In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Andreas Loerchner.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was originally born in the city of Korbach, Germany and moved to Canada when I was 4. I grew up in Fauquier, British Columbia, in the Kootenays. Some may know of it by the Needles Ferry, down highway 6. I moved to Kelowna in the winter of 2006 and I hope to never leave this amazing community.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with has to be my wife. She's funny, challenges me, keeps me on track and has given me the best gift anyone could give, our two beautiful daughters.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere!? Definitely The Nürburgring in Germany. It's a150,000 capacity motorsports complex located in the town of Nürburg. It would be such a rush! As a motoring enthusiast, it is hailed as the best racetrack of all time. It is the gold standard that any motorcycle or car is held up to.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favorite local store would be Central Kitchen and Bar. Best burgers ever!
What is your favorite activity?
Favorite activity would have to be going downtown with the family and walking the boardwalk, playing on the grass with the kids and grabbing a coffee at Giobean afterwards.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza. You can't go wrong with pizza.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Most embarrassing moment was when I once forgot my shorts on a road trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs. My friends forced me to wear 'paper' shorts that have this wax coating on them. They left nothing to the imagination for all the other swimmers.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My daughters inspire me everyday to be a better man, better father, and a better person. They are strong, brave and fierce little girls. Aged three and five and they always give me a fresh perspective on life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is when I was about 11 years old. I vividly remember my mother coming into my room to turn off my Barenaked Ladies CD that I would listen to as I fell asleep. As she was leaving, she stopped, turned around and sat down on my bed. Of course I was pretending to sleep so I didn't get in trouble but she spent five minutes affirming me and telling me how much she loved me. This is my favourite memory because unfortunately, two years later she passed away due to cancer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
You can find me donating my percussion skills to Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church. I try to give back really whenever a moment presents itself, like a spontaneous Costco run to get snacks for the people displaced by the Highway 33 fire not too long ago. Every year as a family we do 'kindness elves' instead of 'elf on a shelf' where we do one kind act for our community each day of December leading up to Christmas. Whether it's donating clothes, giving out hot chocolate downtown or donating to the food bank. When I used to have more time on my hands, I volunteered at the John Howard Society, helping with restorative justice and conflict resolution programs.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change people's perceptions to be more conscientious to the motivations of which they act on. Are you motivated by fear or love? I think if we were more self-aware, it would be easier to choose love. More good would follow.
What is your favorite activity in Kelowna?
My favorite activity in Kelowna is the trails that lead to all the amazing views all around this town. Paul's tomb, Gallagher’s canyon and riding bikes down Abbott Street to name a few.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Well, every morning I sneak away to World Gym at 5:00 am for some good 'time away' to set myself onto the right path for the day. But to sneak away with my wife, definitely Sparkling Hill Resort!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see a move towards inclusivity, acceptance and resources towards our vulnerable population. It Is getting better but there is always room to grow.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is great because of the diversity. The ability to do so many activities from one location whether it's zip-lining in Peachland, hanging at the beach, enjoying the views from a winery or going up to Big White. We have it all within arm’s reach! Kelowna is in the heart of all the adventure.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Traveling Europe with my wife.
2. Driving the Nürburgring.
3. Having the privilege of watching my children, have children of their own.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Something that not everyone knows about me would be that I am a huge international football fan. Also, that my matchmaking skills are on point. My best friend growing up is now my brother in law. Him and my sister have blessed us with the most beautiful niece ever.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Andreas Loerchner, Sales Consultant at Valley Mitsubishi.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Ever since I was 19 years old, I have wanted to sell cars. Specifically Mitsubishi. My very first sports car was a Mitsubishi and at the age of 17, there was something special about this brand that won me over. I'm a Mitsubishi enthusiast first, and I'm thankful that every day I have the opportunity to help people get a piece of that amazing experience I have lived through.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of our business is to provide our clients with a reliable and low cost of ownership vehicle that will endure whatever you throw at it. As well as, not only to grow as a business, but as a family.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Biggest struggle would be losing my mom so young and being essentially on my own at 16 years old. Being lost during those defining years sure made me mature quickly and has shaped me into the affectionate, loving father and husband I pride myself in being today. These experiences left me with more perseverance and discerner for my future.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would pursue my current career harder and earlier in my life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Six of one, half a dozen of the other' or 'I got this' when I'm taking on something tough.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Gary Vaynerchuck. His business skills, in my opinion, are just sensational. He leads with positivity and gratefulness attitude and is all about the journey of life, rather then the destination.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is important to shop locally because I truly believe in 'think globally, act locally'. What you invest into your own community is true action and directly affects yourself and your neighbors. Like, buying cars from a local guy to help pay for his girls swimming lessons!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is being a dad. Nothing makes me more proud to see both of my daughters show the world who they are by shining brightly with their authentic self. When they do that, I know that with my wife, we have set them on the right path.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
I would have to give a shout out to my General Sales Manager, Dion Edwards and my President, Rick Wright. They have taught me so much in the industry and share the same family values as myself. Seeing those values in action, throughout business affirms my decision and want to be exactly where I am at in my career.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tarcicio Rosales.
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, Kelowna.
