Local Community Advertising
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Tyler Krenz.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I moved to Kelowna about 17 years ago from Valemount, BC. I had lived here for about 14 years, and then I had the opportunity to move to Montreal for two years. I recently moved back to Kelowna in July of 2016 and I’m very happy to be home.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person is my fiancée Natashia Bose-Roberts. She has such a colourful personality and there is never a dull moment.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I love to travel and there are many places in the world that I would still love to see. When I travel I like to dive, hike and rock climb so I would probably say a trip to Peru would be my dream vacation right now.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Probably Princess Auto or Home Depot. Sounds strange coming from an accountant but, in my free time I am usually working on a renovation project or a vehicle.
What is your favourite activity?
Anything outdoors. Boating, biking, hiking, golf, it's difficult to choose a single favourite.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos, hands down. Something about Mexican food.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Boat camping in Okanagan Mountain Park. There are a number of boat-access-only campsites out by Rattlesnake Island. Such an amazing spot to camp but, not so hidden anymore!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Being the only Anglophone working in a very Francophone accounting firm in Montreal. I have never relied on Google translate so much.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Tough to narrow it down to one thing. I am inspired every day by the colleagues I work with and my peers/fiancée. There are so many intelligent and motivated people that I am surrounded by that I find myself constantly inspired to compete with them.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family. My brother and sister and I would spend days ATVing and dirt biking through mud puddles.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have always been a big supporter of the Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation. Recently, I have been volunteering more and more with Accelerate Okanagan.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change the level of disparity in the world. It’s sad to know that some people are unable to pursue opportunities or explore their talent because of affordability. I think hard work should always be rewarded, and there should be equal opportunity for everyone.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Boating, biking or golf. Kelowna has the best of all of these, it's too difficult to choose just one.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Rarely do I need to be alone, but if I do, I usually go mountain biking up in Crawford or jogging up Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more culture in Kelowna. Having spent a few years in Montreal recently, I am a little spoiled but, a multicultural population has so many great things to offer. Especially the food!
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I would wish for health for my family and friends. The older I get, the more I realize that time is more valuable than money and health problems can reduce the time we have available to us much too fast.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Before I became an accountant, I worked up north in the oil fields for a few years as a 'roughneck'. My intention was to only go up for a winter in order to buy a house, but I actually enjoyed the work so I went up there every winter for about three years.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Grant Thornton LLP.
What does your business do?
Grant Thornton is a full-service accounting firm that specializes in audit, tax and business advisory.
Why did you get into/start this business?
My journey into accounting was quite different than most. In my early 20s, I was focused on renovating and selling real estate. Once the market slowed down in 2008, I decided it was time to start a new career. One of the things I enjoyed the most about my real estate experience was evaluating the profitability of my various projects and assessing where I could make improvements going forward. Being that the numbers were the most interesting part of these projects, I decided accounting would be a natural fit.
What is the goal of your business?
My focus at Grant Thornton is to help owner-managed businesses reach their full potential. I meet with business owners to discuss the goals and the go-forward-strategy of both the company and the shareholders personally. Understanding this knowledge helps me to ensure the corporate structure and future tax plan align with these goals. My role includes producing financial statements, filing the annual tax return and taking advantage of any tax planning opportunities for both the corporation and the shareholders.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest challenge was being apart from my girlfriend for three years while completing my CA Designation. I was accepted in the CA School of Business in BC at the same time Tash was accepted to McGill in Montreal.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
Shopping locally really helps to improve the local economy. Kelowna has traditionally been very entrepreneurial, so shopping locally helps keep that spirit alive. I have to say the quality of service from local shops is so much better than large chains as well.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give a shout out to my dad Julio Krenz. He is one of the founders of Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation and has been on the board for over 15 years. The amount of time and effort he donates to this foundation is truly phenomenal.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Jim Kitchin from Chriscan Construction. Jim has been with Chriscan for over 12 years and is now a co-owner of the company.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
Local Community Advertising