Larry Ahrens is the sales manager of Polaris Pacific, representing the 41-story luxury high-rise condominium tower of Spire Seattle. “Sales in 2021 have been incredible; it’s amazing to see so many people get excited about downtown living again!” Learn about Larry Ahrens…
Hometown: Born in Tampa, FL and grew up in Aurora, OH (Cleveland suburb) but Seattle has been home for over 20 years.
First job: When I was 16, I got my first job at SeaWorld as a costume character. I dressed up as Shamu, Pete the Penguin and Seamore the Sea Lion, among other characters.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I am the dad to a wonderful pug named Oliver. We are big fans of long urban walks. I also really enjoy a good whiskey or Scotch from many of Seattle’s amazing venues.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Sometimes the most insignificant event can prove to be a life-changing moment. I left young adulthood knowing that I had a level of co-dependency of friends and family and had little independence or ability to act on my own, and I chose to take steps to overcome that. The first step was going out to a restaurant alone as a 22-year-old. I felt vulnerable and alone and it was the best first step I ever took. I remember every detail of that lunch and will never forget the trajectory that seemingly unimportant event launched. I moved to NYC less than a year later and then onto Seattle shortly thereafter. I am fiercely independent as an adult and if I hadn’t worked through my fears, I wouldn’t have started down this path.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I lost the first job that I secured after moving to Seattle; it was as an insurance claims adjuster, and I was devastated. What I couldn’t have known then was that my perfect career in real estate was waiting for me and that the loss of that job wasn’t a reflection of my abilities. If not for that loss, I wouldn’t have landed in my fabulous career in which I have found every level of success I could wish for personally and professionally.
Someone who inspires you and why: My younger sister is a source of constant inspiration. She is fearless in ways that I have struggled with throughout my adult life. She happily jumps head first into anything she is interested in a way that my own analysis paralysis mentality has kept me from many times. Living fearlessly is a goal that would serve all of us a little better, and I try every day to remind myself of the example that she sets and do my best to emulate it.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: The real estate industry is vast; find the niche that fits for you and work hard at it. Real estate is not a part-time job if you want to be successful. Educate yourself and become the best expert possible. Above all else, love what you do! If you aren’t enjoying your chosen path, then pick another one!
Favorite quote: “Happiness equals reality minus expectations.” -Unknown
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was a member of a children’s choir called the Singing Angels, and I was blessed to travel internationally with them when I was in sixth grade! I got to visit Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.
What makes someone fabulous: Living it, being it, and most importantly, believing it!