Meet Alexander, he is from Germany and came to Canada in 2011. He and his wife own Storms Restaurant located on River Street.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I just realized I'm exceeding the character limit on this one so I'll make it short - my better half Heather and our little guy Ethan because they're my fam jam! :)
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Chop'n Block. Brody cuts, cures and smokes some mean meat!
Describe yourself in one word.
Kaizen.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Not an easy one. I'd love to go back to South East Asia at some point and just Anthony Bourdain my way through the places I have yet to see as well as visit the ones I have been to before again.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Getting outside, there's so much to do here and so little time! I love camping, taking my son fishing, turning our backyard into our own little green oasis or a day on the Thompson with friends.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I think in fairness to all things embarrassing I shouldn't be singling out just one! In more recent years probably when I walked into a tree right after proposing to Heather on a snowshoe trip. Talk about multi-tasking...
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having a son at a relatively early age definitely motivated me to bypass what I might have done with my early 20's and focus instead on a well-balanced lifestyle.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was a young boy, I often got to spend a few weeks with my grandparents who lived in a different city than my parents and I.
They spent a big part of their summers at a garden plot- they basically only left to go home to sleep. My grandpa grew all sorts of crazy stuff and I would get to help him harvest everything.
My favourite was (and admittedly still is) digging potatoes out of the dirt and bringing them home where my grandma would turn them into the most delicious, crispy pan-fried potatoes.
It's something I've become a little obsessed with and since we bought our own home in Kamloops I'm finally able to grow potatoes myself and recreate the way my grandma used to make them... Now I'm hungry.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I recently joined the Rotary Club of Kamloops where I participate in the food drives and organizing events as well as volunteering at the Club's events, e.g. Chefs in the City. Outside of that Heather and I support various smaller non-profits through our Restaurant.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The way we consume things, knowing what you're actually consuming and where it came from. I'm guilty of a little instant gratification as well but as I'm growing older, perhaps even more mature. I enjoy cooking a scratch-made meal with things we've grown ourselves while sitting at a table I've built out of lumber. It sounds cliché but life is about the little things, don't let them get away.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I really enjoy the Hoodoos hike by Cinnamon Ridge. Heading up that steep terrain and then descending through the little canyon at the bottom is fun. Throw in a Jetboil, some freeze dried chilli and a growler of beer and you're set!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
With a son being in grade 2, one of my concerns is the drug-related issues we face in Kamloops. I know there are forces beyond my scope at work pushing towards solutions to remedy this and I hope this will result in a solution acceptable to everyone involved.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I have lived in other B.C. cities before but Kamloops has four distinctive seasons here! Summer in Kamloops brings endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoors and winter turns this place into wonderland.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a fairly open book, didn't you know?!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm not super active on my personal accounts but you can find the restaurant on Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Storms Restaurant
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've worked in different areas of customer service for my whole adult life, I have had an entrepreneurial spirit from early on and my spouse happens to be a Chef. This seemed like the logical next chapter in our life.
What is the goal of your business?
To teach people about food, and explore things outside of what they're used to. We source local and make from scratch because it's important to enjoy the great things B.C. has to offer.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
When I left Germany I knew at some point I'd lose the family members I left behind. In 2016, my father passed away 15 minutes before I could make it to his hospital bed - that was devastating for me but I'm glad I was able to find a way to grieve and heal.
What do you always find yourself saying?
It's going to be fiiiine!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live and let live. Don't get caught up in things you can't control.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Nick Offerman. Spend a whole day building something cool in his workshop and then finish the evening off with steak and scotch, who could resist that!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Jobs! If we support independent, local businesses our money stays here and ultimately circulates back to the community through different avenues going on to support our city.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When I gave my notice in Germany, the Human Resources Rep. told me that I was too young for migrating elsewhere and that I was going to regret my decision. Well, I like to believe that I could have done a whole lot worse than where I am today.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My buddy Parker Bennett from Royal LePage WestWin. Top notch realtor but an even more fun guy to go scale up mountains and hunt with.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jared Tarswell and the team from IronRoad Brewing.
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, Kamloops.
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!
