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Meet Darren! He was born in Calgary, and raised in Cochrane, AB and has lived in Kelowna almost 2 years. He moved to Kelowna to work closely with his brothers, Darcy and Derek at Nyrose and Associates, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Lindsay, my wife. She "gets" me. I feel grounded when I am with her.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
VR Arcadia. Honestly a great time for the whole family.
Describe yourself in one word.
Responsible
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to the Tree House Hotels in Costa Rica. There is something special about sitting 30 feet off the ground listening to sounds of the jungle while enjoying a morning coffee or evening glass of wine. The Costa Rican people are also incredible.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I would have to say Hiking. The views are amazing.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
We are a family that enjoys scaring each other. Several years ago when my son was 7 or 8 we took a trip to the West Edmonton Mall. One morning as we were leaving the hotel I hid in the service area of the hallway and jumped out with a roar to scare my wife and son, except it wasn’t them. It was a little old retired couple heading down for breakfast. Once their heart rates came down, they were great sports about it.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My brothers have always inspired me, but recently on a Westjet flight from Calgary, I sat next to a young woman with Downs Syndrome. She was on her way to visit her grandmother in Kelowna. We spoke the whole flight. Her excitement and innocence were refreshing. She told me all about herself and was also genuinely interested in hearing about my family and me. It affected me in a very positive way.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Exploring our hometown, Cochrane with my brothers. From playing in the creek, street hockey late into the night to heading to the local arcade, we were inseparable, and we made lifelong friends.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate every year to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in memory of our brother Dean. Nyrose and Associates also contribute to The Foundry Kelowna, a great local resource for youth and families dealing with mental illness and substance issues.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Improved mental health care and awareness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Top of Johns Family Park or find a bench on one of the beaches and listen to the lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Having moved from Calgary, I want to highlight the feeling of community I see in Kelowna. From the amazing neighbors I have met, and who have welcomed me with open arms to people I meet on the streets or trails and the courtesy I see in traffic, Kelowna is truly a great city.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people (and the weather)
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Visit the Normandy Beaches in France.
2. Buy a summer cabin on a lake with my brothers and watch our families grow up there.
3. Set up a charity foundation in Dean’s name to support families struggling with mental illness.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am quite the dancer....
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Nyrose and Associates, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
Why did you get into/start this business?
Honestly, it was the chance to live and work closely with my brothers, Darcy and Derek.
What is the goal of your business?
To take the confusion and uncertainty out of buying and selling a home and provide the best service possible at the same time.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Losing our brother to his struggle with mental illness. I have never been shy to share his story. I feel a responsibility to increase awareness, and hopefully, I have helped at least one person or family in some way.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have to say that although it hasn't been easy at times, my experiences have made me the person I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Perfect!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Enjoy every minute and don't take anything for granted.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My family
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Your friends and family are what make this a great place. Supporting their businesses helps create a vibrant local economy.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Helping raise my son Conner into a thoughtful, kind, and caring person.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lindsay, my wife, for all her support through the ups and downs.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kait Humble, Willow Wellness
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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