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Larry Spies has been an employee of Yorktown Service Plaza in Parma Heights for over four years. 

 

He spends most of his days working on cars.

 

But Spies is an unsung hero not only to the customers of Yorktown – whose cars run better because of him – but also to youth in our community.

 

 

Spies works from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week and every other Saturday at Yorktown, and serves as an Adult Leader with the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 24 of the Parma Elks Lodge, where he is a member.

 

 “I enjoy the camping and being outdoors, and, of course, working with the younger kids,” he said.

 

 

Spies first got involved with scouting when his eldest son, Kyle, who turns 21 on November 29, and is working as a machinist at Mikan Tool and Die, came home from the first grade and announced that he wanted to join the Cub Scouts.

 

 

Like his father, Kyle is now an Adult Leader with the scouts.

 

 

Spies’ youngest son, Dylan, 18, recently achieved scouting’s most prestigious honor, by attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

 

 

Dylan graduated from North Royalton High School and the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in June.  He, likewise, works as a machinist at Independence Equipment.

 

 

Spies said scouting gave him a purpose when he started becoming involved.

 

 “I had recently gotten divorced, and it gave us something we could do together.  It gave me quality time to spend with my kids.  They’ve learned a lot of skills and responsibility (through their involvement in scouting)…things like cleanliness, reverence, being prepared for certain things and, of course, outdoor survival skills.”

 

 As if working and volunteering as a scout leader isn’t enough, Spies, a 1979 graduate of Normandy High School, is also a volunteer coach for the Little League Football Program in North Royalton.

 

 

“My father (Lawrence Senior) did the same kinds of things,” Spies said.  “He worked three jobs, and he still found time to coach all my (sports) teams.”

 

 “When my son went on to high school – from middle school – I just stayed (as a coach of the team),” he said.

 

 During peak season, that means anywhere from 10-12 hours of volunteerism a week.

 

 “I told my football team this year…’get involved in teaching kids to play football or baseball.’ “

 

 He enjoys giving back.

 

 “It gives the younger kids a path,” he said.  “Seeing the kids succeed (in life).  Going to college to play football.  It’s the same thing for me with scouting.  I enjoy seeing the kids succeed.”

 

 Spies said the thing of which he is most proud is his two sons.

 

 “They are my biggest achievement,” he said with a shy smile.”

 

 He loves his job at Yorktown, too.

 

 “It’s not just a job,” he said.  “It’s like a family.  It makes you enjoy coming to work everyday.  We’ve kind of got each others’ backs.”