Meet Pieter Buttenaar! Pieter is originally from Kelowna and has been living in PG for six years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Dad. He is such an inspiration to me in so many ways.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
The Farmers Market! It is a great way to support so many local stores all in one spot.
Describe yourself in one word.
Compassionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Russia. It was always been a dream of mine to go to the World Cup.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Pond hockey in the winter, and hiking in the summer.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my parents raise me and my five brothers and sisters, as well as foster three children full time with varying disabilities. They gave so much love to each child, I still have no idea how they managed it all.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It was recurring, but weekend hockey trips with my Dad. The times that we spend together, just the two of us, is something that I'll cherish forever.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered at a few of the residential care homes around town, but every year I volunteer with the Salvation Army and the Christmas Kettle Campaign. It is such a fun way to give back, and get yourself and others into the Christmas spirit!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
It would be that we always had other people's best interest at heart. So often our actions are dictated by what we want personally, and it would be great to see more of our actions driven by what is in the best interest of others.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
The Ancient Forest. I love going there and taking my dog for walks. Its so peaceful.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I would like to see the continuation of the revitalization of the downtown core. It has so much potential and has come such a long way!
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The people. I have lived in a few cities in both B.C. and Ontario, and you will not friendlier people than you will here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-Vacation in Bora Bora
-Visit South Africa
-Go to a Stanley Cup Final game
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
At one point in my life, I knew how to knit.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, Instragram, and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Optimum Home Care.
Why did you get into/start this business?
When I was young my grandfather went into a care home due to a lack of resources to be able to stay at home. It was heartbreaking to see him away from his wife. That was the catalyst for me to want to start Optimum Home Care.
What is the goal of your business?
To foster independence at home, but to also bring a customer service approach to home care.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Being able to let go of things that were out of my control. I have always been a someone who needs to be in the driver's seat, but over my career, I found that sometimes you need to be able to let others take the wheel.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the exact same. It is easy to look back and say you would change things to correct past mistakes, but those mistakes mould people and make them stronger.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Keep moving forward.
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Be patient. People often get wrapped in the idea of having immediate results in whatever they are doing. Be patient, put in the work and results will come.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend the day with Marc-Andre Fleury the goaltender from the Vegas Golden Knights. Watching him over the years he seems like one of the most down to earth professional athletes.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Simply to support the local economy. If we want to see our city grow and reach its full potential, we need to support the local economy.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting Optimum Home Care.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My friend Jon! He started a business in the Okanagan last year and has been a big help in the early stages of Optimum Home Care!
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kris Schmidt.
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, Prince George!
