You might have had the pleasure of meeting Larissa at one of her open houses, or perhaps you’ve seen her buzzing around Palos Verdes, or helping teachers at her daughter’s school, or hosting dinner for her local community church. What you don’t know is how dynamic this woman really is! Larissa’s story starts out much in the same way that the average person’s starts, until you take the time to hear the details. It’s in the details you find what has made her a successful Realtor and consistent Top Producer for many years.

She was born and raised in Russia.  Larissa and her husband Ilya, computer scientist, moved to the U.S. in 1994 to pursue the American dream. They moved to Palos Verdes because of the incomparable Palos Verdes School District, beauty of the area, breathtaking views, agreeable weather, active community, ECO awareness, and overall friendliness of people who live here.  Sounds like the average family right? Now the details…

Larissa started training to be a figure skater at the age of 5. Her vigorous full time training involved six hours on ice, two hours of ballet and one hour of gymnastics every day!  You know those Russians with their “boot camp” attitude.  In addition to her training, Larissa was expected to excel academically.  Pretty challenging for a little girl, don’t you think?  I suppose it makes it easier to stay focused later on in life.  After years of this vigorous routine, Larissa, was chosen to participate in different National, European and World Figure Skating Championships. Her stellar performance earned her multiple titles and trophies in 1983-1987. In addition, Larissa was asked to participate in Winter Olympics at Calgary in 1988.

It was the opportunity to Larissa to arm herself with the tools and knowledge she gained from her coaches to venture out on her own.   Now she is being able to share her years of learned focus and discipline, her values and life lessons she learned from challenges during her life skating career with people like you.

Larissa graduated from Moscow University of Sport Science and Cal State Long Beach University with degrees in Business and Marketing.  Soon after she obtained her real estate license and brought her Olympic attitude and determination to RE/MAX Palos Verdes.  Her hard work, consistency, stamina and business mind have made her awarded with the highly coveted RE/MAX PLATNUM CLUB AWARDS for many years consecutively and prestigious HALL of FAME AWARD.  Only 1% of agents nationwide can plaudit themselves with similar accomplishments.  Larissa attributes her success to her over 400 hours continued real estate training and education; she is Quality Service Certified and E-PRO Certified.

Knowledge, expertise, tremendous focus and superior negotiating talents make Larissa stand out from her colleagues.  You can take a girl out of the Olympics, but you can never take her Olympian attitude. Larissa is a truly dynamic spirit and a champion indeed!

By Patricia Padilla