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?
Joe Thompson
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
We have lived here for seven years, relocating from Vancouver in 09 to be closer to family.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Paula – family is everything.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Paula and I spent a full year travelling Europe and Eastern Europe in 2014-15 and fell in love with the beauty of Croatia. We spent about seven weeks exploring the wonderful cities, history, scenery, and beaches of Croatia. Great climate, great food and wine and some of the friendliest people we have ever met. Croatia is directly across the Adriatic Sea from Italy so shares similar coastlines and climate.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakehouse Home Store – great kitchen items, decorating ideas. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
What is your favourite activity?
Hiking the many trails in and around Kelowna.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
The view from the top of Mount Boucherie is very rewarding in all directions.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Playing Billiards as a teenager. I had wooden matches loose in my hip pocket; leaned against the pool table to take a shot and poof – my pants were on fire. Running around the pool hall slapping my leg to kill the flames was most embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Working with very talented and dedicated people throughout my career always inspired me to try and emulate my mentors.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family was a favourite thing to do and brings back fond memories.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
At Underground Music we donate a portion of our record inventory to Restore – Habitat for Humanity. Paula and I are continually looking for ways to get more involved in the community – both on a business and personal level.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Convincing the world leaders to implement concrete and aggressive action plans to curb and combat global warming. To have the general public of all nations ‘buy in’ and actively participate in order to share the responsibility and the burden. Small pains now or huge pains and consequences for future generations.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine tasting at the too many to list fine wineries. The Vibrant Vine, Cedar Creek, Gray Monk and Arrowleaf Cellars are a few of our favourites.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The top of Mt. Boucherie to just kick back and have some quiet time.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I believe we need a more proactive approach to the homeless situation here, more affordable housing and outreach programs.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Good Health, Prosperity and Happiness for my family and friends.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I played lead guitar for a garage rock band in my teen years. Got to travel and play in interesting places along the way.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Underground Music & Gifts
What does your business do?
We are a retailer of new and used Vinyl Records, CDS, Music related posters, memorabilia and collectables. We specialize in used vinyl and have one of the broadest selections of Classic Rock, Jazz and Blues in the BC Interior.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
UndergroundKelowna
Where can people find your business online?
www.undergroundkelowna.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
Paula and I both spent many years in the retail record industry in the 70’s and 80’s – so when the opportunity to purchase Underground Music came up; we jumped on it.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to be involved in the community and obviously run a profitable operation, but more importantly to share our passion for music and connect customers with their favourite artists and recordings. Angela; our Store Manager is very knowledgeable about classic rock music and loves to share her expertise and stories from years in the business. James; our newest team member is a jazz expert as well as a jazz guitarist; so he brings another dimension to the store.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Like everyone – when we first had a family and lived on a single income. I became unemployed for an extended period at one point which made just getting by; a real struggle.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would likely do everything the same; except I would never take up smoking (quit several years ago). I have a great life, a charming wife, a few close friends and two grown boys that are happily married and living in Vancouver.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping Local is a good thing for the community. It is small business and entrepreneurs that are the economic driver of communities, they are the ones with the personal investment of blood, sweat and tears, passion and talent, in their business – not to mention the financial commitment. When you shop local you help support these businesses, create employment and growth for the city, and probably find a unique product or service that you wouldn’t find at the national chains.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Tom Ignatzi, Mortgage Specialist with Mortgage West, formerly with Tourism Kelowna and Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Tom is very knowledgeable about our community and people. Tom and his wife Suzanne provided great support for Paula and I when we first moved to Kelowna. They continue to be a valued friendship and connection.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Victor Temprano, GLH Vending. Victor is a true Entrepreneur – having built and developed many businesses in his career. He continues to be a business builder in our community.
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!
