Meet Chris Veale. He was born in Prince Rupert and has lived in Kelowna off and on since 2002.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My two favourite people to spend quality time with is my mother Sarah Tsakonas and my girlfriend Jessica Lake. Both are the extremely entertaining, a lot to say and never a dull moment with those two in the same room!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The dollar tree store, so much bang for your buck!
Describe yourself in one word.
Staunch.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I was lucky enough to work on cruise ships for seven years travelling to the most desirable places. Therefore, with my experience of travelling, I would return back to my homeland Italy and re-visit my roots of my upbringing and history.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Basketball.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was in university I worked at a special needs camp in Prince Rupert, BC for kids in the summer. I ended spending three summers with these kids and developing a friendship with each one of them. I ended up coming back to Prince Rupert to play in o
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Favourite child memory is the time with my mother, father and two brothers camping, fishing and enjoying the simple things of life.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was lucky enough to be apart of a few community projects, development of the Basketball tournament in Centre of Gravity (COG), All Ball Academy, and Volunteering for Kelowna Minor Basketball Association (KMBA). I am planning to launch a new charitable project “Second Chance” for the homeless in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The mindfulness of inequality and acceptance.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain to absorb the serenity and tranquillity of the Kelowna landscapes.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The homeless community and their well-being, as we sometimes get caught up in the rat race and forget that little philanthropy goes a long way.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The notion is the phenomenal weather, scenery, golf courses, landscapes, and wineries but in my opinion, it is the people who make Kelowna great!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Start a family
2. Create a successful real estate business
3. Launch a charitable organization 'Second Chance' for the homeless in Kelowna
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I worked as an International Art Auctioneer for a company called Park West Gallery on Cruise Ships, in Miami and New York for seven years.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and my website.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Chris Veale Real Estate Professional/Royal Lepage
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have a huge passion for Real Estate and Kelowna is a very lucrative market to be in, with a lot of opportunities. I have an entrepreneur mentality and enjoy working with others.
What is the goal of your business?
Buying and selling real estate is stressful for anyone, especially in the market that we live in now. My primary goal is to educate, inform and assist my clients in their real estate transaction, where they walk away satisfied and pleasantly happy with my work.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or life?
I have had the privilege to work abroad for seven years with absolutely no bills, food prep every day, laundry and my living conditions were always cleaned. It’s sad to say, I was little spoiled with those incentives, but now I am back living in Canada on land.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do everything exactly the same, as my decisions in the past and my experience lead me to this exact point in my life. I am happy and excited for this new chapter in Kelowna, where I will be expanding my real estate business and charitable organization.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Success is not achieved without struggle'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Have the courage to live your life that is true to yourself and not what others expect.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Al Pacino, the actor who played Scar Face.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The local shops need our community support for their well-being and livelihood. If we do not support the local shops then the large multinational corporations will overpower them and put them out of business.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating with my Bachelor of Science (chem/math) degree and Sports science degree.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kyle Janzen. Kyle is a young and thriving fitness guru who is looking to make his mark in Kelowna Real Estate Market.
My reason for the KelownaNow In Focus is:
To announce and personally promote my Professional Real Estate business and pass on my story, as a captain of the UBCO basketball team, graduating with a chemistry degree to working as an international Art Consultant to now a professional real estate agent in the Orchard City of Kelowna.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would like to welcome with open arms anyone that would like to help and participate in my 'Second Chance' Charitable Foundation for the homeless in Kelowna.
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.
