"I am nominating Larry Stamp for his compassionate dedication to helping the youth and veterans of Thurston County, WA through his charity organization Rods and Reels in Need."
I have been divorced for the past few years, and have two kids living in Port Angeles. In 2019 I started a charity, Rods and Reels in Need, which is why I got nominated. Fishing has always been near and dear to me. The charity works to get donated fishing gear to people with financial challenges, especially kids, kid's groups, veterans and veteran's groups. Getting kids fishing provides positive and meaningful opportunities which will also benefit the resource as they grow and recognize the importance of stewardship. For veterans, fishing may provide a chance to deal with PTSD and a myriad of other issues both physically and emotionally.
I was also nominated for the things I have done related to my work, as a home inspector. In the 24 years practicing I have worked at State, and association levels to improve the practice and promote consumer education. I have taught at the WSU pest inspector training facility in Puyallup, taught at many conferences and I have provided field training for many new inspectors.
Who or what is the one person or thing that has been most instrumental in shaping you into the person you are today? |
I think my Dad more than anyone. He taught me, by example, to do what you commit to and work hard not to fail. |
Please tell us about your family. |
I have two kids. My son is a gifted mechanic and owns a auto repair shop in Port Angeles. My daughter has worked at the casino in Sequim for quite a few years. |
What past career or vocation paths have you taken? |
Like many, I had lots of different jobs during college. I would up getting two degrees in nursing and worked as an RN for 18 years. Following that I used past construction experience to start Cameo Construction. And after that, in 1999, I started Cameo Home Inspection Services. |
Describe your current career or vocation, what led you to it, and what you love most about it. |
The bulk of my job as a home inspector involves inspecting homes as part of a real estate transaction. When I started I had a lot of realtors urging me to start inspecting and it seemed a good fit. I think meeting people and helping them understand more about their home was the most fun for me. As I began doing more forensic inspections helping people understand why things were happening to their house, I really enjoyed the process as it was different than a real estate inspection. |
How long have you lived in Thurston County? |
Over 40 years |
If you were offered an opportunity to travel to anywhere in the world, what one place would that be and why? |
I would prefer to explore the United States. So much to see here, so much to learn, so much that gets overlooked |
Do you have a favorite movie and/or TV show? |
The Postman |
What are three things on your bucket list? |
Road trip East Coast, Gulf Coast and back to West coast. Tuna fishing Ride in a P51 WWII fighter |
What kind of music do you like to listen to and do you have a favorite musician/band? |
Everything and anything except rap and some of the newer stuff. Just depends on my mood. Don’t have a favorite although some I am particularly fond of like Collective Soul, Aerosmith, Freddy Jones Band, Johnny Lang, Little River Band. I have about 700 CD’s |
What is your favorite or unique thing about Thurston County? |
Small town feeling |
What do you see yourself doing in 5 or 10 years? |
Hopefully not working any more. |
What is something interesting or unique about you that most people don’t know? |
I’ve been a first responder. I’ve recovered some, saved some and watched some die. Done CPR more than I care to think of. I was the very first male public health nurse in Pierce County |
What is your favorite place to go on vacation? |
A road trip anywhere, location to be determined on the way. |
What are one or two of your favorite restaurants to go to in Thurston County and why? Is there something you normally order? |
O’Blarneys. Clam strips |
What motivates you to be who your are and/or do better? |
God, hands down |
Do you have any hobbies you either do now or used to do that you really enjoy? |
I tie up fishing gear, reload and fish as much as I can. Not into sports |
What advice would you give to people who want to better their lives? |
Just try! If you fail, try again. Don’t quit. Listen to the universe and where it seems to be guiding you. Trust God. Just keep trying and make sure it isn’t all about money. The best lesson about inspecting was learning it wasn’t about money, it was about consumer protection. When I focused on being the best I could be at my job, the money followed. |