A Career That Started by Accident, and Ended with Impact

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma’s Larry Zook is set to retire on April 30, 2026. While Larry has a lifetime of appraisal experience, the last 17 years have been spent as a Senior Appraiser for FCWO. His work has spanned eight states and included everything from small rural acreages to ranches stretching across thousands of acres.

“I enjoy what I do because it allows me to get out and look at property and visit with producers. I’m not just tied to a desk five days a week,” Larry said.

Larry graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1983 with a degree in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Farm and Ranch Management. His plan was to join a bank launching an ag lending program, but when the agriculture economy took a downturn, the program was put on hold—and Larry’s job search began again.

“I sat down with one of my professors to talk it out, and through his contacts, he set up three job interviews for appraiser positions,” Larry said.

At that time, no accreditation or licensing was required to become an appraiser, so Larry had everything he needed to land his first position with Southwest Valuation Services in Ardmore, Oklahoma, doing whole‑county tax evaluations. He credits Orvil Dill, a retired Chief Appraiser, as a mentor who shaped his early career.

“In 1987, I moved into doing fee appraisals, which included FDIC and, unfortunately, bankruptcy work. That was a tough time for agriculture,” Larry said.

In the late 1980s, Congress established licensing guidelines for appraisers. Larry completed the requirements and became an Accredited Rural Appraiser in November 1990. He was part of the second-ever testing session for Certified General Appraisers in 1991—and passed with flying colors. At the time, he and his wife, Linda, were raising two children just outside Tulsa.

“I wanted more for our kids than just to ride their bike to the end of the cul‑de‑sac,” Larry said.

So, in 1991, Larry and Linda took a leap of faith and moved home to Waynoka, Oklahoma. Linda continued her teaching career, and Larry opened his own appraisal business.

“I knew how to do a lot of things, and I wasn’t afraid to work hard—so I knew my family would have food to eat whether the appraisal business worked or not. The move and business startup was literally an act of faith, and it all worked out by God’s providence and a whole lot of work ethic,” Larry reflected. “I started building my client base for Zook Appraisal Services by visiting every bank in the area and letting people know about my business.”

Larry frequently contracted appraisal work for Farm Credit, and his impeccable work was noticed at a time when the organization was separating appraisal from lending. His experience and professionalism made him a natural fit.

Seventeen must be Larry’s special number, because his business thrived for 17 years and then a new opportunity arose.

In 2008, he officially joined Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma as an appraiser. He already knew many of the faces and was excited to work for what he considered an upstanding group of people.

“Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is the most respected agriculture lender in the area, and it has always given me great pride to be part of that. And, after owning my own business, the benefits package was a nice bonus too,” Larry said with a grin.

He appreciates that FCWO supports communities, youth, and agriculturalists across Western Oklahoma in more ways than just making loans. Larry continued, “It’s been nice to work for an association that gives back and fulfills needs in rural Oklahoma.”

Larry is known as someone who is easy to visit with, a patient teacher, and a man of his word. When asked what the next chapter holds, he didn’t hesitate.

“I look forward to chasing my six grandkids, who range in age from 19 to 3. I’ll get to spend more time taking care of my cattle, fishing, and riding my motorcycle. He added with pride, “I have ridden in 49 states. The only one I lack is Alaska—and that’s on my retirement bucket list.”

Maybe the appraisal career didn’t happen by accident. According to Larry, “It was all in God’s plan.”

As he closes this chapter, Larry leaves a lasting mark on the communities, producers, and colleagues who have relied on his steady judgment and honest character. What began as an unexpected career path became a lifelong calling. His career may have started by accident, but the difference he made was intentional. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the road ahead, Larry is ready for the next adventure—and Alaska is waiting.