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?
Tom Macauley
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Saskatchewan but moved with my four older brothers and parents to Los Angeles County when I was seven-years-old. I moved to Kelowna in 2010 to attend UBCO.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with family. It's getting so big! Five nieces and one nephew now. Also my girlfriend! She's fantastic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. The reason is in the name of the restaurant.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite store in Kelowna is Third Space Coffee. Not only do they have the best coffee in Kelowna, but their work includes counselling services, wellness, and charitable activities. Third is definitely the next big thing in Kelowna and maybe across the country one day. Their organizational model is truly remarkable.
What is your favourite activity?
I love getting into a good documentary. I usually have to watch them by myself cause everyone else gets bored, but I get inspired. If you have a chance, watch "Requiem for the American Dream" on Netflix.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
tacos son mi vida.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
The skim beach at the outflow of mission creek. I've only been out there a couple times but at the right time of year, it is an incredible place to check out the stars.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Well in California you have to take the SAT's for college entrance. On one of the mandatory preceding tests taken at school, I spelled my name wrong. Maybe there is a Tomas Macaly in an alternate universe. Maybe he did better on the SAT's!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was in high school and it was just my mother and me, we didn't have much. We lived day to day and making rent was always a tough thing to do. Going through multiple health problems and so much more, I cannot believe how resilient my mother was and is. Her patience and optimism in times of incredible stress is something that inspires me daily.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
On my 10th birthday, our family was driving back to Saskatchewan for a visit. We pulled over somewhere in Nevada in the middle of the night so that my Dad could rest his eyes for a while. While our van was parked on the side of the road, my oldest brother Lucas ran over to a nearby 7-11 and got some cherry pop-tarts and chocolate milk. We whispered and joked around for a few hours until my dad could drive again. Those pop-tarts are still better than any cake I've had.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Up until this month, I served at the President of the Students' Union at UBC Okanagan. Over the course of the last year, I dedicated myself to working with numerous community organizations and causes. It should also be noted that UBC students are becoming increasingly connected with this community and volunteerism in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would only ask that people could be more loving, frank, and forgiving to each other and to ourselves. Once we realize "we're all in this together" is a far better motivator than "you're on your own".. Then we can solve our biggest problems.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My favourite thing to do in Kelowna is to wander around to different places downtown. Kelowna has a growing and vibrant downtown and it's worth exploring.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The small beach accesses in along Abbott Street are almost always vacant at most times during the year. They are a great place to go for a walk and take really cliché Instagram pictures… I'm guilty of this.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna needs to see more accessible living for working class families and individuals. As Kelowna grows there must be a greater investment in infrastructure, community resources, housing, and public transit if we want to remain sustainable.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Well assuming that wishing for more wishes is out of the question, I would wish to be able to sing like Michael Buble. He is the songbird of our generation.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was little, I was a clothing model and actor. When I was seven I appeared in a Sasktel commercial and got on a few billboards across Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near as cute today. (Telus, Bell, etc.. I'm available if you need me.)
What is the name of your business/organization?
Over the past several years I've worked for Aqua Marine Valet, a company under Mission Group Enterprises.
What does your business do?
Aqua Marine Valet is a unique boat storage facility located next to the Cook Road Boat Launch that makes boating easy and accessible while ensuring safety along the way.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macauliflower
Instagram: @tommacauley
Snapchat: tommacauley
Where can people find your business online?
www.aquamarinevalet.ca
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love working at AMV. There is no service like it in North America. The combination of unique technology used, commitment to customer relationships, and passion for boating– is something that has always excited me. Doing something that no one else does is such a cool feeling.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of Aqua Marine Valet is to provide unmatched customer service, encouraging boater safety in the Okanagan, and to take the frustration out of getting on the lake. If Kelowna is your home and you love boating, take out the hassle. You'll love AMV.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Life is a balancing act. Sometimes incredibly important things can be put on hold. Keeping family and friends close is hard. I'm realizing every day that I want to enjoy life by spending it with the people I love, fostering good relationships, and building others up. We become to help others become.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I've made a ton of mistakes, and I continue to make them. I grew up incredibly poor and got beat up sometimes by my brothers. I got hurt by people and people hurt me. Looking back, though, I wouldn't change a thing. It's all made me who I am now.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping local is making a statement. Shopping local can make the difference of making sure that your neighbour has food on their table tonight or not or if their kids can afford to play sports. Supporting local business makes us all stronger.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My brother Ben Macauley is an absolute gem of a guy. He has just recently been appointed the new head coach of the Okanagan Sun. Not only is he a great coach, father, and husband–but he has done such incredible work with youth in this city over the years and he is my own personal local hero.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Ben Macauley
Other information you would like to share:
Kelowna is a fantastic place to live and work. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to call this place home. Additionally, though my time at UBC is through, I would certainly advocate that more connections be made from our community to the brilliant young minds that are working at UBC Okanagan. It is a world class institution with world-class students who are on the cutting edge. As for me, I would like to mention that if anyone has any more interest in speaking with me or meeting with me, please feel free to contact me anytime! If you have inquiries about boating, I'll make sure to point you in the right direction as well!
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!
