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JENNA ROZERED BIRD ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
My journey into alternative health and wellness began as a teen searching for something more;meaning, connection, spark, just something. I started attending a meditation circle and through breath and awareness I was finally able to connect to my body and mind. This led to a passion for energetic
based medicine and alternative health modalities. After high school, I moved to Vancouver and completed my Reiki Level II and began attending weekly Buddhist Psychology classes. I was constantly amazed and inspired by the changes I felt and saw in others. I knew I wanted to learn a medicine that had a solid background, that was grounded by it's own theory and science. I was disappointed as I saw people being given more medications for their health problems. Medications that when stopped symptoms returned. I felt empowered and I wanted to find a healing modality that tapped into our own body's power, it's intelligence and it's healing capabilities. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was my answer. It emphasizes the importance of physical, mental and emotional health. It focuses on the minute interconnections of the body and how those connections allow healing. TCM is able to make a whole out of the seemingly meaningless singular symptoms. I am happy to be practicing acupuncture in Vernon and to be able to offer compassion, humor and wisdom to empower patients on their journey to health.
SARAH MOORHOUSE
OKANAGAN RESTORATION SERVICES
After growing up all over BC and Southern Alberta I settled into Vernon in 2009 and will never live anywhere else! I'm honored to get to work with my families business and build an awesome life with my partner Brad and our son Linden. I discovered about 5 years ago when I went out on a limb and attended a JCI (Junior Chamber International) meeting that my true passion is volunteering in our community. Finding a work, family, friends and volunteering balance in life can be a challenge but it's a challenge I love and am grateful for every day!
DAVID SCARLATESCU THE SPROUTED FIG
I am 19 years old and just recently purchased The Sprouted Fig. I am a natural born business man and from a young age I was told that I am an incredible sales person. I owe a lot of my achievements to my mother and father for the way that I feel I was perfectly parented. I was raised by my mother, who taught me extreme respect for others. This allowed me to develop incredible people skills. She also instilled enormous amounts of self esteem in me from a young age and she was honest with what I was good and bad at. Lastly she taught me the secret to happiness, which comes down to gratitude, living with no regrets, and full responsibility for my actions.
I have a love for all things related to business. I see business as a way to provide incredible value to the end consumer. I consider myself a marketer and innovator. Everyday, my goal is to put myself out of business. I am pleased to say that I found what I love the most, which is owning and operating a business. It is an incredible feeling to wake up every day with a smile on my face knowing that I am doing what I truly love.
KATIE MATHESON
SPRUCE SALON
I was born and raised on a farm in Manitoba. I credit my farm upbringing and the leadership of my parents as the influencers to my never-ending work ethic. My teen years were spent in a non-traditional workforce where I volunteered my summers, working at a camp focused on supporting high risk and disadvantaged children and youth. At 18, I was drawn out west to the lure of the mountains, and met my future husband.
In 2010 I entered the business program at Red River College in Winnipeg. Part way through I had a change of heart and began a cosmetology program during the day, and finished my business diploma at night. As I neared the end of my program, I received an opportunity to train at Aveda Institute Vancouver, under members of the Canadian Creative team. I spent the next couple years in Vernon honing my skills and building a respectable reputation before purchasing my salon in 2014.
With nothing but a dream and headstrong determination, I built up the business I have now, while working both behind the chair, and as an educator for Aveda Canada.
RANVIR NAHALSUNTERRA CUSTOM HOMES
Ranvir Nahal was born in Clearwater, BC as the second youngest in a family of five children. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Vernon. He has considered Vernon his hometown for 39 years. He graduated from Seaton High school in 1996. Post high school he sat on a provincial youth board that advocated for antiracism awareness in the Province. When the opportunity for mentorship presented itself in 2004 to get into construction he took the opportunity. Ranvir always wanted to design and build homes and just needed a push. He built his first home under the watch of his father. The house would go on to win a multiple housing awards. Since, Sunterra Custom homes has built some of the Okanagan most notable homes. In 2017 Sunterra Custom Homes was up for Builder and Renovator of the year at the Okanagan Housing awards. This year we launched Saath Developments our multifamily Business as well As ModTrend Exteriors. The companies have grown to about 30 full time employees. With the help of his Sister and Councillor Dalvir Nahal, the family has raised over $250,000 for local charities in less then 5 years. Ranvir has been an active member of the Canadian homebuilder’s association since 2015 and in 2017 was asked to be the Okanagan Chair for Artscene on the National Level.
KRYSTIN KEMPTON
NIXON WENGER LLP
Krystin is a lawyer at Nixon Wenger LLP with a general solicitor’s practise. She grew up in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario and studied political science at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Krystin attended law school at Queen’s University and received a certificate in international business law studying at the Bader International study centre in the U.K. By fast tracking law school, Krystin spent her final semester skiing in Revelstoke. Krystin has worked in the legal industry for 13.5 years, progressing from a receptionist at a law firm at the age of 18 to a legal assistant and then to a lawyer by the age of 25. Prior to moving to Vernon, Krystin practiced corporate and securities law at a national law firm in Vancouver. At Nixon Wenger, Krystin advises corporate and individual clients on corporate and commercial transactions, lending and borrowing, wills and estates, real estate and land development matters. Krystin previously stood on the board of governors for Lakehead University and is currently in her second term as a director for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, North Okanagan Cycling Society and the Downtown Vernon Association. Krystin loves mountain biking, skiing, volleyball and helping people.
DR. DARCIE WEGLOCREEKSIDE DYNAMIC HEALTH
I was fortunate enough to be born and raised in Vernon, and after an extended time away pursuing education in Vancouver and Toronto, I am thrilled to be back. 6 years ago, as a new graduate, my business partner and I purchased a small practice and quickly built it into a thriving multidisciplinary business. Our clinic strived to offer cutting edge services, premium tailored care, based on a foundation of honesty and collaboration. I am now sole proprietor of this growing practice, where we are constantly expanding into new areas of education, customer service and community-mindedness. I believe it is my duty as clinic owner to not only create a platform where great practitioners can optimize their impact, but to also set an example for balance, passion, and dedication in both my professional and personal life.
Alongside this great career, I am also a mother of two small children (1 and 4), who are constantly teaching me to be more patient, stop and enjoy the moment, as well as to see life through a new lens. I am very lucky to have my husband Jason, who shows limitless support in all my endeavours.
In my spare time, if not running after kids or cooking up a storm, I will undoubtedly be found with my nose in a book. And anybody that knows me, knows I will do all of the above while bopping away to some great music!
ROBBIE DONALDSON
DCT CHAMBERS TRUCKING
Robbie was born in Campbell River, BC and raised in a forestry family. Robbie was exposed to hard work from his father and after the hard lessons of extreme manual labour he decided to pursue post-secondary education at the University of Victoria. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2005, he then moved to the "big smoke" and obtained a Charted Accountant designation in 2009 while working for a Big Four firm in Vancouver. Following this achievement, he began working in the gold mining industry which took him across the globe to countries including Turkey, Greece, Romain, The Netherlands and China. He and his wife, moved to Greece in 2013 to help establish the company’s presence in Europe. After their son was born in Greece in 2015, they were then relocated to Amsterdam. After three exciting of living and working aboard, they felt it was time to move back to BC. This decision coupled with the opportunity to join a reputable growth orientated business in a senior role, brought them to Vernon, Robbie is currently the Vice President of the Chamber Group of Companies and is expecting a second child. Robbie enjoys travel, fishing, skiing, watching football and spending time with his family.
PEARL SCOTT-MARTEN
MARTEN BREWPUB
Pearl Scott-Marten is a British Columbian business woman, spatial designer and real property developer. She is the founder and director of Smoke & Powder Design Inc. and Underground Beverages. Co-founder and director of the Naked Pig BBQ Ltd, Marten Brewpub and Marten Brewing Co Ltd. She is also is co-director of Aurora West Development and co-founder and director of Marten Holdings Ltd.
Pearl's ultimate passion is to create, and with her husband and business partner, this unrelenting fascination has developed incredible spaces from unimaginable, distressed buildings. Also a photographer, Pearl has been the branding voice and marketing strategist for her companies. Getting her brands recognized throughout Canada. she has been capable, through her businesses, to donate to dozens of Okanagan charities, fund-raisers and causes yearly. Also through her businesses she has been a sponsor and help other entrepreneurs develop their own startups. She now employs over 70 staff, strengthening the economic vitality of Vernon in the pursuit to achieve her goal of putting Vernon on the map as a desirable city for young people to move to.
STEPHEN RUSSELL
ROOST SOLAR
Stephen Russell is the owner and founder of Roost Solar. Roost Solar was founded with the belief that technology can change the way we consume and produce power and contribute to a cleaner, better world. Roost Solar is a full service, BC based solar photovoltaic installation company offering turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to its client base in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.Before starting Roost Solar, Stephen Russell was an IT and management consultant, who worked with Utilities and Municipalities across North America and in the Republic of Ireland. These roles have ranged from technical consultancy on major implementation projects to strategic consulting to top level executives. Stephen is a father of 3 (2 boys, 1 girl) who in his free time enjoys biking and skiing.
BRETT KELLYTHE GENTLEMENS SHOP AND SHAVE PARLOUR
My name is Brett Kelly and I am the Co-Owner of The Gentlemens Shop & Shave Parlour in Vernon B.C. I am a third generation vernonite. I graduated from W.L. Seaton in 2006 whereI went on to run a local CD store while touring in a rockabilly band. I fell in love with barbering while I was on the road with the band. I asked my barber how I could start in this career and he directed me to a school in town. I then attended MC College in Vernon and graduated at the top of my class. I spent the next 4 years working very hard at learning everything I could about men's hair. I attended classes, did private training and private study and worked in one of Kelowna's busiest shops. This led me to wanting to open my own shop and in 2015 i had the opportunity to open The Gentlemens Shop with my business partner Andrew Pye. Two years later we are booked out 6 weeks in advance and are currently expanding our space. We are working towards helping the barbering culture grow in the Okanagan while taking care of the gentlemen of the city!
DR. ELLIOT LYSYK
ARISE CHIROPRACTIC
I’m a doctor of chiropractic, a real estate investor with 7 properties (15 rental units) and the owner/operator of Vernon’s largest multi-disciplinary health and wellness centre that includes 18 tenants, 4 chiropractors, and 4 administrative staff.
When people experience pain, they lose their vitality and joy. My great passion is to help the people in this community heal and enjoy their lives again. I know that no single approach is right for every individual, so I created a wellness centre comprising a variety of top-notch therapists—an inter-professional, patient-centered model of health care in which all practitioners are on the patient’s “team” and communicate openly about the patient’s care and needs. My goal is to provide natural health care options, help patients avoid potentially dangerous opioids and surgeries, and make a contribution to the health and vitality of this community.
I’m also a happy family man with a wonderful partner, Alana, and a 6-year-old daughter.
RYAN IRVINGNIXON WENGER LLP
I grew up in Vernon and graduated from Kalamalka High School. During high school, I played baseball and raced with the Vernon Ski Club. Following high school, I moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where I completed an undergraduate degree in Political Science. I then took two years off to travel and work as a sport fishing guide in the Haida Gwaii. In 2007, I moved to Vancouver to attend law school at UBC. After graduating from law school, I practiced in Vancouver for four years before moving back to Vernon in 2015.
I am married with two young children and can think of no better place to raise a family than here in Vernon.
SARAH GREGORYKINGFISHER BOATS
Sarah Gregory is employed as the Senior Human Resource Manager at KingFisher Boats. She is responsible for leading HR initiatives including policy design, compensation, performance management, recruitment, health and safety, training and development, and benefits program management. Sarah has over 15 years of diverse Human Resources and management experience; including 10 years in hospitality, 2 years in insurance, 4 years in manufacturing.
Sarah is passionate about helping businesses make the most of their resources and talent and helping individuals make the most of their careers. In addition to her accomplishments in HR Program Development, Sarah has also provided coaching services for more than five years through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and educational seminars with nonprofit organizations.Sarah is also a lover of animals. She has rescued three furbabies - 2 dogs (Tater and Bailey) and a cat ( Mr. Bigs).
NICK MATOVICHFIVE FATHOMS TATTOO
Born at VJH in 1983 and Raised in Vernon. After Graduating from V.S.S. in 2001, I relocated to Vancouver to spend my 20's developing and honing my artistic skill and completing a thorough and traditional tattoo apprenticeship. I worked full time in busy Vancouver street shops from 2005 -2012, the year in which i relocated my family to my Hometown of Vernon with the intention of purchasing Five Fathoms Tattoo, (an established and renowned business, founded in Vernon in 2002, recognized both locally by our patrons and clients, and internationally in the tattoo community). From around 2007 onwards I travelled the Country extensively, attending and working at tattoo trade shows and conventions, across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and many more. It was through these networking efforts that i was able to build professional connections in the industry, and a robust clientele across western Canada
HARPREET NAHAL
LAKE CITY LAW CORPORATION
I was born and raised in Vernon and returned after obtaining great education and work experience in Vancouver, Victoria, China and Calgary. I am passionate about Vernon and believe the Okanagan one of the best places to live period. I am a proud new father and have been thoroughly enjoying all the learning that comes along with parenthood.
Professionally, I am a member of both the Bar Association of British Columbia and Alberta and am a sole practitioner working in real estate and business law with Lake City Law Corporation. In addition, I act as the CEO of Saath Development Corporation a development and construction firm based out of Vernon that focuses on multifamily development.
Although I enjoyed my years in the big law firm setting, going on my own has allowed me to create a flexible work environment within which I can utilize a variety of skills gained from previous work experience, education and travel. We have built a great team at both Lake City and Saath and the opportunities to grow are plentiful for the organization and the employees therein. We hope to build a great story that leads to further investment in the region in future years.
PAM TAYLORPINK SPOTTED GOAT
I was born in Nova Scotia, completed most of my childhood education in Alberta, accomplished my Education Degree at UBCO, worked in Saskatchewan, then I returned to make a forever home in Vernon BC. I have a vibrant, beautiful daughter who is the love of my life and my wonderful parents here for support.
I have always been the creative type, reinventing new solutions, thinking up new ways to use everyday items, and experimenting with the visual and practical arts.
JASON KEIS
ARMSTRONG REGIONAL CO-OP
Jason Keis moved to Vernon, BC from Abbotsford, BC in 2005. He studied Radio Broadcast Media Communications at BCIT, and proceeded to work in the radio industry with a focus in promotions and marketing of local businesses and community services. Jason is passionate about sports and music, and the Okanagan’s four seasons made moving to Vernon a natural fit. In 2016 Jason transitioned from helping many local businesses to marketing solely for the Armstrong Regional Co-op. Jason loves to sing, play guitar, play softball, camp, fish, and spend time with his family. He has been a member of three bands over the past fifteen years and continues to be involved in the local music scene. Jason loves finding new ways to promote businesses, and bring awareness to supporting local causes.
RYAN DOHERTYLAKE CITY CASINO VERNON
Ryan Doherty grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and after a short stint as a Casino Dealer on the cruise ships, he ended up living in Vancouver. It was there in 2003 that Ryan began working for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment limited as an incoming professional Casino dealer.
Over the next 6 years his career progressed and he launched the first Craps or "Dice" table in the province and opened two brand new casinos in the GVRD. In 2009 he had an opportunity to further his career into senior management as a Casino Shift Manager at Lake City Casinos in Vernon, BC just in time for the grand opening of the Anderson way location.
Over the next few years he played an integral role in the sites development and more specifically the addition of the live table games and the opening of Match Eatery and Public House. In early 2016 he was promoted to General Manager of that location and he continues that role today.
He met his wife while living in Vernon and they live here today with their young son and new baby expected in December.
RIMINDER GAKHAL
DAVIDSON PRINGLE LLP
Riminder Gakhal, born and raised in Vernon, graduated from Kalamalka Secondary and obtained her commerce degree from UNBC. After a few years of working as a financial officer in the lower mainland, Riminder pursued a career in law and attended the University of Sussex in England.
During Riminder’s time in England, she took the opportunity to travel the U.K. and parts of Europe.
Despite the captivating cultures and beautiful architectures, Riminder could not stay away from the Okanagan. She returned to her hometown, and joined Davidson Pringle, first as an articling student and later as an associate.Since returning to the Okanagan, Riminder has been active in the community. She is the President of the VDICSS, the 2nd Vice President of AMSSA and a board member for the Okanagan College. Riminder is also a committee member of Violence Against Women in Relationships. Riminder believes in a positive community and the individuals working together to achieve a common purpose, the success of the community.
Outside of work and board meetings, Riminder enjoys outdoor activities, travelling, yoga and spending time with family and friends.