Meet Max Colls. He's originally from Tsawwassen which is just south of Vancouver and he's lived in Kelowna for just over four years. Just long enough to start and finish his business management degree at UBCO!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Kitsch Wines. Does that count? The best wine, the best view, the best people. Plus they threw a huge shaker on my birthday.
Describe yourself in one word.
Grateful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
It's mid-winter and I would be happy at any of the local ski hills like Revelstoke, Silverstar, and Big White.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Nothing beats a big cycle around the city followed by jumping in the lake! One of my favourite parts of living here is how there's something active to do in any season and any weather.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I used to have a huge afro for years… Years.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My parents have both built successful self-employed careers. Every aspect of their jobs has been unconventional and they have been able to craft their schedule and priorities to meet their needs and take care of me. This is something I hope to emulate when I get there because quality time is the most important thing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I really enjoyed and miss boating trips with my dad. We would go up the coast for weeks at a time and have a blast! We've visited more islands than I can name and we've gone as far north as Desolation Sound. My time on the water has helped shape my perspective and appreciation for living in British Columbia.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I want to help people find their passion. I've always been drawn to helping people find new opportunities and I'm always available to help. For any students or young professionals reading this, please let me know if I can help you apply for a job, make a connection, or explore a new path. Send me a message on LinkedIn!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would wish for less polarity in our communities. Politics seem to be getting more divisive as time goes on and it's very sad. Both sides of any debate are closer to each other than they think.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I like to bike up Knox and get some fresh air with a podcast or audiobook in the headphones. There are plenty of people hiking up the front but the bike ride can be very isolated.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'm looking forward to seeing the community and the technology sector grow and thrive. The rapid development happening downtown, the Techstars Community Pilot and the expansion of the university are all factors which are positively contributing to the changing city.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Data Nerds.
What is the goal of your business?
We provide easy access to the currently underutilized property and real estate data. We offer a 'Carfax for Homes' style report on every property in the United States, and we also offer higher quantities of this data to businesses in the industry.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or life?
Time is short and priorities are important. Balancing everything in work and life requires careful consideration of what's actually important and what can be left behind.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Every success and failure has lead me here. I wouldn't change a thing!
What do you always find yourself saying?
I find myself saying 'healthy wealthy wise' when planning or deciding things. It's a rule of thumb I have to try to align my personal actions to fit within those categories if possible.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Create your own luck. Have all the pieces in place to act when opportunity strikes
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tim Ferriss. He probably knows the secrets of the universe by now. He's a genius in his own right, but he's also dissected the genius of hundreds of other leaders in their fields and he's skilled at finding the patterns between the top performers in all categories.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It reduces the impact on the environment and keeps the local economy strong. I also appreciate the work that goes into running a small business and I like to support the livelihood of community founders where I can.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Barry Hartman! He's a former pro-snowboarder and current award-winning entrepreneur. What a boss. He employed me at 505-JUNK a few years ago and taught me some serious lessons about business.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Corey Kirzinger of BigSteelBox.
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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
