Meet Bernard, he has lived in Kamloops for almost a decade! He owns a financial services business with the goal to build better relationships with his fellow Kamloopsians. 

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Erwin's Bakery for their fresh baked German pretzels on Wednesdays!

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica because underneath my suit and tie I'm a beach bum in board shorts!

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Paddle Boarding!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't get embarrassed, embarrassment gets Bernard 😉

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was asked to be featured in a KamloopsBCNow article 🙂

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Helping my dad in the garden; we had a massive garden in our front yard and grew most of our own produce!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In the past, I have been involved with 
– Big Brothers
– GenNext, United Way
– The Food Bank

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Physiological needs (Air, Water, Food, Sleep, Clothing, Shelter) are thought to be the most important; they should be met first and because of this, a percentage of every dollar I earn goes to organizations that focus on this.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I have a special 5km route I like to run or walk!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Kamloops has a Homeless Action Plan in place but that's where I'd focus.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people and community! The summers aren't bad either!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
– Live on a sailboat and travel the Carribean, Mediterranean, and Sulu Sea.
– Visit the New 7 wonders of the world.
– Road trip all through the attractions of Canada and the US.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a pretty open book so I'm not sure…

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

What is the name of your business/organization?
Bernard Immel – Mortgages | Insurance | Investments

Why did you get into/start this business?

I grew up moving through many different foster homes and I feel that everyone needs a stable place to call home.

What is the goal of your business?
Give people a solid foundation of a home centred financial plan

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Being patient!

What do you always find yourself saying?
I have two perfect angel cats!

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

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Better personalized service from someone you know like and trust! And that money will come back into the community in a different form!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being named one of the top 35 Mortgage Brokers in the country who are under 35! Top 75 hear I come!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Maury Dawson because not only has he been my mentor in business but he has also been a mentor in my life backing me up and being there in the high times and the low times!

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Matthew Muzzillo

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.