Meet Ross! Ross has been living here in Kelowna for 12 years now. He enjoys cruising on the track at Area 27, exploring the city with his wife, and savoring the delicious local food & wine that the Okanagan has to offer.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am a BC boy, I've been in the Okanagan for most of my life, I've been home to Kelowna for the past 12 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife of course! She's my best friend, we have so much fun together, whether it's exploring our city on our bikes, walking our dog or visiting the local breweries and wineries, I always have fun with her!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Oh boy, that's tough to answer! I really like coffee shops and we have some awesome ones here in Kelowna!
Describe yourself in one word.
Comedic. My favourite thing in the world is making people laugh.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece! It looks so beautiful, I'd love to sip on a coffee with a view of the sea in the early morning.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I'm a big "car guy" so my favourite thing to do is spend the day at Area 27.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't get embarrassed easily, but because of my need for speed, I was once left standing on the side of the road with an ice cream in each hand while my company car drove away on the back of a tow truck.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The growth of my business. When you start something new, people are always looking out for you to make sure you're thinking things through although it can come across as negativity or disbelief. Having those same people start to believe in your idea and become your cheerleaders is so inspiring!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing soccer with my brother Geoff. Soccer was our lives as kids, we played on multiple teams and traveled all over the place. When I was in grade 9 and my brother in grade 11 we went to school at Columneetza in Williams Lake where we earned ourselves 2nd place in the provincial championship. That experience was one of the best!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We're actually developing a program now with FreeShirt to do just that! Our social responsibility program will allow people to send us their old tees that are being replaced with FreeShirt tees, we'll be packaging them up and delivering them to non-profit organizations in our communities. I really want to scale this to where we're putting clothes on people in need all over the world!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Pessimism.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I don't like to be alone, I'd rather sit in a coffee shop and have a conversation with someone that can teach me something new, or have a conversation with substance.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Of course our homeless situation. It's a shame to see so many people on the streets. We need to find a solution to getting these people mentally healthy. I think more of us need to pitch in though. We can't ask one person or group to fix it overnight. How about a pitch day where locals can pitch their idea for a solution, have it questioned and the best parts of it kept as consideration.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The size, although it's growing quickly, I love that we have everything we need without the total chaos of the big cities.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel
Race (and win) a motorsport series.
Spend more time with my siblings and Mom
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm the youngest in a family of 5 children, raised by the most amazing, unrelenting mother I could have asked for. ILU Mom!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
LinkedIn is the best way to reach me.
What is the name of your business/organization?
FreeShirt
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always wanted to start a business that didn't fit the mold, I didn't want to start a business that was a variation of something already being done. FreeShirt is the first of its kind, I believe in the world.
What is the goal of your business?
Isn't it weird that we as consumers pay for a tee-shirt that has a companies logo/advertising? Now you don't have to.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Having patience, I always want more success and quicker, but I've learned to enjoy the ride.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same, if I did things differently I wouldn't have learned the lessons I've learned.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"You know what's funny?" followed up by a fact that is likely not actually funny.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Mark Cuban or Jim Carrey, don't make me choose just one!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's about the economy, the more we support our local businesses, the more they can do the same thing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
FreeShirt.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Napolean Hill, I know you probably meant someone that is close to me but reading "Think and grow rich" by Napolean Hill over and over has played a major role in my professional success.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Alexander DelHierro
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!
