Meet Scott Stanger. He is from Toronto, and just moved to Kelowna this past January!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend Katie. She is my best friend and partner in life.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I haven't been in Kelowna long enough to develop a favourite store, however I do enjoy going to the Bean Scene for a coffee.
Describe yourself in one word.
Relaxed
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to the Amalfi coast in Italy. I went to Italy when I was a teenager, and I fell in love with it. I have always wanted to go back.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I enjoy going for walks along the lake, or just walking up and down Bernard Avenue on a nice day.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I am going to have to keep those cards close to the vest.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was privileged to be a member of the medical team for the Canadian national cricket team for 3 years. It was incredibly inspiring to be a part of the team during both the victories and defeats, and to watch the players grow as both athletes and people.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As a child, living in Toronto, my family would often travel to Invermere, British Columbia. I always loved seeing the mountains and being amongst nature. I think that is one of the reasons why I decided to move to Kelowna.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Being a new member of the community, I want to get involved as much as possible. My passion is to help others improve their health and wellness, through exercise and nutrition, and I hope to do that within the Kelowna community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would significantly reduce the impact we have on the environment to ensure that we are able to enjoy a clean and sustainable environment for generations to come.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any coffee shop or anywhere along the waterfront.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
In my short time here in Kelowna I have yet to encounter anything negative. Coming from a big city I am enjoying all aspects of living in a smaller city, including the people, the accessibility of everything, and especially the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The geography, and the people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Go skydiving
2. Travel around Europe
3. Live in a home with a view of Lake Okanagan
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have travelled to six continents. The only that I have yet to travel to is Antartica.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website – http://www.optimiiize.com/ Instagram – @scott_stanger
What is the name of your business/organization?
OPTIMIIIZE (Nutrition, Fitness & Health)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started my business to help others optimize their health and wellness.
What is the goal of your business?
My goal is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The biggest struggle that I have encountered has been moving across the country, from Toronto to Kelowna. When I decided to move I had no contacts here in Kelowna, so it was a big leap of faith. I definitely do not regret the decision.
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! I am extremely happy with my current situation. If I had done something different I would have gone down a different path and ended up somewhere else.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Any failure is not a failure at all. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Move well, and move often! Our bodies are meant to move, and the more we do the better our bodies will feel.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would like to play a round of golf with Barack Obama. Politics aside, he just seems like someone who would be fun and interesting to spend time with.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it is important to support local small businesses, because they are built upon good customer service. Good customer service is something that everyone can appreciate, and something that we should support within our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was starting my own business. It is something that I have always wanted to do, and this year I have finally made it a reality.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I would like to give a shout out to Heather Eichinger of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. She introduced me to the wonderful community of local business owners here in Kelowna.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Banee and Navee Sandhu – Owners of Gravity Float and Wellness
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!
