Meet Richard

   RICHARD FLORIN

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Where are you from originally? If not from LA, how did you end up here?
I was born and raised in New York (Long Island). I am married, to Ilene, with two wonderful boys, Todd, Pediatric Emergency Care Physician and Jared, Sr. Premium Account Exec with the LA Angels and two outstanding grandkids. Having spent our entire life in New York, Ilene finally got the better of me, as she wanted to come out West, to be closer to her Father and brother/sister. Well, our son has been out west for the better part of 15 years. So, here we are four years later, living in Playa Vista.
 
Tell us about your occupation.
I started out in the textile market, learning about fabrics, from construction, to knitting, weaving and printing, spending roughly 4 years in that market. After traqining, my responsibilities were selling our piece goods to designers and manufacturers of garments. Leaving the fabric market, I spent the rest of my career in fashion accessories, primarily cold weather and fashion scarves, marketing to retailers, nationally. Upon moving to Playa Vista, I changed industries and I'm now the publisher of Westchester Living magazine, a community magazine dedicated to the sponsors and the Westchester community.  
 
Why did you join Rotary and what is your favorite Rotary experience?
Not knowing anyone in this wonderful area, when we moved here, I joined Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary. Not knowing anyone in the immediate area, I felt a need to establish myself in the community, by gaining friendships and giving back to an area that has accepted Ilene and me in their world. PVS has been everything that I heard about and is now an integral part of my self, through service and friendships. Going to Midnight Mission, Adopt a Family, Build a Bear are just a few of my go to's since I joined.
 
What does your perfect weekend look like?
Prior to Covid. My weekends were spent with friends and meeting new people, as well as getting to know the area.