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?
David Nault
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Winnipeg and moved to B.C. after high school. I worked in the film industry in Vancouver for 10 years before moving to Kelowna in 2002 to work for an advertising agency.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Katie. She is supportive and encouraging and always interested in my stories and ideas. One whole day with her and no children is amazing. If we are REALLY lucky, we’ll get a whole weekend.
Who inspires you?
My children. Their innocence, optimism, ambition, honesty and energy constantly remind me to appreciate the simple things in life. I strive every day to be a dad they can look up to and someone they are proud of. My goal is to inspire them.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment, where would you go and why?
A beach in Bali, Indonesia, sipping an ice-cold beer. Why? Why not.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Dawett Indian Restaurant – their food is oh so good! I guess that’s not technically a store.
What is your favourite activity?
There are many, but to name a few: basketball, ultimate Frisbee and, more recently, I started mountain biking. I hadn’t realized what amazing off-road mountain biking trails we have so close to home.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Kuipers Peak Mountain Park. It’s a family friendly hike with exceptional views of the city.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It’s a four-seasons playground. The outdoors is great any time of year.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
It helps build community, strengthens our local economy, reduces carbon footprint, it’s healthier … what more can I say?
What are three things on your bucket list?
Spend a year (or more) exploring the wonders of the world with my family. Go deep-sea diving. Join and film the expedition to discover Paititi, the Lost City of Gold in Peru.
What are you passionate about?
Besides my family, film and music. I love dramatic films based on real-life events and I love playing and listening to music of all sorts. If money were no object, I would dedicate the rest of my life to my family, making meaningful films, and playing music.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
That every person in the world had equal access to food, clean water, shelter and education. Do I have to pick one? Let’s just say equality then.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I’d wish for more wishes. But that’s just being greedy so I’ll wish for my children to live long, healthy lives.
What is the name of your business/organization?
State of Mind Films
What does your business do?
State of Mind Films is a full-service digital media production company that specializes in creating original and effective branded content and entertainment. Integrating exceptional creativity with state-of-the-art technology, we strive to create compelling content for distribution across all television and online platforms. Our team has over 20 years of experience producing critically acclaimed material for broadcast television, corporate video and new media.
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
www.facebook.com/stateofmindfilm
What is your Twitter account?
@StateOfMindFilm
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
www.linkedin.com/david-nault
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started my career in narrative film before graduating from high school. I had the pleasure of training as a camera assistant on my first feature film with Canadian director Guy Maddin. This led me to Vancouver to pursue more opportunities in the field. Along the way, I moved into advertising and eventually found myself in Kelowna managing all TV and radio production for a local advertising firm. With over 15 years experience working in many facets of the industry, it just made sense for me to start my own company.
Give someone that you think deserves a shoutout and explain why!
Teachers. I’d like to give a shoutout to all teachers who dedicate so much time and energy to make a difference in the lives of students every single day. Most of us can remember at least one teacher who had a profound impact on our lives. Teachers work tirelessly both inside and outside the classroom and make incredibly important contributions to our society and the development of our young people.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Mike Czuboka of Ignite Design
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!
