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?
Wayne Dorman.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Hout Bay, South Africa and went to Boarding School in Grahamstown, South Africa, but did my post education in Switzerland. I came to Canada in 1999 and have now lived in Kelowna for almost 12 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have two. First is, Laurie Lazorko. We both came into each other's lives during difficult periods. She's been a constant friend and supporter of me and my business since 2013. Secondly, I am blessed to have Marie Roberts in my life for almost 12 years now.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
South Africa to be with my family and friends and once again share my love for Africa and animals.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I could name many as I'm a big supporter of local businesses, but Tail Blazers is definitely my go-to place for everything I do.
What is your favourite activity?
Hot yoga at Moksha and training at Orange Theory Fitness.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
In the beginning of my career, I was helping out a dog walking company and had four golden retrievers. I ended up returning the wrong dog to the wrong house on a typical rainy Vancouver day. The owner said how well behaved her dog was, which was not her dog, but actually a look-alike!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
For me, to be approached by a production studio in Los Angeles under NBC's umbrella to do a reality TV show has inspired me to continue to pursue my passions in this business.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing touch rugby and cricket in my backyard with my three brothers. Also going away on hiking trips and getaways in the back country with my whole family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer my time with many different animal-related associations and non-profits in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd ask people to go back in history, study it, and understand that we seem to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Everyone should play a role in baking the cake, not just eating the cake. As a society, we should seek equity, learn to bake the cake together and educate our children to do the same.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking in the mountains, utilizing the lake, and enjoying Big White with packs of dogs!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
On the top of a mountain with no one around but my dogs.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more parks, more schools, more doctors, and the history of Kelowna preserved for the next generation.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We're privileged to live in this part of the world where you're just 20 minutes from mountains, lakes and you have areas you can escape to all year-round.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Write a book.
2. Go on my next sports adventure in Africa.
3. Travel to Nepal.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was one of the first white South Africans to attend multi-racial boarding schools during the height of apartheid and I've been away from home since I was 13 years of age, pursuing my education and living abroad, mostly on my own.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Dogzies Pet Services Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
In 2002, I was injured in two car accidents and during my recovery I had issues with my beagle Kingsley, and was told that he wasn't trainable. I started studying in the area of dog psychology and realized people aren't focusing on the root of the problems and underlying issues that are causing dogs to act up or behave the way they do.
What is the goal of your business?
To educate and help those who do not wish to cut corners and want to learn about dog psychology and behaviour more than just obedience training. To provide a better understanding towards animal behaviour and to see dogs grow comfortably old with their owners.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Losing a lot of my close friends in my teens, having to deal with traumatic experiences on my own, and not being there to say goodbye to them. The traumatic struggle probably have led one too many over the years to take advantage of one's kindness and hard work.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't do things differently because this all led me to my passion. I would definitely follow my own gut feeling and dreams and not allow others to discourage me and put obstacles in the way again.
What do you always find yourself saying?
That there are no easy shortcuts in life and my father once wrote to me and said, 'Easy come, easy go', 'Short term pleasure for long term pain' and 'beware the stranger who bears gifts as it's simply impossible to wish problems away.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I'd spend the day with my father, just to discuss what we could do better in life together in this day and age.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's the small businesses that make Kelowna what it is and keep the culture and the city alive. Without them, there's no personality, they make the city what it is.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Winning the 'Best Quality Management project' in Switzerland at Hotel Institute of Montreaux with my two best friends and having the first post-apartheid South African Ambassador of Switzerland come to my graduation to celebrate.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
So many. Christy Lovig, she always goes above and beyond. Tara Miller, she's been there during the ups and downs and has grown out of her own struggle to success. Trent Phillips from Shoebox Solutions who is the backbone to my business and very loyal client.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nuri Fisher-Piscine Fisheries. His company is putting Kelowna and the Okanagan on the Global Fish Map, and he is an amazing father, husband to Denise, friend and animal lover.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I talk on behalf of many that go above and beyond in helping others. We are always quick to criticize those for one failure and miss that they have impacted thousands of lives in a positive way. I work 7 seven days a week to try and make a positive impact in Kelowna and help as many dog owners and dogs as I can. I do my part in contributing to the economy for the welfare of others in this city and it is very humbling to work with those that have a duty to help society.
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.
