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Meet Patrick! He's the Operations Manager at one of Kelowna's newest restaurant and bar, Mid-Town Station Kitchen & Drink.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in New Westminster and raised in Kelowna. I've lived here for most of my life.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My fiancee Maddy Swordy because she is the kindest and funniest person I know. She makes the most mundane daily activities fun.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Tough one. I have a lot. Canoe Coffee Roasters, Sprout, Third Space, Karat, and Parlour to name a few. I really enjoy Zangbell & Gill as well.
Describe yourself in one word.
Genuine.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would have to say Japan & South Korea. Maddy and I have watched a few documentaries on the culture and want to experience it first hand.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine Touring and Hiking. Super original.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing road hockey non-stop whenever we had the chance.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I'm a proud member of 100 Heroes.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The shrinking of the middle class.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The deck of my apartment.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think the city council is already working hard on this but public transit and major roadway infrastructure.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
That we get to truly experience every season. I love that Kelowna is a year round playground.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel to every continent.
2) Raise kids with Maddy.
3) Own a cabin in the Kootenays.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Most people guess that I am part Asian, but I am also part Native. My maternal grandmother is part Musqueam.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @pattyray10
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mid-Town Station Kitchen & Drink.
Why did you get into this business?
The opportunity to be a part of a new restaurant concept and help grow its following. Also, the opportunity to work with Dave and Rhonda Lindsay was a huge incentive.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide friendly and knowledgeable service to our guests while offering menus featuring cravable twists on modern favourites. We aim to be central Kelowna's gathering place for everyday occasions.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I'd have to say managing my time. I have a lot of varied interests and choosing to spend time on one over another can at times be paralyzing.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I absolutely love my life but there are plenty of things that I would do differently given the opportunity.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I've been told I say "by any stretch of the imagination" quite a bit. I also will randomly speak Spanish from time to time.
What is your best piece of life advice?
Celebrate your failures as much as your successes.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would have to say Neil DeGrasse Tyson or Elon Musk.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
because they are our friends and neighbors, and their products are more of a direct cultural and material representation of who we are and where we are from than their corporate counterparts.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finishing my Master's Degree in International Development.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Oh man, I'd like to give a huge shoutout to my brother Chris Ray. He works for the City of Kelowna as a Community Energy Specialist, is finishing up his Master's at Simon Frazer and somehow manages to find time for his three beautiful kids London, Matilda and Denver! Him and his partner Dani Korven are killing it.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
That would have to be one of my long time friends Lonni Van Diest with Third Space Cofee and Life Charity.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We are hosting our Official Grand Opening on February 8th from 12pm to 6pm. Come down and spend Hockey Day in Canada with us. DJ Invizible will be providing the tunes, and part of the proceeds from select menu offerings will be going to Third Space Life Charity and The Foundry.
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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