• February 2016 Spotlight Member of the Month Paul Harlin

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    January 25, 2016
    February 2016 Spotlight Member of the Month: Paul Harlin
    Lift and Accessibility Solutions Founder Paul Harlin is a contractor specializing in remodeling for elderly and disabled clients. “We make any modifications that create greater safety and quality of life for the individual and the caregivers,” says Paul. From grab bars to elevators, the Santa Rosa-based firm has been installing accessibility aids for clients in the North Bay and beyond for nearly 20 years. Paul filled us in on what else he’s been up to lately.
     

    Are you a local guy?
    I’m actually from Santa Barbara, but I moved to the North Bay in 1984. I call Santa Rosa the Santa Barbara of the north. It’s close enough to San Francisco for the symphony and arts, like LA is to Santa Barbara.

    What kind of pets do you have?
    My pets are koi, decorative fish originally bred in Asia. I’m building a roughly 3,500-gallon koi system in my yard, with a long river that will flow into the pond. Some of my koi were just six inches long when I got them and are now more than 24 inches.

    How do you like to travel…car, plane, boat?
    My wife and I just left the North American continent for the first time and went to Italy. We stayed in Airbnb     places, and traveled mostly by bus and train. It was our first of many trips off the continent.

    What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?
    Italy was a phenomenal vacation. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was two weeks in and could see what it felt like to relax. And having 32 days together reminded my wife and me why we’re married.

    Do you speak another language?
    No, I’ve tried Spanish and Italian, but I’m not good at languages at all.

    Do you have a favorite sport?
    I’m more into individual sports.     Iused play handball and tennis but they were hard on my body, so now I’ve switched to running and swimming. Now I watch the Warriors, too. It’s fun to see the energy and how the team interacts. Winning is fun, but to me, it’s how you get there.

    Do you have an unusual interest?
    I love words and their meanings the way we use language. I challenge people to be precise if they phrase things in ways that don’t serve them. I am reading Supreme Influence and learning how what we say dictates the way we live in the world. If you put “try” in a sentence you might as well not say it.

    What kind of music do you like?
    All kinds of music, jazz, country, Christian, classical. I love bluegrass, too. This weekend I figured out how to put all 20 of my Pandora stations on random play so I get a mixture of everything. I enjoy the energy,     thelyrics and rhythm.

    What do most people not know about you?
    My wife and I are square dancers. I knew her for more than 10 years as a square dancer, long before we started dating. Square dancing is why we’re married.

    Do you have a special charitable cause?
    We support five children through Food for the Hungry, Compassion International and World Vision. My wife’s goal is to visit each of the children and we’ve visited one so far.