terms and some of my thoughts as to the direction of the overall real estate marketplace," says Richard Maize.

"Here are a few simplicit factors that have an affect in the US real estate market: interest rates - the lower the rate, the more affordable your real estate is to the buyer (or holder) of property. More than any other asset, real estate ownership will almost always carry a mortgage."

Richard Maize continues: "Lower interest rates also generate money by means of refinancing (both by cash out and lowering payments allowing for more spendable each month because of the lower payments) that activates employment by the banks and lenders and all the acceleratory jobs such as escrow, title, appraisers, etc."

"While looking at the commercial market, the lower the rates the greater the cash flow or net spendable," says Richard Maize. "In the residential marketplace, the lower the rate, the more you can borrow with the same income stream opposed to a less amount at a greater interest rate. After an extended time with these lower rates and the confidence level increases, the lower rate will also increase demand/value of the properties. Interest rates are strongly affected by the fear of inflation. The higher interest rates fight inflation."

Richard Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that interest rates will raise from its current very low figures. This factor is a negative for the industry. If we are keeping score we are 0 for 1 as to a positive for 2011 US real estate market."

"The economy - the economy both national and international has a major impact on the real estate market. From the lowest economic level buyers to the most wealthy. The low end we are dealing with basic employment (at an almost all time high unemployment rate in some areas). Without gainfully employed, cannot be in the market for a house (at least unlikely)," says Maize.

"The other issue for those who had a hard time in their own financial crisis, their credit profile is damaged and will take a number of years to repair itself. What that may equate to is no finance on new cars or new home loans. This could help lead to a stalling economic recovery when the other fundamentals have improved," says Richard Maize.    

"Even those that are employed, they could be overqualified for their position for a salary far less than their value because their profession is not hiring or surviving this recession."    

"Low wages is another factor - no buyers for a new home," says Richard Maize. "The higher net worth individuals have also reduced their spending limits for a home which will limit the higher end homes sales. Basic economic equation is supply and demand. Limited demand brings prices down - economy is a negative for real estate sales. There are no real signs in the general economic sectors of a big turn in retail sales or other major economic indices for 2011. We are now 0 for 2."

"Consumer confidence. We have something here that could be a glimmer of hope. In many of the cities of the United States, most real estate owners remember other real estate slow downs and are waiting for the recovery (although in my opinion there are other factors that could cause these optimistic folks a long wait for the pot of gold) and don’t want to miss the lower priced real estate. Now 1 for 3," says Richard Maize.

Richard Maize illustrates a positive.

"Prices - well we have another winner here. The prices have deteriorated enough for some demand either by eager sellers or REOs (property owned by banks and lenders) at reduced prices - even lower than the “now” market price. We are now at 2 for 4."

"I expect to see homes prices continuing to fall this year, if a forecast made by Clear Capital is correct," says Richard Maize.

Maize states that national home prices may experience a 3.7 percent year-over-year drop this year, according to the company’s 2010 home data index market report — an analysis of the top 50 metro areas. While not as severe as the 4.1 percent year-over-year decline recorded in 2010, price declines are expected to continue as unemployment and real estate owned property levels remain high.

"Housing prices will continue to fall but with more consistency than last year. In 2010, federal incentives offered to home buyers threw the housing market into a tailspin, creating periods of extremes in activity. In 2011, ebb and flow of home prices should be more gradual," says Richard Maize.

Maize says that the National Association of Home Builders, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the International Housewares Association have observed as a new frugality among buyers. It applies to everything from house size, to the cost of furnishings and the features of home appliances. The same consumer caution that brought us the “staycations’ of the previous decade will continue to drive many of 2011’s home-related trends.

“People are still spending, says Richard Maize, “but they are limiting what they are spending on.” In many cases the spending will be on improvements to make home more comfortable, he said. Others will spend only as needed. If an essential appliance breaks, for example, the replacement will likely need to be a high-performer, with greater value in terms of both pricing and function, Maize said. “It’s got to be more for your money.”

"So, lets summarize," adds Maize. "The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole. The positives are consumer confidence and the prices. I think the first two negatives outweigh the positives and we have a flat outcome in the upcoming year for real estate."

Richard Maize concludes: "That is also my opinion regarding the commercial real estate world but there are definite buys out there that make sense in today’s climate. One good word about real estate trends for 2011 is that green homes will become increasingly affordable, smart and energy efficient. That we are witnessing a true increase and expansion in eco-friendly homes and this is a step in the right direction for all."

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, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit 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.

# # #

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Green Youth Movement Collaborates with West Hollywood Food Coalition to Feed LA Homeless

Contact:                                                                                               

Rochelle Maize

Media Representative

Green Youth Movement

Ph. 310 888-3367

Rochelle@GreenYouthmovement.org

LOCAL LA TEENS TAKE CHARGE TO GREEN OUR COMMUNITY
AND PROMOTE RECYCLING!

 Green Youth Movement Collaborates with

 West Hollywood Food Coalition to feed LA homeless

Nonprofit Greens Los Angeles’s
City Streets To Raise Environmental Awareness

Los Angeles, CA – January 7, 2011 – This Sunday, January 9^th, Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Green Youth Movement (GYM), will promote a different kind of recycling….RE-USING FOOD!  In collaboration with West Hollywood Food Coalition, several members of GYM have arranged to spend the evening working directly with The Food Coalition to help feed the homeless.  

As done in years past, the young members have found this a rewarding experience to be directly involved along with members of the Coalition to provide a hot, nourishing meal to the less fortunate in our community.

The Food Coalition RECYCLES food from all available sources in Los Angeles (hotels, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, produce markets, caterers, film studios, etc), to provide the homeless with a continuing supply of the highest quality fresh food.  Our youth are committed to the three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and find this an important element in giving back to the community.  The members have decided this is event to be an ongoing tradition. To take this event one green step further, the GYM members will be distributing warm clothing that they have RECYCLED form their own clothing drive.     

Chloe Mills, GYM’s President, has been instrumental in taking GYM to the next level. GYM was founded by LA’s Ally Maize who at 15, had a dream to implement environmental awareness programs in our school system “ I have personally witnessed the power of our youth with greener lifestyle choices.  We need to focus on personal responsibility,” says Maize.   We are now proud to announce the launch of our “Ambassador Program” in 2011.  GYM is reaching out to local schools to promote involvement and invite a representative from each school to become an active GYM member, contributing ideas to GYM on growth and concerns and also relaying a message of Environmental Conscientiousness to the student body encouraging and educating our youth on their ability to make a change. 

Both Ally Maize and Chloe Mills will be attending the event.

About The Green Youth Movement:

The Green Youth Movement (GYM) is comprised of students who are concerned about the environment.  As a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, founded by Ally Maize at the young age of 15, GYM aims to educate kids and teens about environmental awareness, green living and sustainability.  Collectively, this age group can make a big difference in reducing environmental impacts for a brighter, greener future.  For more information and/or to get involved, please visit www.greenyouthmovement.org.

- 30 -

*All press inquiries and follow up stories, please contact Rochelle Maize at Rochelle@GreenYouthMovement.org  or 310 888-3367

Richard Maize: Outlook For US Real Estate For 2011

Richard Maize: Outlook For US Real Estate For 2011

Los Angeles --- January 8, 2011 ..... Richard Maize, one of America's most respected businessmen and philanthropists, comments on US real estate for 2011.

"This is a difficult topic because of the vast variety of types of real estate in the United States i.e. - commercial, residential, industrial - and different areas that are impacted with other parameters in this great country.  A simple answer is too general.  I will discuss this in general terms and some of my thoughts as to the direction of the overall marketplace," says Maize.  

"Here are a  few simplicit factors in the US real estate market:  interest rates - the lower the rate, the more affordable your real estate is to the buyer (or holder) of property.   Lower interest rates also generate money by means of refinancing (both by cash out and lowering payments allowing for more spendable each month because of the lower      payments) that activates employment by the banks and lenders and all the acceleratory jobs such as escrow, title, appraisers, etc. "

Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that the interest rates will raise from it’s current very low rates.  This factor is a negative for the industry."

"The economy - the economy both national and international has a major impact on the real estate market.  From the lowest economic level buyers to the most wealthy.  The low end we are dealing with basic employment (at an almost all time high unemployment rate in some areas).  Without gainfully employed, cannot be in the market for a house (at least unlikely).  The other issue for those who had a hard time in their own financial crisis, their credit profile is damaged and will take a number of years to repair itself.  What that may equate to is no finance on new cars or new home loans.   This could help lead to a stalling economic recovery when the other fundamentals have improved," says Maize.    

"Even those that are employed, they could be overqualified for their position for a salary far less than their value because their profession is not hiring or surviving this recession."    

"Low wages is another factor - no buyers for a new home.   The higher net worth individuals have also reduced their spending limits for a home which will limit the higher end homes sales.  Basic economic equation is supply and demand.  Limited demand brings prices down - economy is a negative for real estate sales.  There are no real signs in the general economic sectors of a big turn in retail sales or other major economic indices  for 2011."

"Consumer confidence. We have something that could be a glimmer of hope.  In many of the cities of the United States, most real estate owners remember other real estate slow downs  and are waiting for the recovery (although in my opinion there are other factors that could cause these optimistic folks a long wait for the pot of gold) and don’t want to miss the lower priced real estate."

 Maize illustrates a positive. "Prices - well we have another winner here.  The prices have deteriorated enough for some demand either by eager sellers or REOs (property owned by banks and lenders) at reduced prices (even lower than the “now” market price)." 

"I expect to see homes prices continuing to fall this year, if a forecast made by Clear Capital is correct," says Maize.

National home prices may experience a 3.7 percent year-over-year drop this year, according to the company’s 2010 home data index market report — an analysis of the top 50 metro areas. While not as severe as the 4.1 percent year-over-year decline recorded in 2010, price declines are expected to continue as unemployment and real estate owned property levels remain high.

Housing prices will continue to fall but with more consistency than last year. In 2010, federal incentives offered to home buyers threw the housing market into a tailspin, creating periods of extremes in activity. In 2011, ebb and flow of home prices should be more gradual.

Maize says that the National Association of Home Builders, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the International Housewares Association have observed as a new frugality among buyers. It applies to everything from house size, to the cost of furnishings and the features of home appliances. The same consumer caution that brought us the “staycations’ of the previous decade will continue to drive many of 2011’s home-related trends.

“People are still spending, says Richard Maize, “but they are limiting what they are spending on.” In many cases the spending will be on improvements to make home more comfortable, he said. Others will spend only as needed. If an essential appliance breaks, for example, the replacement will likely need to be a high-performer, with greater value in terms of both pricing and function, Maize said. “It’s got to be more for your money.”

 

"So, lets summarize," says Maize. "The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole.  The positives are consumer confidence and the prices.   I think the first two negatives outweigh the positives and we have a flat outcome in the upcoming year for real estate." 

Maize concludes: "That is also my opinion regarding the commercial real estate world but there are definite buys out there that make sense in today’s climate. One good word about real estate trends for 2011 is that green homes will become increasingly affordable, smart and energy efficient. That we are witnessing a true increase and expansion in eco-friendly homes and this is a step in the right direction for all."

Richard Maize: Helping The Homeless Transcends Christmas, Hanukkah

Richard Maize: Helping The Homeless Transcends Christmas, Hanukkah

Los Angeles --- December 30, 2010 ...... "Helping the homeless is an event which is not limited to Christmas and Hanukkah," says respected philanthropist and businessman Richard Maize.

"The homeless can be you or me. To be homeless does not mean that one is a loser, a drug addict or a psychological misfit. If one is out of work, cannot pay the mortgage and has no family nearby, he or she could be waiting for one of these blankets."

Recently, the nation's homeless population came to the media forefront as a few in the City of New Orleans sought shelter in abandoned buildings and perished in a fire. 

They have a number of reasons why they are unwilling or unable to seek shelter elsewhere.

"If it get too cold, I'm going to a building. If it starts raining, I'm going to a building. That's the only choice I have to keep from being on the streets," said Ernest Davis, who planned to sleep outside the New Orleans Mission last night.

David said he couldn't afford the $5 cost of sleeping in the shelter. He said he may have to light a fire in an abandoned building to keep himself warm if the temperature drops.

It's a concern for city officials in cities across the US in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic fire that claimed the lives of eight young transients staying in an abandoned warehouse.

"I try to get down to the corner of La Brea and Santa Monica in Hollywood once a week," says Richard Maize.

Rochelle and Richard Maize first became aware of plight of the homeless through the Green Youth Movement and something that the Maize Foundation has participated in at this location about a year ago.  Maize states that this is an area where homeless people gather to get regular evening meals donated by local restaurants and are handed out by volunteers."

"My participation is not an organized function, but something that anyone can do at any time to help those less fortunate," says Richard Maize.  "I found myself in downtown Los Angeles the other day and thought I might take the time to visit the shopping area in the fashion district known as the 'Alley'.  It was here that I thought it might be nice to buy some things that I could give away to help brighten the holidays for a few people."

Richard Maize continues: "You meet all kinds of interesting people doing this and they all have a story to tell."

"There was one man that was an educated guy who lost everything when the company he worked for went out of business.  He lost his pension and he could not get a job.  He collected unemployment for as long as he could but found that no one wanted to hire an aging out of work guy when they could hire someone fresh out of college for much less of an investment with more of a long term upside."  

"Even when he said that he was prepared to work for far less than he had been making he was unable to compete with the younger job seekers.  Things went from bad to worse and eventually he found himself out on the street.  The homeless problem is so bad here in Los Angeles and in New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago - throughout the US.  So many of these people just need a little help to get themselves going again.  One hopes that the little we did will give someone the incentive to do more for themselves.  Maybe some new clothes will lift someones spirit enough that they might feel they can present themselves better for a job interview.  If everybody could help just a little it would make a huge difference."

Richard Maize, when asked why he goes out of his way and makes the time and effort to be a humanitarian, says that the reason is that Christmas and Hanukkah are a time of giving and makes one think about the less fortunate.

"The other reason is the most obvious which is my little contribution can and usually does make a big difference to these poor people," says Richard Maize.  "And third, it makes me feel so good about what I am doing.  I often leave wondering if I am doing this to help the less fortunate or a really great way to make me feel better as a person."

"My advice to others during the holiday time is giving and doing something wonderful such as feeding or clothing the homeless.  These people are suffering throughout the entire year and should be considered not just during this Christmas and Hanukkah New Year season, but every month, week and day."

Richard Maize concludes: "As important as providing the homeless with food, drinks, clothes and a clean bed to stay, is just one simple thing. A warm smile and a hug to say that you are not alone, we will get you out of here as a team." 

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness between five and six hundred thousand people are considered "homeless" at any given time - without a “permanent, safe, decent, affordable place to live”. Homelessness in America persists in part because many urban areas remain economically depressed, housing costs have risen rapidly in the past decade, and wages for lower skilled workers have remained stable.

The most proximate cause of homelessness in America is poverty.  

Statistics show between twenty and thirty percent of homeless families surveyed in 1996 said they had gone without food for part of the previous month. The homeless also face persistent deprivation and constant threat of harm. They spend more time in the hospital and in jail than their poor counterparts. The majority are victims of violent crimes, and one fourth lack needed medical care. 

Children in homeless families do worse in school and have lower attendance and more long-term absences.

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, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid and 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.

Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Los Angeles ---- December 15 ...... "There are so many worthwhile charities. Where does one start and one end in their time and of course in donating their charitable funds," asks Richard Maize.

 

"First off, you need to recognize that you are a "giver".  For me, we have established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation that was set created as a vehicle to give to a wide variety of charities.  Our foundation, which is simply a family foundation with a limited amount of funds".

"Here are the reasons and charities we look at," says Richard Maize.

 

"Family and friends are involved - I would say almost all charities are worthwhile and for my circle of friends to be involved, the only thing I can do is to support and applaud their efforts.  Charities are a selfless job and I am grateful that my friends and family are not only involved financially, many of them are very involved with their time and effort.  I just don't say no.  For example, this last weekend, I went to a function for ORT." 

 

"Charities that are in desperate need of funds only to keep their lights on that have a deep meaning."

 

Maize adds: "Some are religious oriented. The Jewish Federation, Vista del Mar, YLDI, Chabad of BelAir, JVN, US Committee for Sports in Israel (Maccabiah Games / Jewish Olympics) and many others."

 

"Non generic in nature - Cedar Sinai hospital (board of governors), feeding the homeless (I supply much needed clothing and hand them out myself).   this is one of my favorites.  USO - it gets no better than supporting our service men and women.  Helping those in catastrophe both in Katrina and Haiti of recent events." 

"The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is mandated by the income the founders make from year to year.  There are no grants nor outside contributors," says Maize.  "A minimum of 15% of the yearly gross income is forwarded to the Foundation."

 

"As to why and how much to give each charity is predicated on what each charity stands for and our belief.  I also make sure that the a majority of the actual dollars get through to the cause that you are giving.  There are charities that have such big salaries to the workers and the politics of the individual charities are such, that only a very small percentage of the actual dollars given are used toward the cause," says Maize.

"I have no problem with this young man of 26 years of age - Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook - giving a great amount of his sudden wealth to charities," says Maize.   "The question is why?  A simple and good answer would be that I simply don't need that much money to live a lavish lifestyle and while I am young and still earning more than I will ever need, I want a needy organization to be helped and for that much money, it can actually make a big difference." 

 

Richard Maize concludes: "I was recently asked if I made a one billion dollars, what would I do with it?  The answer I had was I would be able to give more away.  For one, it avoids the income tax on those gross dollars so that the government is participating.  And second, I couldn't do anything more with a billion dollars than I could with 200 million (other than buying completely unnecessary toys).  I could live where I wanted and drive any car I chose.  Vacations would be lavish and so would the clothes on our back.  At the same time, a big contribution would bring a big welcome smile on needy people or medical research.  That would make me the happiest."

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 including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid and 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: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Los Angeles ---- December 2, 2010 ...... There are many charities that one can donate to during this holiday season. But without any doubt, perhaps the most important organization is that which physically protects our lives, our homes and our sacred values of democracy," said Richard Maize.

Richard Maize is one of the world’s most successful and respected businessmen. Maize also directs the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives. 

"The USO is truly a fantastic organization.  I had no idea what they did before my visit today.  I can mainly speak for the LAX USO.  I found the USO is a safe haven for servicemen and women both current the retired.  It is a place for these soldiers to either rest, shower, watch a movie, eat a snack or use the computers.  Often soldiers come in from all around the world and need a place to wait, congregate or simply rest.  All of the above is done here," says Richard Maize.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. There are over 120 USO Centers around the world serving thousands of brave US troops in the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force stationed from California and New York to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"On the day and time I visited there were not any soldiers in uniform.  Apparently, many go to USO Centers during a transition," says Maize.  "Let me tell you what I learned from Ismael Martinez who is the Chief of Naval Operations.  He was there awaiting the arrival of certain wounded or sick sailors from the US Coast Guard."

Maize continues: "I discovered that the USO also sponsors 'wounded worrier games' which takes a certain number or wounded soldiers from the Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army to participate in Olympic style games in Port Hueneme."

"I lived during the time that we, as young people were trying to figure out how to deal with Vietnam.  I was so very concerned about fighting a war on the other side of the world that I had no real knowledge of our strategies or how in the world we are going to win that one." 

 

"Since that time, our brave servicemen and women have shown the US who they are and who we are as a nation.  I am proud to be an American who stands up for justice.  Our whole country rallied in retaliation to 9/11, much like when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  We rallied together with more mutual American love than we showed each other for many decades.  The other countries around the world supported our efforts to preserve democracy and freedom. It was a great moment in a horrible time." 

Richard Maize concludes: "The USO survives mainly on contributions.  I was more than pleased to participate through my foundation to provide funds for the USO.  It was truly a fulfilling experience. And to improve upon the morale of soldiers is enable them to be that more effective in defending the home land. What could be more important?"

"I think the world of our men and women in the US armed forces.  They are selfless and I view them with great honor and praise.  Great work you men and women in uniform.  Hope you all have a safe holiday wherever you are and come home safe and sound."

Supporting America’s troops was the first mission of the USO. In 1941, as it became clear that the nation was heading into World War II, several organizations mobilized to support the growing U.S. military: the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created synergy among these agencies by forming the United Service Organizations, with the objective of providing the emotional support the troops needed.

Over time, the USO has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families, while holding fast to the original mission.

Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until every one comes home.

Richard Maize, who also serves as mentor to recent college graduates, established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize has generously supported a variety of organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Beverly Hills Police and Fire Department, the USO, the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors, Israel Flying Aid in earthquake devastated Haiti and the Maccabiah Sports Games in Israel.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit local organizations in LA and globally where Richard has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of dozens of charitable groups and community projects.