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?
Lori Samuels
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m a prairie girl! I was born and raised in Saskatchewan. I then moved to Alberta and eventually moved to Kelowna 11 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend, Kirsten. She is a very caring friend (more like a sister) and she thinks I’m hilarious!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I recently returned from a one month trip to Australia and New Zealand so I’m pretty content at home right now.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Old Vines Restaurant at Quail’s Gate Winery. It has the most beautiful setting in the Okanagan for dining.
What is your favourite activity?
I have so many of them, one of them would be golfing at the Harvest Golf Club on a gorgeous sunny day.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza, but I think nachos should be an option too!!
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
This may not be that hidden, but a quiet Sunday morning bike ride to the end of Lakeshore Road.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I asked a drop dead gorgeous man in NYC if the woman he was with was his sister and she responded with disdain: “no, I’m his wife”.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my best friend go through breast cancer with complete courage and class.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
The annual summer trip to visit my grandparents in Manitoba.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I love supporting our furry friends. I have been volunteering with the BC SPCA for the last six years. I help with planning and fundraising for their Annual Golf Tournament and Annual Gala.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would put an end to religious based conflict.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
There are so many: skiing, golfing, biking, tennis and wine touring all while enjoying the gorgeous Okanagan surroundings.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The privacy of my home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Development in the downtown core and its happening. It’s important to have a vibrant downtown to attract visitors and people who live in our community to help support businesses and the arts.
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Good health for many more years.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m not a frequent shopper. I’ll do a few shopping sprees a year (usually when I’m travelling), but then I won’t go into stores for months in between.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Johnson Legacy Wealth Management at Raymond James Ltd.
What does your business do?
We are a boutique provider of wealth management solutions and outstanding service to affluent individuals and families who are primarily concerned with protecting their wealth, earning income from it, growing it over time and transferring it to future generations.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: Johnson Legacy Wealth Management
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Where can people find your business online?
www.johnsonlegacy.ca
Why did you get into/start this business?
After I graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts degree I went to Europe to travel around for 3 months. When I got home a friend suggested that if I took the Canadian Securities Course because I would be employable right away and that would give me time to figure out my bigger plan. When I realized this business is based on building relationships and I really enjoyed that, I continued to take many more courses through the Canadian Securities Institute and I’m still here today!
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to provide financial peace of mind through our unique wealth management program.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I try not to view anything as a struggle, rather as a learning experience.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same. I believe everything in life happens for a reason and I’m on the course I’m supposed to be on.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
It’s important to support our local business owners and to promote businesses that make Kelowna unique. Trust me; my knowledge of wines outside of the Okanagan has suffered over the last 11 years.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Cassandra Tompkins, owner of TWP Fitness. She just celebrated her 10 year ownership anniversary. Cassandra has transformed TWP into a world class workout/lifestyle facility with the most knowledgeable and encouraging staff in the Okanagan. It is my home away from home!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Cassandra Tompkins, owner of TWP Fitness.
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!
