Meet Jackie, she is originally from London, England but moved to Canada in 2007. She fell in love with Kelowna and bought her home on a two-day holiday passing through. It took her three years to finish the paperwork and move to Kelowna, but she doesn't regret a moment of it.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My brother! Siblings are important in life as they are the only people who share your life experiences from childhood. I lost my father to Cancer in 2003 but his wit and personality live on strongly through my brother.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I'm going to be boring and say Costco! Service is most important when dealing with retail and people's hard earned money. I think they set a great example of that.
Describe yourself in one word.
Loyal
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
England - I think I took for granted the history of the place when I lived there and visiting there again would be so much fun.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love going out to restaurants downtown with friends and family and of course, drinking the wine!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Skiing with clients and being carted off by snowmobile ambulance from the bunny run chairlift! The medic looked like Brad Pitt! Note to self… shave legs before engaging in extreme sports and take clients to dinner instead! So elegant!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
As well as Real Estate I enjoy working as a Care Aide which reminds me of what life is really about. I see acts of kindness and moments of joy created in this job every day by the people I work with and my residents who live there at the home. We have to appreciate what we have now and live every day as if it is our last.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My Dad was a great inspiration to me and was always doing crazy things to make us laugh and be happy. We lived in a small council house in London and had no money to speak of. One day, he started digging a massive hole in the garden, (I think he was doing some underground pipework or something) but for a couple of days, he said it was our new swimming pool! Anyone who knows London knows that this was an unattainable dream for the regular folk. Not for my Dad who was always achieving the impossible! He lined the pool with plastic and bricks and filled it up with water! Then we jumped in the freezing cold water and for a couple of days, we thought we were in heaven! We lived on top of a hill so the water didn’t last long, but the memory will last forever.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try and support local groups, for example, I sponsor a local baseball team – The ‘Base Invaders’ a great bunch of people doing well this season and I volunteer on our strata council.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Bullying - in general, the way we treat others. Empathy and compassion are difficult to teach but this needs to start very early on. We are all here ‘borrowing’ this world until we move on. I would change the arrogance of human nature if I could.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Sparkling Hills Resort
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more options for affordable housing and more help for people on single incomes being able to afford their own homes. I would also like to see a better stretch for public transport over the Kelowna and surrounding areas.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
A fantastic downtown core area with improving diversities and monumental structures, bars and restaurants. I love the beaches and views. We decided to move here while sitting on Gyro beach in front of that fantastic view of the lake and mountains.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- I would love to be in a movie
- Fly a plane
- Work in a funeral home
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I don't actually like fruit. It's like I have a phobia about what I might find in it but if its cut up and prepared for me, I'm okay!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Lake Okanagan Realty Ltd -Jackie Bradford
Why did you get into/start this business?
Alexandra Axsen was my Realtor and said I should become a Realtor! She is very inspiring and helped me achieve my potential.
What is the goal of your business?
I love helping people and that’s what I do in both jobs, in different ways.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
That sometimes I just can't fix it or heal someone.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would change nothing as I believe everything happens for a reason. We may not know what that reason is or if it is for our path or others but you have to accept what happens. It's all how you put it through your own mind.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Shall we have a drink!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
As my Dad always said; " Life is what you make it, so make it what you like."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Someone funny... Ricky Gervais. My favourite comedy program is Derek on Netflix. I would love to spend a day with him as he is so quick-witted and has a fantastic laugh that is so infectious. You have to be able to laugh at yourself!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support your friends and neighbours is important. It is the old saying 'no man is an island' Your business shouldn't depend on this but community spirit is paramount.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Succeeding as a Realtor while being a Care Aide at the same time. Both jobs balance themselves out for me.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Gloria Rombough Kron - a fantastic person, nurse, confidant and friend.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tracy Robertson & Kyndree Bennett
Some general comments I would like to share are:
This questionnaire was not easy to focus on when first of all, I am from England and our culture is somewhat restrained. Then also when your whole life has been so much about others that when asked, it is difficult to dig up your own opinions. I think something we should all do is to have self-awareness while helping others, in every walk of life. I feel I would like to recognize the hard work of all healthcare workers and Care Aides in particular. I know the hard work that goes on and I see many people finding it hard to make ends meet here in the Okanagan but still doing the job they love. Kelowna is a fantastic place to live and I have never regretted moving here for a minute. Kelowna will continue to grow and I will continue to promote this beautiful place in which we live. Cheers!
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!
