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Meet TJ. TJ was born and raised here in Kelowna! He enjoys taking advantage of the endless outdoor activities that the Okanagan has to offer and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Very tough to narrow it to one individual. I would say both my parents of course and my girlfriend, Haley are my favourites.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
It depends on what I'm doing. Central for a burger and a beer. Man-Made Barber for a hair trim.
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Machu Picchu, I have wanted to backpack there for years.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Lately, it has been golfing, soon it will be anything in the snow (skiing, pond hockey, sledding).
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I punched a referee in the face during a fight in a hockey game on accident.. check it out on YouTube. It's good for a laugh.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I've had a few pretty crazy life-changing experiences. But the one that tops them all would be the time a friend and I got stuck and ran out of fuel snowmobiling in Revelstoke. We spent the night in a tree well and then hiked for about 8+ hours the following day. We honestly didn't think we were going to come off that mountain alive. When search and rescue found us after over 24 hours of being out there it was a very surreal next few weeks. We are blessed to be here today and almost feel like we got a second chance.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory(s) without a doubt is all the road trips to hockey tournaments and games. It's hard to pin it to one specific road trip because they all were so awesome.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I work with Vantage West Realty and our team allocates $50 from each deal into a charity fund and each Quarter we sit in the board room and choose a charity we all want to get behind. I'm very lucky to be part of a group that loves giving back.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Safety for all.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Either the top of Pincushion or the driving range.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Cleaning up Leon Ave and city park. I used to love being downtown riding my bike, throwing the frisbee, really any outdoor activity. Now it's easier to just avoid downtown and go somewhere else where we won't have to deal with the people who are camping and shooting up in those areas.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The wineries, lake, ski hill, golf courses, and all the amazing hikes.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Hike Machu Picchu
Surf in Bali
Compete in a CrossFit event
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram - @tjdumonceaux
What is the name of your business/organization?
Vantage West Realty
Why did you get into/start this business?
For me, it’s much more than a single business transaction. Helping people through the biggest financial decision of their lives is very rewarding and when it comes to handing over a set of keys on possession day, that feeling just can't be beaten.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people through the process of buying/selling/investing in real estate while maintaining integrity, expertise, and enthusiasm. Ultimately, to become people's trusted advisor for life.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a work/life harmony. I feel that in order to serve others best you have to be your best and for me, that means taking time away from the business to refresh and recharge.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. The experiences I've had, the people I've met, the mistakes I've made all have brought me to where I am today. Very happy to be where I am.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Way too many motivational quotes!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"If you want more, you need to do more. Nothing is easy, but everything is worth it. Sometimes the lesson learned is worth more than the financial gain."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ryan Sherant - A real estate mogul from the states. He loves fitness, Real Estate, family and travel. All the things that I like.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep local experiences unique. The local businesses we have are what make Kelowna special. With just big box stores we wouldn't maintain that small city feel we still have.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Haley Cutting, my girlfriend. She has been crushing it in all areas of her life and I am so proud of all her hard work. She currently has 4 jobs and still has a great social life! Cheers to you babe!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Garret Ferrier
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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