Ryan Adams

Your Position: Member Services Supervisor
Tenure: Going on 6 years

Reasons for working at Y: The Kelowna Family Y is so connected with our community and, more importantly, with the needs of our community. Everyday I work here I see us changing lives for the better. The KFY’s beliefs can be summed up in their core values of “Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility”. These values are what we believe in and present to anyone who meets a Y member, staff, or volunteer. We are striving to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities everyday and I truly feel that we are making a difference. This is a job that matters.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: I initially started off as a volunteer in January of 2005. My experiences working with the amazing staff and seeing the differences we were all making in our community, were what really got me excited to be a bigger part of the Kelowna Family Y.

My Boss: My boss is a bubbly ball of energy! She motivates all of us to do our best everyday and truly cares about each and every one of us. She leads by example and always has our back. She is, in many ways, the perfect boss and I know all of the staff really look up to her.

Co-Workers: How else can I put it? We are one big family. All of the staff really feel a connectedness with one another, the members, and the Y values. We all bring something different to the Y experience and we all influence our workplace in our own interesting ways. To put it another way, there is never a dull staff member working at the Y.

The Flat side: Hmmmm, well honesty is a core value… I suppose, like any customer service job, the not much fun part can be summed up in a not much fun customer. Dealing with people is the centre of what we do and improving them and their mood is what we are aiming for. Some people though, just don’t play well with others I suppose.

Why I still like it here? For the same reasons I started here in the first place. After 6 years of employment, working in three different departments, and volunteering in two others, I still feel that we make a huge contribution to our community and everyone in it. I could wake up on the wrong side of the bed and arrive at work with a huge and genuine smile on my face. There is no other place I would rather be working!

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Alyson Priede

Your Position: Airport Operations Clerk
Tenure: 3.5 years

Reasons for working at Kelowna International Airport: When I was in college we had to write down our top 5 choices for employment, the City of Kelowna was #1 on my list as I wanted a career.  After graduating I attended the City of Kelowna recruitment fair – I thought I blew it…..one day later I got a call back and with 2 weeks I was working as a temp.  The airport was my fourth temporary position.  I enjoyed the smaller size of the office; it was more personal.  I applied after my 1st week on the job, and I got it!

Defining moment of choosing to work here: I can remember getting the call from HR and going into the boardroom for a “private” place to talk.  I remember HR telling me that I have been selected for the position - I was thrilled!

My Boss: The Management team is very professional with all of us, but at the same time we enjoy sharing a laugh, I like that.

Co-Workers: Our administration team is small but strong with a variety of ages.

The Flat side: Issuing taxi licenses. The process is very involved and we don’t do them that often so not my favourite.

Why I still like it here? Personally I am here for the long term benefits both career orientated, and financially.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Toni Purse

Your Position: Office Manager

Tenure: 3 years

Reasons for working at Border: I have been in the HVAC industry for quite some time and was looking for a less stressful enviroment to work in. I saw an ad for a family run business needing a  receptionist. I have a friend that knew the owners and he suggested that I apply, and then he talked to the owners telling them I would be a great fit for them. It worked out great for all of us.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: During the interview process with the owners, Joe and Lynda, I knew that I wanted to work with them. You don’t work for Joe and Lynda you work with them! Even after talking with them for 15 minutes I knew where they wanted to go with their company and how they felt I would be a part of it.

My Bosses: Joe and Lynda REALLY care about you as a person, you are not just an employee to them. They want you to succeed and provide you with any tools you need to become as successful as you want to be. They are both in the office every day and work alongside of us. They listen to our suggestions and value our opinions.

Co-Workers: The guys and gals I work with are professionals! They are fun, we can share moments in our personal lives that are hard, sad and happy, they are not just co-workers but they are my friends as well.

The Flat side: Not fun? When we have to do pictures for advertising. No one likes picture day.

Why I still like it here? You feel appreciated. You know Joe and Lynda care and you want to be a part of this family run business. You want to succeed with them and for them.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Rhianne Barile

Your Position: Jewelry Sales
Tenure: 5 1/2 Years

Reasons for working at Posh: I wanted to work at Posh Gallery because I love jewelry. I knew Kate previously from working at a local coffee shop, as well as a frequent customer of Posh and knew she would be a great boss!

Defining moment of choosing to work here: When I was hired I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work at a store that I already loved. I was excited to have the opportunity to learn more about both jewelry and the fashion industry as a whole.

My Boss: Kate is very giving, has a huge heart, and is always concerned with her employees well-being. She is a lot of fun to work with.

Co-Workers: All employees that I have ever worked with at Posh have been great people. We have developed great relationships and lasting friendships.

The Flat side: As everyone who has ever worked in customer service knows, sometimes it can be challenging to please every customer all the time.

Why I still like it here? The excitement of the New Collections and Designs. I continue to love the shop, the jewelry, and especially the people I work with. Every day brings something new and exciting.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Nikki Stackhouse

Your Position:  Credit Assistant

Tenure: 2 years

Reasons for working at TD Canada Trust: I chose to work with John Antle, as he works outside of the confines of the TD branch and is one of the top mortgage specialists in Kelowna. John runs an extremely busy office and I knew that this would provide excitement as well as a challenge. John allows a flexible work schedule and is very accommodating to my schedule, so if I need time to participate with my children’s school events, it is never an issue.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: During the interview. The camaraderie that was experienced in my interview with John and the regional manager was a clear indication of how I would be treated and respected in my position.

My Boss: John “unique” – he’s a think outside the box individual, a family man, hard worker and values his client relationships. 

Co-Workers: We don’t really get a chance to work with other departments so when we do engage it’s all good.

The Flat side: The beginning of the month when John starts from 0 – he tends to go 200 mph… LOL!

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Holli Fick

Your Position: Office Manager for the Stone Sisters Group
Tenure: Since 2006

Reasons for working at Stone Sisters Group:
Great office atmosphere, a great respect for Tamara & Shannon and the perks are not too bad either.

Defining moment of choosing to work here:
I remember meeting Tamara & Shannon at a coffee shop for an interview and immediately liking them. I sat there thinking, these ladies have a great dynamic energy. It would be great to work with these girls, and here I am 6 years later

My Boss:
Tamara & Shannon are like family to me. (I call them “My girls”) They are very caring and special ladies. They are there for me whenever I need anything and go out of their way to help anyway they can. They are very high energy (Believe me). Enthusiastic & fabulous bosses. They are a lot of fun to work with!

Co-Workers:
I work in a very upbeat and busy office, with very energetic people – it is very refreshing.

The Flat side:
Having to get my picture done for this article (Kidding). As you know, all jobs have their ups and downs, my job has more ups than downs. Lot of laughing goes on in this office.

Why I still like it here?
The diversity in my job, my day is never the same. I have learned a lot through the years, and continue to learn. I have met some really great people. I work for a great team, always upbeat, happy and never negative. What more could you ask for?

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Troy Scott

Your Position: Asst. Program Director and host of the Q Road Show (2-7PM)
Tenure: Best 3 years of my life

Reasons for working at Q103: Jim Pattison. (or as I call him, Uncle Jimmy) Q103•1 is a part of  one of the last family broadcasting companies in our nation.  In these hard economic times it's nice to work for a strong family company that has your back, and any man brave enough to hire the great Jack Webster is a hero to me as a broadcaster.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: The weather played a BIG part. I'm a born and raised Winnipeger, (Go Jets Go!) and one morning it dropped to -50c (with the windchill), I went to google.ca and typed:“the warmest place in Canada with a haunted lake” (I watched a lot of Scooby Doo in the 80's) and hit the 'I'm feeling Lucky button' I got VERY lucky.

My Boss: Andrew Murdoch is Program Director of Q103•1 and our smelly sister station POWER 104. The awesome factor with Andrew starts with his last name. (I also watched a lot of the A-Team in the 80's) Andrew must be the most sane man in the valley. Putting up with a building filled with rockers and pop music junkies can be taxing to say the least!

Co-Workers: Not going to lie, I'm used to being the 'crazy one' in my work place, then I moved to Kelowna. I now work with a man that is known throughout the land, as 'the Dirtman'. Known for his schemes and tricks, the Dirtman instantly convinced me that Lake Okanagan was filled with creepy Freshwater Octopus that would grab onto anything! It took me 3 months to figure out that one, and it was our Vice-President/General Manager Bruce Davis who corrected me. I'll never live it down.

The Flat side: Radio is hard work. If you want to be in broadcasting, it's not about just showing up to the studio and being a goof. You must be a goof at all times 24/7. Which would explain why my father disowned me.

Why I still like it here? Because that means I'm TURNING OFF Q Mornings with Steve & Heather!!! (shameless plug #23)

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Frank Caron

Position: Retail Manager
Tenure: 5 years

Reasons for working at Spy vs Spy: I have known Paul Lenz, the owner, for twenty five years. So, there was no mystery. In that twenty five years, Paul has always proven to be a good man you can rely on. Oh yeah, I also needed a job.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: Paul and I ran into each other in a parking lot – not literally. We had not seen each other for a few years. Decided to have a beer. By the time we had finished that drink we had struck a handshake deal. I started at Spy vs Spy a week later.

My Boss: Great guy! Always weights all sides of a situation before coming to a conclusion. Seeks input from all involved. This makes us all feel that we have been part of the decision making process.
He is always fair with employees.

Co-Workers: Our installers are competent guys who insure that the sales staff is kept abreast of complications that may crop up during an installation. Our diligent accounting department is more than helpful and make my job easier when I'm trying to figure out why we were charged X-amount for something that should have included shipping for instance.

The Flat side: Cleaning the washroom  after the installers  have  used it. Dealing with paranoids  who don't have a genuine  problem. Mind you, some of them can actually be fun if they're crazy enough. For instance the two who wanted a Geiger counter because they wanted to checkout a crop circle. Good times.

Why I still like it here? Every day's a new adventure. Solving security issues that require a novel approach. Often, one gets a good feeling of satisfaction after solving a problem that seemed insurmountable to the client.  Also, you can’t replace moments with crop circle fanatics..

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

BJ Wilson

Your Position: Manager
Tenure: 3 years

Reasons for working at Pentagon:  It keeps me young!  Pentagon is the best shop in town, we’ve always got great people stopping by.

Defining moment of choosing to work here:  The snowboard wall.  It hypnotized me.  Love at first sight.

My Boss:  Kirk and Ciara.  They’re the best people to work with. Period.

Co-Workers: They are all amazing at life.  Heartbreakers, all of them!

The Flat side: Watching the same videos over and over.  The soundtracks are imbedded in my skull.

Why I still like it here?  I’m surrounded by my pals.  Why would I ever sleep in??

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Eric Fox

Position: Sales
Tenure: 8 years

Reasons for working at Rocky Mountain Fitness: Working at Rocky Mountain Fitness gives me the opportunity to combine employment with my passion for physical fitness.  In addition I have the opportunity to help others in their quest for a healthy lifestyle.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: When I walked into the Rocky Mountain store I immediately felt at home surrounded  by products I have used for years.  When I am already convinced of the value of the products I am called upon to present to the public, my job becomes easy and rewarding.

My Boss: My boss is special because each of the employees is special to him.
Each of the employees have their strengths and my boss empowers each of us in those areas in which we excel.

Co-Workers: The common thread we share is the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.  We share training and workout tips.

The Flat side: The dog days of summer are our slow time in the fitness industry.  The shifts seem longer as we often have longer times without customers.

Why I still like it here? I have had customers come back to the store merely to thank me six months after I started them on their journey to better health by educating them and providing them with one of our products.  This is rewarding and a bonus not included in our pay cheque.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Morris Van Overbeke

Your Position: Lot Manager ( I wash a lot of cars)
Tenure: Just under 5 years

Reasons for working at Westfall Motors: Since I moved from Ontario I had been working in landscaping (seasonal) and was looking for something year round. Looked in the Courier and saw an ad that said,”Want to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere and wear shorts and sandals?” (my answer was no to the shorts and sandals). But they hired me anyways and I started the next day.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: They never gave me a choice. I think they wanted to bring sexy back.

My Bosses: Kevin Westfall and Rolf Ratz are always accommodating, understanding and friendly. I can come and go as I please as long as the work gets done. They are pretty easy to get along with.

Co-Workers: What can be more friendly that a used car sales person?

The Flat side: Washing cars in the winter holding that #@! hose in minus 5 degree weather.

Why I still like it here? Like I told the guys when they hired me, “ I’ve been married for 58.5 years and live in a condo. I ‘m 78 years old and need something to do.”

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Barb Gould

Your Position: Office Manager
Tenure: 10 years

Reasons for working at Dr. Sean Swifts Dental Office: I like meeting new people every day and being able to help our patients in many different ways.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: I had heard that Dr. Swift was very appreciative of his staff and takes great pride in his dentistry.

My Boss: Constant dedication to continuing education. Generous and very compassionate about his patients and practice.

Co-Workers: The fact we can all work together as a team and be there for each other as co-workers and friends.

The Flat side: Training new employees and then they go on maternity leave (Haha).

Why I still like it here? Fast pace and always something new. There is no time to get bored.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Rob Parkhill

Your Position: Sales and Loans manager
Tenure: 1 year

Reasons for working at AZ Pawn: I wanted to work here because they had a reputation for being really fair to the customer and I really wanted to be part of that.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: I knew I wanted to work here because of the great reputation and the fact my family owned a small shop in Vancouver in the eighties. So I grew up in this environment.

My Boss: My boss is a great guy who works with customers constantly so I get to see how he likes to do things. I always learn industry information from him.

Co-Workers: What’s nice is each of us come from different fields so we all know a little about everything. That helps in dealing with customers and what their goods might be worth.

The Flat side: Running out of coffee.

Why I still like it here? Something new is always coming through the door and it’s really fast paced. It’s not a stuffy office job or warehouse job and the customers always make it enjoyable.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.

Maria Jose Godoy

Your Position: Yoga instructor
Tenure: One year

Reasons for working at Bikram Yoga Kelowna: I came to Kelowna a couple of months before I moved here to practice a few times and check out the studio. I was thrilled to discover it was as hardcore as the studios I had been teaching at in Vancouver. I introduced myself to Jjanet and chatted with her about wanting to teach that September (2010).  Jjanet was very excited about having a Vancouver teacher come to teach so we communicated right away about me teaching my first class.

Defining moment of choosing to work here: Right after I taught my first class I noticed the level of practice and commitment the students had and decided I wanted to have a part in leading them to great health.

My Boss: Jjanet takes her yoga very seriously and it’s part of her life as an everyday routine and I feel the same way. We’re compatible with regards to our commitment to the Yoga. Jjanet is special because she’s interested in working for the student to improve their practice, a philosophy that I’m in line with.

Co-Workers: There’s a team approach where we all share the student’s best interests in mind. We appreciate each others’ feedback and work constructively towards helping run an awesome studio.

The Flat side: Having to pick up the gross sweaty mats. Bleah…

Why I still like it here? Because I love teaching this yoga. I love that new students come often, making the yoga challenging to teach. It’s rewarding to watch them grow and fall in love with it, just like I did.

Business Section, Kelowna Daily Courier.