Meet Mark! Mark is originally from Prince Rupert and has called Kelowna home for almost 5 years!
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
My hometown is Prince Rupert, B.C.. I also lived in Victoria/Duncan for 14 years. I have been in Kelowna for almost 5 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I can be mildly misanthropic. Sometimes the best person to spend time with is yourself.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Dakota's Pub! Great food, service and they serve Beaver & Moose Rub wings!
Describe yourself in one word.
Subquintessential
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Japan – To watch the Rugby World Cup.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Golfing
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Whether one admits it or not, most everyone has crapped their pants at the wrong time (is there a right time?). I'll just leave it at that. : )
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Criss-crossing the globe for almost 2 years on an unscripted, continuous trip. Experiencing different cultures, countries and friendships, it gave me a different perspective of most everything.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was named best athlete and won the top scholastic award for my school when I was in grade 7. I tell people I peaked at 12 years old. : )
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been a Search and Rescue volunteer in the past. I continue to support activities that help foster nature and the wild creatures in it. We need to enjoy and respect these amazing places as we all have a connection to the natural world.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Wealth inequality/Corporate greed
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The driving range…
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Better traffic management. There are about 25 traffic lights between the airport and the bridge… you seem to stop at every one of them! Every intersection with traffic lights in Kelowna needs to be reviewed and adjusted. It may be the single most thing that would make our community "greener". Idle no more!!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our local products/produce, landscape and weather.
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Ice, beer, cider.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My former profession was as an Electrician. Yes, I still have my tools. : )
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Just Google "Beaver Rub" if you dare to! : )
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
What is the name of your business/organization?
Haupy's Beaver Rub
Why did you get into/start this business?
Honestly? Got tired of working for idiots. Now that I work for myself, I only have one idiot to worry about. : )
What is the goal of your business?
Making food taste delicious the Canadian way, one puck at a time!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding funding for small business has been challenging.
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same, just with knowledge of coming lottery numbers.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Not saying much… just rolling my eyes.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live your life with integrity and have a sense of humour.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Dan Aykroyd
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think the advantages to shopping local are obvious.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
We have recently reached the 100,000 unit milestone!
Photo Credit: Mark Haupy
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
