Life is full of choices, and for Larry Hermiller, a long-time Maintenance Manager at Bluffton Paving and The Bluffton Stone Company, one of those choices is happiness. With a simple sign in his office that reads, “It is what it is,” Larry embraces the idea that our perspective shapes our reality.

Larry grew up in Pandora, Ohio on his family’s dairy farm, where hard work was a way of life. Alongside his four siblings, he learned valuable lessons about perseverance and diligence while tackling age-appropriate farm chores. His least favorite task was hoeing the weeds among the tomato plants.

“When you grow up on a farm, you are always busy,” reflects Larry, highlighting that the landscape of his childhood instilled a love for productivity. “I sometimes thought the reason my parents had kids was to get a workforce,” he quips.

The days were long, and the work was demanding. Yet laughter and music filled their home thanks to Larry’s mother, who broadened their horizons by inspiring a love for sports and the arts. She even inspired them to create a musical group that sang in church—an experience Larry fondly recalls, quipping, “My singing career ended when my voice changed.”

At age 16, Larry suffered a tragic loss when his mother passed away in a car accident. That profound experience, while deeply painful, only strengthened his resolve to work hard and make the most of life.

“I do miss farming,” says Larry, reflecting on his roots. “I mostly miss the smells of farming, of fresh alfalfa, hay, and recently turned earth.”

A Career in Maintenance

After earning an associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, Larry embarked on a successful career at Bluffton Paving, Inc. Since joining the company in 1997, he has taken on the role of Maintenance Manager, where every day presents unique challenges. His natural aptitude for diagnosing problems and investigating symptoms enables him to fix just about anything.

Larry’s work ethic, which he learned from his father, remains with him today. He approaches each day with an organized mindset, crafting to-do lists that often have him finishing projects well ahead of schedule.

Larry’s dedication extends beyond mere maintenance; he embodies a philosophy of proactive management. Addressing potential problems before they arise is a cornerstone of success for him, evident in his meticulous winter preparations, which prioritize efficiency for the busy construction season ahead.

Larry’s personal life reflects the same passion he exhibits at work. He and his wife, Vicki, have been married for 43 years and are proud parents of three grown children and four grandchildren. Vicki, an 8th-grade English and Language Arts teacher, shares Larry’s commitment to education and community. Together, they nurture an expansive garden, growing a bounty of fresh produce that they happily share with family and friends.

Passions Beyond Work

Beyond work, Larry has been coaching youth sports for 25 years. In fact, he coached his three children in every sport they played. He currently coaches basketball at Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools. His enthusiasm radiates not just through competition but also in the way he interacts with young athletes, instilling in them the belief that happiness and success require effort. As he tells his players, “Only you can make yourself better. But you need the fire in your belly to want it.”

In addition to coaching, Larry served as the school’s public address announcer for 20 years. He currently contributes his skills to Zsports Live, providing play-by-play commentary for various games. An avid runner, he has participated in 5K races for over thirty years. Furthermore, he continues his father’s cherished traditions by crafting wooden marble board games and attending major NASCAR events across the country.

Above all, Larry enjoys spending time with his family. Whether it’s tailgating at Ohio State football games—where he is a big fan—running in Lima’s Star Spangled Spectacular Freedom 5K, or bonding over their shared love of craft beers, family time is what he values most.

Larry Hermiller’s life is a powerful testament that happiness is a choice—an active decision to embrace the good in our circumstances. Whether encouraging young athletes to foster their inner strength, sharing the bounties of his garden, or enjoying time with family, Larry continues to embrace life with enthusiasm.

In a world that often pushes us toward dissatisfaction, Larry’s story serves as a refreshing reminder to choose happiness, work hard, and embrace the journey. Life truly is what it is, and how we react makes all the difference.