Kelowna’s supportive community makes it an ideal location for startups, says Jeff Keen

| September 9, 2022 in Rick and Friends

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Keen sits down with Maddison to discuss his experience in the technology industry and offers some good advice for entrepreneurs and start-up business owners.

He is the COO of Pela, which is a local company that creates environmentally sustainable products such as phone cases and accessories.

Over the past 20 years in the Okanagan, Keen has watched technology evolve and worked in several tech-related roles throughout his career.

He is also part of Accelerate Okanagan, an organization that creates mentorship programs for entrepreneurs by giving them insight and guidance on how to organize their company, manage cash flow, and take their ideas to commercialization.

Keen expresses that Kelowna's supportive community makes it an ideal location for startup businesses.

We also hear a glimpse into Keen’s friendship with the Club Penguin co-creator and Dragons’ Den dragon, Lane Merrifield. 

“It was a privilege to have a peek on the inside,” Keen says.

Some of Keen’s key takeaway business tips are self-awareness, authenticity, and having motivation and goals beyond money.  

Give this episode a listen to learn more about what it takes to start a business and why Kelowna is rapidly developing as a hub for companies. 

You can catch more episodes of Rick and Friends on KelownaNow Streaming from 3-6 pm and at 8 am daily!

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