Meet Tyler! Tyler is originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario and has been living in Kelowna for 17 years. Tyler enjoys travelling to new places, playing golf here in Kelowna, and spending quality time with his family.
Photo Credit: Tyler Robson
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Thunder Bay ON. Lived here for 17 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My parents are my favourite people to hang with. They are my favourite people to spend time with because they are kind, supportive and always have a positive mindset. They are also very humorous, always keeping a smile on my face!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I tend to do most of my shopping online, but I do think Kelowna has some of the best eateries. One of my favourite local places to kick back and enjoy a good meal with friends is Turtle Bay Pub. I love it for the atmosphere and the location by the lake!
Describe yourself in one word.
Motivated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I was just in the Bahamas for a conference and if I had the time I would go back in a heartbeat to relax and tour some more islands.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
One of my favourite activities in Kelowna is Golf! But it is a very close tie between boating and timber sledding depending on the season.
Photo Credit: Tyler Robson
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has happened to me is building a company from the ground up among some of the most dedicated and hard-working individuals I have ever met. Building our team at Valens has inspired me to always recognize the best in people, which has allowed me to share in their success and accomplishments.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Over the years of living in Kelowna, I have given back to the community by donating to the Okanagan Suns Scholarship Program as well as the Rutland Senior Secondary High School football program.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world it would be to have a quicker form of transportation. I spend so much time travelling not only across Canada but internationally too. It would be great to have a way to save time and energy flying!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
If I could sneak away somewhere in Kelowna to spend some time alone it would be my boat. My most relaxing moments have been in the middle of Turtle or Kalmalka Lake early in the morning or around sunset.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
There isn't any specific area that I would like to see positive change in Kelowna as I feel like the city is always striving to be better and do better for the community. As long as we continue on this great path positive things will continue to come.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
That is a tough one… I think the weather, the lakes, the mountains, the scenery, the people… what's not to love in this beautiful valley!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Three things that I have on my bucket list are:
Raise 100 million in investment capital in a single tranche
Take my family on a trip around the world
Tuna fishing in Canary Islands
Photo Credit: Tyler Robson
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Something people may not know about me is that I have a Bachelor of Science and I use to play professional football.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
People connect with me personally through LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Valens GroWorks.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business because of my passion and experience for the cannabis industry. For example, being in football, I started to notice the patterns of cannabis use for pain and concussions and it grew from experiences like this.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of Valens is to be the leading cannabis extraction company in the world. We are already well on our way and I couldn't be more proud. This is only the beginning!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle in life, both work and personal has been learning to balance an incredibly busy schedule. Especially between work and travel.
Tyler Robson
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I had the chance to start things all over again I would do it the exact same and with the same great people!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Never say never!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
However cheesy it may sound, anything is possible with perseverance and the right people in your corner.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple who successfully managed the transition of the company through the passing of Steve Jobs. Which then grew both revenue and innovation at a faster rate than ever before. Tim Cook is a powerhouse!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Ever heard the saying "when you buy from a small shop an actual person does a happy dance"? As consumers, we have the ability to affect individuals positively, and a very easy way to do that is supporting local businesses.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment has been building our company and team at Valens. Nothing tops that!
Photo Credit: Tyler Robson
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I think my parents deserve a major shout out for everything they have done for me including supporting and believing in me but always being there to give me tough love when I've needed it the most. Very thankful for my parents!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Darcy Gibson
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!
