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?
Robert McPhee.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Calgary, AB. After living in various places around Alberta and British Columbia, I settled into Kelowna as of May 1st 2017, so I am new here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My brother and his son. We have lots of fun when visiting and that's what I miss the most about Alberta. My brother is my best pal and my nephew is just so honest and funny.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would really like to go to Galapagos Islands to do some sea kayaking. It would be fascinating to experience such an untouched environment.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mad Mango, green onion cakes and milkshakes!
What is your favourite activity?
Ocean kayaking.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos, fish tacos.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
School was very strict when I attended and teachers did not always allow you to go to the bathroom. We were developing pictures in the darkroom and I ended up peeing my pants, and I was much too old for that. It was devastating!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having an orca whale surface beside my kayak in the Broken Group Islands. As humans, we tend to view ourselves above and apart from the natural environment. That was the first time I truly felt as one with the world around me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My dad teaching me to ride my bike and getting me up on two wheels. That moment changed my life forever, and I lived on a bike for the next 16 years. I still ride a bike today.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Being new to Kelowna and operating a start-up, I haven't found the time to do any volunteer work yet, but I am doing a special day at the store where all proceeds go to a single mother battling cancer. The O.K.Babes are running that campaign and the donations will be going to their cause. I would like to do some work with high-risk youth in the fall, when the popsicle season winds down. With the drug epidemic running rampant, I think I could make a difference in a teenagers life.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The re-distribution of wealth. Some people who do important work do not get what they deserve for their efforts. Then you have celebrities who are famous for nothing and sports athletes making more money than they should ever make. I heard of one movie actor who built his own Starbucks in his back yard. That is as tragic as it is ridiculous.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
So far it is making popsicles!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My kitchen.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Eradicating homelessness. Canadian cities should not face this problem. If Medicine Hat, AB can do it so can Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The creativity and positivity of the young entrepreneurs here. It feels like a smaller community, but with some big city style.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Shark tank dive
2) Climb Mount Robson
3) Get married and have a family!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am also an artist. I work in metals and glass, mostly sculpture and jewelry.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
In my personal life, I just use text and phone.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan Ice Pops is our manufacturing facility. Okapops is our retail store.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to provide a healthy, guilt-free treat for active adults and their families.
What is the goal of your business?
To contribute to the local community by using local products in my business. I want to be engaged in the community and contributing to it's success.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Overcoming addiction.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. It's how I ended up in this moment. I do wish I learned some of life's lessons the first time around though!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'What's happening?'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My family. We had a fairly tight family growing up and now most are separated by geography and careers, family etc. We had a reunion last summer and it was just so much fun! All the generations re-connecting was very powerful.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is important for both the producer and the customer. It ignites passion and invites a real connection with people that you just can't get at a big box store. It's personal and that's important.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening my Okapops shop. I have seen success as an artist and in my two careers. It took some courage to quit my career to follow my dreams.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
O.K.Babes! I believe they are doing some really cool stuff in the valley and making positive change in the local community.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Stephanie Long from The Sawdust Bakery
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have felt very welcomed in Kelowna and people seem to embrace my product. I am proud that I am putting smiles on faces here in the Okanagan with a healthy, locally produced product. Thank you Kelowna!
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.
