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Meet Shaun Sanders. Shaun has lived all over the province but has been in Kelowna for the past two and a half years. He is a resilient man who loves hanging out with his fiancee and is no stranger to the grill.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was raised in Calgary and Creston, lived all over the province and then moved to Kelowna 2.5 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
That would have to be my fiancé Meghan Carr. We are such an awesome team and have many great laughs together, she is wise beyond her years and always has helpful insights for me.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Paynter’s Fruit Market on the Westside as they always have a great selection of seasonal local produce, much of which they grow themselves. It’s kind of my happy place, browsing all the fresh and vibrant fruits and veggies.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resilient.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Louisville, Kentucky because it has a growing restaurant and craft beer scene. It looks beautiful with oak trees lining many streets and the fact that all the world’s bourbon comes from there doesn’t hurt either!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
One of the major things that drew me to Kelowna in the first place is the blossoming wine industry, so wine touring with friends on a beautiful summer day has got to be it.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I became a hockey goalie as a kid, no one told me I needed to buy a special cup designed for goalies. So when I took a slapshot to the cup in the middle of an important game, needless to say, I folded like a lawn chair and they had to stop the game!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Going to cooking school at The Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island I learned from some real world-class chefs, and the whole culture of the program is very inspiring, including the idea of making a living pursuing your passion. The friends and peers that I met through that program continue to inspire me to this day, seeing all the great things they are accomplishing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Well, it’s not a specific memory, but working on my parents’ fruit and vegetable farm every summer. I certainly didn’t like it much at the time, crawling around in the dirt in the hot sun, but now I look back at it with fond memories, spending time with my family planting and harvesting crops.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Whenever I run a feature on my food truck, I donate a portion of the profits to a different local charitable cause each time. We have an upcoming event at Arion Therapeutic Farm, an animal sanctuary in East Kelowna, and we will be donating 50% of the profits to them.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Our dependence on animal agriculture. Like it or not, it is the single greatest contributing factor to climate change.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I really like Bertram Creek Park down Lakeshore drive. It’s a little more off the beaten path and not as touristy in the summer.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is a booming city, set to be a metropolis in the next 20-30 years at the current rate we’re expanding. Now is the time for some long-term city planning. I’m not just talking about adding another lane to the highway, but a massive overhaul. Freeways, overpasses, bypasses, synchronized traffic lights, etc. Infrastructure like this separates the good cities from the great.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The mountains, the lake, the farms, and vineyards. I love that for the most part people are very friendly, and I think there is a really great sense of community here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Run a marathon
2) Sail the Mediterranean
3) Bathe in the Ganges
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I received the Actor of the Year Award for my high school for 2 consecutive years, in grades 11 and 12.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook: Renegade Kitchen Food Truck and on Instagram @renegadefoodtruck
What is the name of your business/organization?
Renegade Kitchen Food Truck.
Why did you get into/start this business?
With my cooking background and plant-based lifestyle, it made sense. Since I couldn’t afford to open a restaurant, the food truck seemed like a logical first step.
What is the goal of your business?
To bring familiar, delicious and affordable plant-based food to the masses. I’m not trying to convince people to go vegan, I’m just trying to open their minds to the possibility through food.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I get very focused on a project to the point where I let things slip in other aspects of my life. I’d say my biggest struggle is to learn to somehow widen my tunnel vision and be able to give every aspect of my life the attention it deserves.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think with age comes wisdom and hindsight. Knowing what I know now would I have made all those same decisions?
Definitely not! That being said, I would the same decisions, minus a few bonehead ones.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Something I always say when I’m training new cooks, “If you start with the highest quality ingredients, you’re only job is to not screw them up.”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Learn about the power of manifestation, read or watch The Secret. Understanding and practicing this simple principle will help you to achieve your dreams.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Rene Redzepi, the Chef of Noma, formerly the number one restaurant in the world for 4 years running.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Simple, it keeps money in our communities. It creates jobs locally, and it helps people in our own backyard achieve their dreams.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting Renegade Kitchen off the ground. To have something go from conception, through so much struggle to make it happen and bring it into reality, only to have the warmest and most supportive reception from the community was beyond humbling.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Joel Murga of Jaide & Joel’s Bakery. Joel and his girlfriend, Jaide, have been working super hard, getting up at 3 am most days to bake delicious vegan and gluten-free baked goods.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Joel Murga of Jaide & Joel’s Bakery.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Since starting Renegade Kitchen I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me asking what it took to start the business because many are interested in starting their own. There are a ton of people out there who are not happy with their current work life and would love to do something for themselves. I just want to tell you if you are reading this and you fall into that category, that you CAN do it! You just need to get specific about what you want and take the first step, take the risk and struggle a little bit in the short term to benefit for the long term. I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, but I am going to tell you it just may be the BEST damn thing you’ve ever done!
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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