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?
Forrest Mackenzie Mann
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Kelowna. I have always lived here in Kelowna; proud local.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Dad is my favourite person to hang out with. It's enjoyable hanging out with my father because he has a great sense of humour. Both my parents have been amazing influences and they continue to teach me so much.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go visit my family out East in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It would be exciting to see what Eastern Canada is like and it would be even greater to catch up with my family.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Tripke's Bakery and Cafe on Bernard. The breakfast is truly exceptional and the prices are very reasonable.
What is your favourite activity?
Cycling
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Snowboarding some of the not so well known trails up at Big White.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Having to sing at a family wedding reception.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being granted a second chance.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Winning bronze at the U18 Provincial Regional Championships, 2010 when I was only 16-years-old. I was blessed to play with some of the greatest rugby players the Okanagan has ever produced.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Asan assistant rugby coach with Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts/ KSS Rugby Program.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world, I would make youth sports more affordable for lower income families.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Aside from cycling, rollerblading and playing rugby, I enjoy taking photos and making videos.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Abbott Park, Beach Access.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more affordable housing available before Kelowna's real estate market turns volatile like Vancouver's housing market.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I hope my friends, family, colleagues and I live a long, healthy and successful life.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've been to Las Vegas twice to play sports, once with Kelowna Minor Football League, and once with Kelowna Secondary's Senior Rugby Team.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mann Made Productions, Est 2013
What does your business do?
Mann Made Productions is the Okanagan's source for affordable film and photography services;specializing in 3D virtual tours as seen on Google Street View. I am a certified Google trusted photographer.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Although I'm not on Social Media as much as I should be, I encourage people to connect with me through my various social media accounts:
Twitter- @mannmadeprod
LinkedIn- https://ca.linkedin.com/in/forrest-mann-51359bb2
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/mannmadeprod/
Instagram- @mann_made_productions/
Facebook- MannMadeKelowna
G+ https://plus.google.com/b/112916891666829165270/+MannmadeproductionsCa
Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAjwe5DK3JF7lYzlmOqND2A
Where can people find your business online?
www.mannmadeproductions.ca
Why did you get into/start this business?
Film and photography for me personally has always been a huge influence in my life, whether it be sports or school or even business now. I had wonderful teachers who really opened my eyes up to the art of film and photography and inspired me to pursue it more seriously. Being that it was a career that brought me joy, it's in demand, and it was something that I could do anywhere in the world, I decided that starting my own company would be a step in the right direction personally and professionally.
What is the goal of your business?
At Mann Made Productions we always have the following goals in mind: Get more involved in the community. Ensure customer satisfaction. Go above and beyond for employees and clientele. Deliver a professional service that speaks for itself. Pride ourselveson a culture which values honesty, respect, integrity and support. Ever since our launch in 2013, it’s been our mission to serve as the Okanagan’s source for affordable film and photography services. Since day one we have offered basic film and photography services to a wide range of clientele. Services such as wedding photography, real estate photography, promotional and educational videos. Since our launch three years ago our services have really blossomed out. In the short time that we’ve been around, Mann Made Productions has added two new service offerings to our business platform . Our services now also include live streaming and 3D virtual tours as seen on Google street view. At the end of the day, our mission is to create outstanding content for all of our customers; content which generates an emotional, visceral response. Whatever your needs may be, count on our knowledgeable team to go above and beyond your expectations to deliver you much more than a product, were delivering a true experience.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Just never doubting myself and always keeping my head up.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
There are definitely things that I could have done better, but if I were granted the choice, I wouldn't start over again. I am so pleased with the direction I'm headed; I have met the most amazing people and seen the most incredible things. I love the hand that I've been dealt.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There are several reasons why I think it's important to shop local. For one, It's great for Kelowna's economy. It helps support local entrepreneurs like myself. It's great for job creation and stimulating growth in our local industries. Finally, shopping local is a tremendous way to meet other locals and network with people in the Okanagan.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Martin Sattler from Okanagan Mobile Hearing. Martin is such a kind and caring individual whom is willing to go out of his way to help others. Martin put me in the direction of several businesses that were interested in my virtual tour services. This gentleman is a fine citizen of Kelowna, we would be a better community if we had more people like him!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Spencer Macbeth. He is a young local student who works tremendously hard. He works full time, goes to university or college, volunteers and is extremely creative. I think he is well deserving of the spotlight.
Other information you would like to share:
Big thanks to Nikki Csek from Csek Creative! You rock Nikki, you’re too kind!
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!
