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?
Scott Dedels.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Edmonton and moved to Kelowna in 2011.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend Kaitlynn, she laughs at most of my jokes.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I lived in the Province of Sichuan in China for a year in 2006. I would love to go back and see how things have changed in a decade.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love BNA. The concept is perfect for Kelowna, and I feel like you can always go there and run into great people.
What is your favourite activity?
I'm a fitness enthusiast so I love a great spin or yoga class.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I'm new to eating vegan, so I would say tacos because there are so many great plant based options.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I lost my swimsuit on an inner tube when I was 13. That was interesting.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I'm constantly amazed at how people are able to turn personal tragedy into motivation. I'm not sure if this counts as the most inspiring thing ever for me, but whenever I need a kick in the butt I youtube 'Team Hoyt'.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My grandparents had a home in Casa Loma when we were kids. Every summer we would pile in the station wagon and make the long trip out from Edmonton. My favorite memories from childhood were things like Scandia, the Flinstone park, the old waterslides on the Westside, and most of all a sunny days at the beach.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've been fortunate to be involved in some of Kelowna's great charity events the past few years. I danced in the Central Okanagan Hospice Swinging with the Stars in March of 2016 and I boxed in United Way's Boxing for Community last October. We've participated in the Pihl Paddle for Prevention supporting Braintrust Canada the last two years as well, which is a fantastic event. I'm also been involved in coaching youth basketball with the Kelowna Minor Basketball and in the school system.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
General level of climate change apathy. People have so many opportunities every day to make small decisions that add up to make a difference. Small things like purchasing items that minimize packaging, choosing to eat meat only 6 days a week, or walking or biking somewhere you might usually drive. I think generally people don't view these small things as difference makers, but if everyone were to make small lifestyle changes together it gives large scale change a chance to really get accomplished. I believe we have a huge problem on our hands and change is needed from everyone.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
There is nothing like a bluebird day on the Gem Lake chair at Big White.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The top of Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'm big supporter of the development that's happening downtown now. It's such a beautiful area I would love to see more thriving business and things to do down there.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The community we have here understands how lucky we are to live where we do. We have what feels like an abundance of people who want to contribute and make Kelowna better everyday.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. See the Taj Mahal in person
2. Appear as an extra in a Marvel movie
3. Have kids of my own
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I always wanted to work for CSIS as a spy. I interviewed, but ultimately was not selected.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Capri Insurance.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have been working in Employee Benefits for 10 years, though I only joined Capri about a year and a half ago. I joined Capri because it's a local, community-minded company and I believe we give the best benefits advice to an employer in the Okanagan.
What is the goal of your business?
I help employers with their staff benefits and group retirement plans. We work hard to ensure we have the broadest shelf options available.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Being present. I am always working on being better at not thinking about what's next and just enjoying what's now.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would probably stretch a lot more.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Life happens for you, not to you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk. He's a guy who is really using his wealth and influence to drive innovation, social responsibility, and advance green technologies. Also, I think it's super cool how he wants to colonize Mars.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I work closely with small enterprise and understand how challenging and competitive it is. Shopping locally supports the people in your community. That support creates opportunity to have variety when you want to shop, go out for a bite to eat, or run your own business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Heather Pesta. I have had the pleasure of working with Heather for a number of years. She has been heavily involved with GenNext for the last number of years in addition to having a pair of little ones and a busy career!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Mona Hennenfent.
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.
