Meet Brent! Brent is originally from Calgary and has been living here in Kelowna for three years now. On his free time, he enjoys hiking up Knox Mountain and spending some quality time with his family.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
From Calgary originally but have been in the Okanagan for 3 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, we've had many adventures and I love sharing life with her.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
MotoVida is an awesome motorcycle shop with lots of great bikes.
Describe yourself in one word.
Motivated.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Cuenca, Ecuador. It is a beautiful colonial town in the mountains with a great mix of culture and sunny weather.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking around Knox Mountain.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Sent a text accidentally to the wrong person.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having the privilege and challenge of being a dad to my awesome son and his soon-to-arrive sibling.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Riding my bike to a big dirt mound with friends and shooting targets with our slingshots.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When the schedules can be aligned, I work at the Community Dental Access Centre, where low-income patients can access subsidized dental care. I used to teach ESL and do outreach to the homeless community in Calgary and I did a missions trip to Ecuador volunteering at a kids cancer clinic. My wife and I hope to do more outreach work both locally and globally as our children get older.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Lifting people out of debilitating levels of poverty.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see a positive improvement in the lives of the homeless population in Kelowna – not an easy thing to accomplish but very necessary.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Great city in one of the best locations in Canada.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to Africa, learn to fly a helicopter and do a motorcycle tour through South America.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a pilot's licence.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
The Landmark Dental Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
What is the name of your business/organization?
Landmark Dental Centre
Why did you get into/start this business?
I became a dentist to help improve people's oral (and overall) health, work with my hands and embrace new technology. I have really enjoyed working with Dr Corlazzoli since joining Landmark last year.
What is the goal of your business?
We aim to provide high quality, ethical dental care to our patients.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing work and family life.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Hindsight makes it easy to see how you could have improved, however, my life has turned out better than I ever hoped so I don't think I'd change a thing.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
What do you always find yourself saying?
Cheers, living in Australia for a few years solidified that in my vocabulary.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Spend every moment you can with your family, especially your children, time goes by very quickly.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Alvin Plantinga who is a famous philosopher.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I like to see the local economy thrive – everyone benefits.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a dentist and having a career that I love.
Photo Credit: Brent Parkins
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jonathan Suzuki, our Orthodontist at Landmark who is new to town!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jonathan Suzuki
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Landmark team and work with such dedicated, passionate dental professionals. We have a great practice and I look forward to the future here.
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!
