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?
Brett Federko.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Saskatoon, SK. I have been in Kelowna for seven years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Meghan, because everything is more enjoyable when she is around.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Italy because it is a country full of history, good food and plenty of site-seeing.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Marshall's Home Living because they have incredible and unique furniture and the owners are so friendly and personable with their customers!
What is your favourite activity?
Anything that involves being active, but if I have to pick one thing, then that would be golfing.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I congratulated someone on being pregnant and she wasn't pregnant… Whoops.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My wife saying 'yes' to marrying me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to the cabin immediately after school ended for the year to spend the summer there with my family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Our store sponsors charity fundraisers such 'Swinging with the Stars' and 'Boat for Hope'.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would get rid of all crime. The world would be a happier place.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My favourite activity in Kelowna is getting together with some friends and going out onto the lake for some wakesurfing and socializing.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would get out onto the lake with my paddleboard and cruise the shoreline.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see success in the efforts being made to reduce illicit drug use because more and more we are seeing the way it negatively affects (and risks) the lives and health of so many people both directly and indirectly.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is situated in the perfect location to give us all four seasons and the weather and resources to enjoy an infinite number of activities all year round such as wakesurfing, golfing, hiking, biking, snowboarding, etc.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Complete an Ironman race
2) Do a tour around Europe
3) Bench Press 315+ lbs (three plates)
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love watching documentaries.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Pharmasave #276 (Kelowna Downtown).
Why did you get into/start this business?
I always had an interest both in business and in healthcare. I thought pharmacy would be a rewarding profession so ownership in a pharmacy gave me the best of both worlds.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to provide the highest quality pharmacy services (medication reviews, vaccinations, Ideal Protein weight management) as well as offer an abundance of desirable front store items suitable to the downtown core. We want our customers to walk in the door feeling excited about our products and to walk out the door feeling confident that they have the knowledge and support to take control of their health and wellness.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Trying to study for (and pass) my pharmacy licensing exams while suffering the effects of a concussion which lasted for two years.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would change a few little things, like investing in Amazon, but I'm very happy how my life turned out, so overall I would do things the exact same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Holy Cow!'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Bear Grylls.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think shopping locally is important because without the support of our community and neighbours, local entrepreneurs would not be able to survive, and Kelowna would then lack the diversity in shopping, dining and entertainment that makes it so great!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment so far has been starting our pharmacy with my wife and our business partners.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Tyler Stark, owner of Stark Homes, because he is an independent home builder who builds amazing Okanagan homes and he and his wife Jenny just had a baby girl!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Trevor Penn, owner of The Daily Grind Cafe.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Kelowna is an amazing city and we are so excited to finally be open for business in the vibrant downtown core. We are looking forward to a great future of providing a top-quality service to all of our patrons both in the dispensary and front store!
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.
