Meet Jorden, he was born and raised in Kelowna. He moved to Vancouver for six years when I was 18 but came back to Kelowna to open Pacific Top Team.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Mason, he just turned four this year and he is so fun to be around. I wish I had as much energy as he does.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Craft. Great rooftop patio. Great beer and good atmosphere.
Describe yourself in one word.
Fun
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Sharkeez Huntington Beach. Half chicken right off the beach
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Love the people we have at PTT!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Got locked out of my hotel room a few years back in Huntington Beach. I was in my undies and my friends made me get a key from the front desk. Lots of people were checking in!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was super bored and stagnant in my life and so I joined a Direct Sales company for a challenge. The people I met through that company have been a game changer from a self-development perspective. I get so inspired listening to the leaders of that company speak. It has taught me so much about business which helped me at my academy.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I played rep hockey for a Kelowna team. We played a team I got cut from when I lived in PG. We ended up beating them in the provincials. I scored four goals in that game. We went on to win the provincials!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Pacific Top team, in my opinion, has done so much for the community. We have several moms and their kids that train either for a very low cost or free because I know they are not in a position to pay. I come from a home where my father wasn't around so I know how hard it is for these moms. I want to give back to them any way we can!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I find it hard to see someone driving a Lamborghini on the same street where someone homeless is sleeping. We have to find a way to do better than that. I know everyone makes there own decisions in life but we could do better.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The bathroom. No one bugs me in the bathroom
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's crazy you can golf and snowboard in the same day. I love that we have all four seasons. The lake is a massive plus.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Attending the Super Bowl with the Seahawks in the game
- Travelling around Europe. I would love to visit Greece and Egypt to see the pyramids
- Tour New Zealand. That Country looks amazing!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I grew up in and out of foster homes. I didn't have an easy go. I don`t talk about it much because it is not what defines me. It was a moment in time. It has made me who I am today.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Pacific Top Team Martial Arts
Why did you get into/start this business?
My friend and Black Belt Dave Rothwell introduced me to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when I lived in Vancouver. He told me he was coming to Vernon to open a school so I moved back to Kelowna to do the same.
What is the goal of your business?
To introduce as many families as possible to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts in the Okanagan area.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing my home life and my business. I give so much to my professional life it has been hard to find the balance. My wife has been a huge champion in supporting me and my crazy ideas. Thanks, Jes!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I`m not sure. This is hard to answer. I love my life now but people do not see what it takes to get to this point. The sacrifices I have made. The hard decisions. I did all this to give my team the best training available. I just think sometimes it's unnoticed.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Watch!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Never listen to someone who is not qualified to give you advice. If you buy someones opinion you buy their lifestyle. Choose wisely.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son Mason or James Hetfield from Metallica.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Having a small business of my own we need that support to survive. Its easy to go to a big name gym that has big name backing. I love supporting people that grew up in this area and rocking it!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Im not their yet but financial freedom. This is my life goal. I don`t want my wife or son to feel the pain I did growing up. I want my wife to chose if she works. I want my son to go to a great school and university if he wants to.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom. She is so amazing with my son. She has been clean and sober for 10+ She is living proof that your past does not dictate your future. You have the power to hit the reset button. But only you can do it! Congrats Mom
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!
