ABOUT LARRY
A Life Shaped
by Encouragement
Larry Blundred is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, and lifelong encourager. His journey—including real-life challenges, deep relationships, and decades of leadership experience—has shaped a singular focus: to elevate encouragers as a movement, not just a moment.
LARRY’S PURPOSE
Encouraging People
Has Always Been a Part
of the Story
A few words of encouragement can change the direction of a life. For Larry, that began in high school, when his journalism teacher and a visiting sports editor encouraged him to keep writing.
Their belief in him helped lead him to the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Today, he invites others to pass that encouragement on: notice people, listen, and show up.
“
To create a movement, not a moment,
of encouragement, passion and culture.
Why? Because we need more humans,
not more heroes.
— Larry Blundred
CAREER & BACKGROUND
A Career Built on People,
Relationships, and Growth
Larry is a retired financial advisor. Prior to that, he served as marketing and sales director for Cincinnati-based Skyline Chili and JTM Food Group. Throughout his career, relationships, learning, and encouragement have remained central to his work.
His writing brings together the experiences of a reflective storyteller with practical lessons about the difference people can make in one another’s lives.
Financial Advisor
Experience helping people think about their futures and the decisions that shape their lives.
Marketing & Sales Leadership
Former marketing and sales director for Skyline Chili and JTM Food Group in Cincinnati.
AN AUTHOR WITH A BIGGER MISSION
Books That Inspire
and Encourage
Larry is the author of books for both children and adults, with a focus on encouragement, resilience, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
FAMILY & CONNECTION
A Husband, Father
and Grandfather
Larry’s wife, Margo, is one of the encouragers whose example appears in SHOW UP. Her steady care, listening, and willingness to stay present reflect the kind of encouragement the book celebrates.
The people closest to us remind us that encouragement often happens in ordinary moments — sharing a meal, listening to a story, or simply being there.
A STORY OF RESILIENCE
Real Experiences.
A Deeper Purpose.
Larry and his late wife, Donna, coauthored Staying Resilient When Life Throws You More Than a Curveball and Rise Above: Survivor or Thriver? Their writing explores resilience through life’s difficult seasons.
In SHOW UP, Larry honors Donna’s forgiving, thriving spirit and continues to explore the power of relationships, hope, and encouragement.
EXPERIENCE & IMPACT
Journalism & Storytelling
University of Missouri–Columbia graduate
Encouragement & Mentoring
More than twenty years of support for BLOC Ministries
Award-winning Author
FAPA Gold Medal-winning children’s books
The world needs more encouragement.
And encouragers need encouragement too.
Find fresh perspective and practical encouragement for the people in your life.
