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?
Jack Kitchener.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from England and have lived in Kelowna for the past three years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend Tuesday Wilkinson. We met up in BigWhite a couple of years ago and have been together ever since.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I’m just going to go ahead and presume restaurants count. I recently visited Raudz and must say I was very impressed with the food, service and atmosphere. Also, I had quite possibly the best steak I’ve ever eaten.
Describe yourself in one word.
Persevering.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to visit Japan at some point to experience a different culture and discover different places to snowboard.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Snowboarding. No hesitation when answering that one. I love getting up to BigWhite, finding some good tree runs, and letting my hair down!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably when I first introduced my Canadian girlfriend to my British family and they wouldn’t stop putting on a Canadian accent and saying ‘eh’ after every word. Dad, if you’re reading this, take note.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Moving to Canada, setting up my life and becoming a permanent resident is probably the most inspiring thing I’ve done. Leaving all your friends and family behind to pursue a life in a beautiful country you feel you belong really took some courage.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
There’s so many to choose from! One of my favourite things to do when I was a kid was to build things with lego, k’nex or air-fix kits. My Dad and I once built a Seaking rescue helicopter, which was probably the most memorable of the ones we built.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have previously volunteered for several organizations and events such as the Scouts, Missing persons and various Autism Charities.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like everyone to respect the environment we live in and not to be greedy at the cost of our planet.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Probably Bertram Creek or Rose Valley. Both excellent places to chill out.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like for the construction industry in Kelowna to stop building minimum code construction on every building and start thinking about high performance building technology.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The location. You’re so central to be able to experience everything that BC has to offer. There’s so much to do in the winter and the summer.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Build my own house
2. Design an iconic piece of architecture
3. Road trip across Canada
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to play the drum in a Scottish folk band. Very random, but very fun. I’d love to get back into this one day.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I am on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
What is the name of your business/organization?
NIDO Design Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I worked in England as an Architectural Technologist before being offered a job at NIDO Design. The opportunity at NIDO Design was fantastic and fitted perfectly with my opinions on how buildings should be designed, drawn and constructed.
What is the goal of your business?
Nido Design Inc. creates the most advanced buildings in North America. Our mission is to build homes and buildings with innovative design, and provide exceptional comfort, good health, low operating costs, and low environmental impact for generations.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I would say the biggest struggle in work was adapting from the British construction techniques to the Canadian. You would think it would be similar! But everything is done in a completely different way here.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I can’t say I would change anything. Life is awesome right now!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Are you ready Freddy?'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Persistence makes you successful. Talent is a bonus.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Probably my family. I don’t see them very often as they are over 7,000 km away. Maybe they should visit me more too! I’m sure they’ll get that subtle hint.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kelowna is such an up and coming city. Shopping locally really benefits the local community and helps maintain its character during its rapid development.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Passing my Masters in Architecture. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give a shout out to the guys in the office at NIDO Design. They are a hardworking group who really care about Kelowna.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Natasha Kelly. Like myself, she is from England and is now a permanent resident of Kelowna.
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