Edward Larsen
Edward Larsen has been selling Spare Change News for about the last 8 years, and is currently one of the top vendors. Still, while Ed’s sales numbers remain high he is quick to state that things have been better.
“When the economy was good, I was doing pretty well. Not nearly as well now,” Ed reminds us.
Unfortunately, Ed doesn’t see any signs that the economy is improving, based on his experience hitting the streets nearly every day. “I think it’s going to get worse and worse,” he laments.
Despite his worries about his financial situation and his health—Ed suffers from cancer and other medical conditions, such as Crohn’s Disease and colitis—he remains extremely personable. Ed is a role model of sorts among his fellow vendors, and he comments that the respect they feel for him is mutual: “I’ve gotten to meet and know some decent vendors,” Ed reflects.
Ed learned his trade as a newspaper vendor rapidly, evident as he describes how he got involved with Spare Change. “One day I came in and they gave me 10 free papers for signing up. I came back an hour later after selling them all and bought 25 more.”
Ed has sold Spare Change in a variety of locations around Boston, starting outside of Massachusetts General Hospital, then moving to North Station. He is currently deeply entrenched in his current spot at Longwood Medical Center, where he has been for several years. Ed has relationships with many of his customers, and they are extremely loyal to him. A natural salesman and self-described capitalist, Mr. Larsen has made newspaper vending a true entrepreneurial endeavor—he has even taken Spare Change on the road with success, selling the paper in New York City when visiting his brothers there.
Have you had the pleasure of meeting Ed? If so, share your experiences below. If not, meet him at Longwood. Ed will relish the chance to get to know you—and he’ll probably turn you into a regular customer!
Comments
Ed would like his customers to know exactly where they can find him.
During the first week that the new issue goes on sale:
7 to 9:30AM and sometimes lunch: 28 State Street
3:30PM to 7PM: North Station across from Greater Boston Legal Services, on the corner of Friend Street and Valenti Way
During the second week:
7AM to 8PM: Longwood Medical Area, on the corner of Longwood Ave and The Riverway
I am a valet in Boston and i met Edward today. He was very polite and said thank you to me two or three times as the day went on. I hope he does well. This is a great program.
Edward is the best. He was probably one of the first people i met when i moved here over five years ago. He always takes time to chat with me about current events even when he's busy selling to the commuter rush. His knowledge of local news fits in well with the paper's content. He's also the hardest working guy i know.
Edward is a very nice person and an extremely hard worker. He is outdoors selling the papers no matter what the weather may be that day and always with a smile. He is an inspiration to me. Keep up the great work Ed!
It's always good to see Ed, because I know a new issue of Spare Change is out. He is a really nice person.
It's always such a joy to see Edward on my walk to and from the Longwood Medical Area. He is such a hard working guy, out there rain or shine. I hope things pick up soon!
From my experience Edward is an absolutely lovely human being. In spite of life's hardships, he combines a tremendous work ethic with a sincere appreciation/gratitude for life. Truly an inspiring man. I wish him all the best, and I look forward to buying more papers from him in the future.
Until this morning, I never knew Ed's name but I recognize him and his smile everyday as I am heading home to grab my train at North Station. He is out selling papers in sunshine, snow, and rain and regardless of the weather he always has a smile on his face. His cheery attitude and positive and upbeat approach make him a standout! I wish him much continued success!!
Hi Ed,
It's great to see you on the internet. I'm the one who works at Greater Boston Legal Services (across the street from where you sell the paper on Valenti Way). It's important for me to purchase Spare Change because it lets me know what's happening within the SC community. Keep up the good work my brother and thanks for always being there. Elba.
Rain or shine Edward is usually standing in front of the Citizens Bank building off of State Street on my walk to work. He is very nice and says "Have a good day" whether you buy a newspaper or not. When I have an extra couple dollars I stop and by one of his newspapers. He is an inspiration to me and to others alike. Keep up the hard work!!!
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