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?
Lars Hepso.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m originally from Langley, moved to Penticton when I was 12 years old and have lived in Kelowna for the past two years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
On a day-to-day basis I would have to say it’s tie between my parents but don’t tell them that. As for school and life experiences I’ve had so far, I’ll also have to say that I've learned the most from my parents. We always have a great time together and I owe them everything for the accomplishments that I have happened so far.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Europe for work. I really want to go to Greece and Croatia, but would also love to get over to Thailand. I’d say because I’ve already been to Europe, Thailand has to take the lead.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
It’s not technically a store, but I’m a huge fan of the restaurant Central. I know Jared and Devon as being great local owners and ambassadors for the community. They make unreal food!
What is your favourite activity?
During the winter I love skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer I’ve fallen in love with wake surfing.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Most often pizza!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I meowed in front of a class in university.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I got a call from Joe Nieuwendyk, who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame, wanting to fly me to Dallas to work with his son. It was the most shocking and humbling experience. That was the first time I started to believe I could make a career of something I loved.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was younger, my brother and I had the pleasure of attending a Stanley Cup party in Detroit. As a kid it was a dream come true.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I’ve volunteered at a number of different fundraisers in Kelowna and I love to offer complimentary training and skating to younger players that can’t afford it.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The hatred and unhappiness in the world. It’s not realistic, but there’s no need for all of the hate in the world. Finding happiness and enjoyment isn’t always as important as I feel it should be.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wake surfing. Since summer just finished it’s fresh in my mind.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love going to coffee shops, the gym, or Knox Mountain. It all depends on my mood and the weather, but these are all common choices of mine.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is becoming a very vibrant and exciting city. I want to continue to push the walking and biking culture and to make it easy for people to navigate the city vehicle free.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lifestyle, beaches, and people!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel to Norway
2. Go to every continent
3. See the Eiffel Tower
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can do a backflip.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
You can e-mail me at LHepso@skatewithpower.com, or on Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Skate With Power.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I played hockey and always enjoyed teaching skating. When I decided to stop playing I had opportunities that I couldn’t turn down and I decided to run with it.
What is the goal of your business?
To develop better hockey players. We work on improving players skating both on and off of the ice through skating lessons as well as personal and dryland training.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
The biggest struggle in past years was finding balance between work and school. I love work and would put school off in order to get things done with my business.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I couldn’t have predicted anything that’s happened so far. But I wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'This is only the beginning'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tim Ferris, he's an American author, entrepreneur, self-proclaimed "human guinea pig", and public speaker. My answer could change at any time however, but I’m reading his book at the moment so I’d love to meet him.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Develop the local economy and encourage people to start businesses of their own.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening a Skate With Power high performance facility.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Cam Barker. He’s been such a big supporter and great friend. Without his help it would have been difficult to build momentum with the company. Forever grateful!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Mitch Carefoot from Get In the Loop.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Don’t forget what’s important to you. Life’s too short to get caught up in something that prevents you from enjoying it!
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.
