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?
Mike Cooper.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Vernon, but I’ve been in Kelowna about 12 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife and kids. Watching these little girls (ages 4 and 6) develop their personalities is amazing. And who better to do that with than my wife Christa?
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Disneyland. We went about three years ago with the girls and it seems these days they just can't stop asking questions about it and talking about it. I would get so much joy in watching their faces now that they are older and would really enjoy it.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
That is a tough question, we have so many great local businesses who deserve our support. I love using 3rd Space Coffee for meetings, Float Space has been a great place to reduce stress and when I have a sweet tooth I call my friends at Knight's Chocolate
What is your favourite activity?
My favourite activity is 4x4ing with my family. We often hop in the jeep, take the roof off and go exploring down the trails. We have so many amazing trails that lead to gorgeous locations within an hour drive
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos or burgers?
What, no hot dogs? Hooligans. Hot Dogs have become a go-to for us when no one wants to cook.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I can't think of one. I don't get embarrassed easy. I roll with the punches and if there is an opportunity to laugh at myself and make others laugh at me, that’s even better.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Can I change this to inspiring person? My mom has had a big role in inspiring me to be the man I am today. She was a single mom, often working two jobs, supporting two kids with few breaks in life. She worked her butt off giving us everything she could.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember living by a creek in Vernon and this one time seeing these fish swimming in it. My friends and I were able easily catch them and I thought I was taking these great fish home for our family to eat. We had one in each arm held by our waist. As it turns out, they were sucker fish (not so great to eat). By the time me and my friends got to the house with them we did not notice they had produced eggs that covered us from the waist down. These are the things you look back on and think of how disgusting that sounds, but know that most kids these days won’t experience playing in a creek or being so close to nature.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have done a variety of volunteering as I think it's vital to growing a community. Currently, I volunteer at my Church operating the sound board. Being able to work with great musicians and making them sound the best they can, helping create a part of the experience that the audience receives is exciting. The spotlight is not on me and when I hear people thank the musicians for the great worship set I feel like my job was done. I was able to take someone’s talent and properly amplify it to the audience to engage with. I guess that mirrors what I do with Black Mountain Media. I work with talented business owners and in the background assist in making them even better and engaging their audience.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would make it so no child on earth could get hurt. I don't mean the scraped your leg kind of hurt. I mean the abuse, bullying, poverty, etc. Life is too short and we only have one childhood. I can't imagine growing up with some of the conditions kids go through and not being able to enjoy that time of life. All of our children are so innocent and nothing hurts my heart more than hearing of a child that has had to go through any of the horrible tragedies that can happen.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Did I mention 4x4ing? Seriously, it’s fun and affordable. Usually, we get out and hike around when we find a good location.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I have two little kids, what is alone time? I honestly don't recall the last time I was alone, but that is a good thing!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The homeless. I think we have some great resources already for them, but it's too easy to judge them all by the actions of a few. Most of them need our support as a part of the community.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
If I could work half as much and earn twice as much that would be great. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do for work, but given the chance spending more time with family would be awesome!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I never met my dad. Long story short, he's an American. Some people look at me with sad eyes when I tell them, but I didn't know anything different. While I have not had an urge to find him, I am getting more curious as I get older.
What is the name of your business?
Black Mountain Media
What does your business do?
Website Design and Business Solutions. We help businesses grow stronger through marketing, advertising, organization, lead generation and sales automation.
How do people connect with you through social media?
Black Mountain Media on Facebook.
Where can people find your business online?
BlackMountainMedia.ca.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I owned another business and saw that the internet and social media were going to be the "new" thing in marketing your business. I grew to love it so much I sold my business at the time and started Black Mountain Media
What is the goal of your business?
To help great businesses become awesome!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Giving too much away. I tend to give and give and not think about how that may be taking away from something else.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do everything 100% the same. Everything we go through is for a reason, no matter how hard it is. It makes us who we are.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We are an entrepreneur hot spot. Our local businesses are the backbone to our economy. If you ever have an option to buy local, please do!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mike Penninga. A great leader does not lay out the entire plan and tell people what they need to do, instead, they open up doors and inspire people to want to be a part of the team. He may not know this, but lately he’s been an inspiration to our family
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Rick Patterson at Paragon Motors. I don't think I have ever trusted a mechanic until I met him and his team. Between his experience, their passion and using technology that puts the customer first, I don't just recommend him, I insist people go to him.
Other information you would like to share:
Don't give up. We learn from our mistakes.
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!
