In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Mike Piattelli.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Kelowna and have lived here for 24 years. I don’t plan on leaving any time soon!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend, Chloe. We have been together for five years and laugh about all the same things. Nothing better than somebody knowing and accepting you inside and out.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Probably Chicago. Ever since I found out the Dark Knight was filmed there I have wanted to go. However, I need the Starbucks city mug from Boston to complete a collection so that is a close second!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Glow Juicery. They have fresh health foods and juices, and also support other local products within the store.
What is your favourite activity?
I love playing basketball with my bro in the summer. I’ve even taken a few games from him this year, which is very rare!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I can usually fight a taco or pizza craving, but when I crave a burger, I’ll be buying one.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I got pantsed in Grade 8 in front of everyone. Didn’t feel great!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing my dad work from sun up to sun down growing up.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My dad, brother, best friend and I were playing road hockey on roller blades. There was a trailer hitch sticking out onto the court beside the house. My best friend, Dylan, was skating with his head down with the ball and skated into the hitch at eye level. It knocked him out cold, but it was funny looking back.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
The Downtown Youth Centre is across from my apartment. We would like to donate new fencing to the facility as the current fence is falling over and can make the building look unapproachable. It’s a great controlled facility for youth to be safe at. Although our company has not approached them yet, we would like to in the near future.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to stop using cell phones behind to wheel. It seems to be everywhere lately.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
To find places in the city that I haven’t been to before.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I will usually head across the street to play basketball alone if I have things on my mind.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Housing availability. Everybody needs a place to live!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The four seasons and the landscape which allows you to take advantage of the seasons!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) For Chloe and I to design a house
2) Find the world's best Alfredo sauce (so far, it's in New York)
3) See my brother Jeff play a stadium show
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can’t tell the difference in different kinds of coffee.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
FenceTech Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was in the industry before I went to school for welding. When I finished my welding course, I got a job welding gates. I ended up liking the fencing side of things more than welding and decided to take that route.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide privacy or security for our customers.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing work and personal life.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I love where life has taken me, at this point I would do it again. However, I did always want to be a pilot.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I say 'oh please!' a lot. It's tough to explain out of context! It’s usually said when somebody else is being rude or not paying attention to what’s around them.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I bet Justin Bieber could fill a day with stories.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Our business thrives on local support/customers. I can imagine a large percentage of other businesses rely on it as well. Since starting FenceTech, I try to hear out anybody that is trying to sell me something.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Taking a risk and starting a business. I don’t often take risks.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kathleen Treadgold. She takes the opportunity to get to know all her customers, supports her community and makes sure everybody leaves her shop smiling!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kathleen Treadgold, Glow Juicery
Some general comments I would like to share are
Thanks to In Focus for the opportunity to share!
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. Thank you, Kelowna.
