Meet Markku! Markku is originally from St Albert, Alberta and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for 10 years. Some of his simple pleasures include being out on Okanagan Lake in the summer and enjoying a local craft beer at BNA.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from St Albert, Alberta and I've lived in Kelowna for 10 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Chloe.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Can a brewery count as a store? Since technically you're buying beer. BNA gets my vote every time.
Describe yourself in one word.
Uncomplicated.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to Austin, I'm craving a breakfast taco.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything to do with the lake.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Believing my brother when he told me that you're supposed to butter both sides of your toast.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Quitting my job, working for myself, and making it work.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Moving to BC was probably my favourite. You're still a kid when you're 19 right?
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I draw greeting cards with stick people on them (and the occasional pineapple) and donate to the WORK Organization to send kids to school in Haiti. We've sent 4 kids to school to date.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That winter didn't exist.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
If I tell you, I won't be able to spend time alone there anymore.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd love to see creatives work together to change the perception of what our work is worth.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The collaboration between local businesses, sunshine, and fresh fruit. (Shout out to Paynters)
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel across Canada.
2. See the Oilers win a Stanley Cup … which is probably more of a pipe dream, but hey.
3. See the Ogopogo.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm left-handed.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@markkuluopa and @wearecdn
What is the name of your business/organization?
CDN (www.wearecdn.ca)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was tired of seeing those Canada shirts you find in supermarkets, airports, and post offices. You know the ones, obnoxiously Canadian but made in China. I wanted to create something that people wanted to wear and have it made in Canada.
What is the goal of your business?
To be Canada's brand.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Learning to protect your ideas as a creative.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Things would be different.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Hi, I'm Markku." "Hi, Mark!" "No, it's Markku." *confused face* "Pronounced Mark-Who."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always bet on yourself."
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Phil Knight.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because if not, Kelowna will be nothing but chain stores and restaurants. Which would be zero fun.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting over.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nicole Vincze, of REC fitness. Nicole's worked tirelessly to create what REC is, and it's one of the best parts of my day.
Photo Credit: Markku Luopa
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Chloe Popove
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!
