Meet Dean Shaffi. He's lived in Kamloops since he was 16 years old!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in Powell River and moved to Vancouver when I was three. I moved to Kamloops when I was 16. 

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have two, my wife Melissa and my 11-year-old Son, Elijah. They are the two best things that have ever happened to me.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Jamaica. I love the warm weather and their food.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Big Boot Inn. I love their shoes and great service.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Joining Kamloops Day Break Rotary. I always believed in helping out and being part of our community, but showing up and working together as a team, we find ways to make the impossible possible. I love helping out where help is needed.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It was coming to Kamloops to visit my mom, brother and sisters and going camping during the warm summer months.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a member of the Kamloops Daybreak Rotary, Power Start program for the Boys and Girls Club, Ribfest, Crabfest, Kamloops Hospice and the food drive.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Helping children with food, shelter and education.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Playing soccer.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love going for long runs along the Rivers Trail.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see our community step up and help children get off the streets and find them places where they can be safe and be kids.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
 Our city really steps up when we ask for help.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To travel the world
2. To attend a Super Bowl
3. To learn to fly

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I think everyone sees me as a very outgoing and social person, but believe it or not, I used to be super quiet and shy until I moved to Kamloops. 

What is the name of your business/organization?
 Heritage Office Furnishings. 

What is your favourite activity or event in your city?
 Helping out within our community.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
 I was delivering a chair for a customer and I bent over to pick it up and my pants split. 

Where can people find you on social media?
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love designing and dealing with people.

What is the goal of your business?
To offer the best quality, options and designs of office furniture and the best service.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or in life?
Time and communication.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change it for anything.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Yes.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Denzel Washington.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I am a firm believer in supporting people and businesses that support me. Money spent within Kamloops stays in Kamloops which means we all win, and with this comes more community involvement within these local businesses.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Last year I completed my first full marathon.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Eric Davis has always been a very hard worker. Not only does he work hard, but he is a loving husband and dad to two adorable girls, he is the Chair of the RIH Foundation, and he is always giving back to our community.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Eric Davis.

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, Kamloops.

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!