Meet Blair Harper. Blair is from Kamloops and has lived here for 34 years. He enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, motocross, soccer and more!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from Kamloops, lived here pretty much my whole life, that's 34 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
If I don't say my wife on this question then I would most likely be in big trouble. Carine is my rock, she is always there for me, very positive and a great mother! She says I talk too much but I heard communication is key!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Oronge Board Shop is my favorite because Coach & Kuanny are mentors to me. They have supported me since I was in high school. I remember sneaking out of my parents house to go up to Sun Peaks with Kent in his sweet mini van. Lots of great memories.
Describe yourself in one word.
Different.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Vietnam, the best place on earth. Great people and culture. The driving is the most insane thing I have ever seen, buses passing buses around corners with a motorcycle trying to sneak between the buses.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Motocross & lately, soccer!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My friends convinced me to streak a baseball game at KIBIT & I ended up on the CFJC TV 7 News. I had a broken arm with a green cast on, so I literally stuck out like a sore thumb. It will be played at my funeral for sure. My dad is the president of KIBIT.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In a weird way, the most inspiring thing that happened to me was when I hit a tree mountian biking at Harper Mountian on September 18th, 2016. I lost the feeling in my legs for the first few min & thought my life had changed forever. My two good friends Ryan McMillan and Alex Ramsey were there while we waited for search and rescue to arrive. It took 4 hours before I was in the hospital & ended up breaking my T5-T9. From that day forward, I cherished every day with my family and friends. Life can change so fast. My accident now forces me to stay in better shape and live a healthier life. That was one of the lowest moments of my life. I had to fight so hard to get my strength back and I was in the middle of building my business plan for Dex Knows best. I wanted to quit so many times, but in the back of my mind, I knew if I could come back from a gnarly spinal cord injury, I could finish my business plan!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
One time I rode my snowmobile to high school. I woke up in the morning and had dreamed about ripping up the streets on my sweet Polaris 600. My parents left for work, so I sped up to the garage and ripped to school. I accidentally passed my uncle Steven on the way. When I got to school, I asked my mechanic teacher if I could park the sled in the shop. When we went to move it into the shop, the sled throttle got stuck and ripped across the room slamming into the wall. It was a near miss for sure. After that, I never rode my sled to school again but I did ride my dirt bike a few times. P.S. My uncle Steve never told my parents.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer my time with the Sarah Burke Foundation, we recently just raised almost $5,000 in Whistler & gave away a $15,000 scholarship to young athletes with dreams. Any athlete can apply, even kids in Kamloops reading this right now! Sarah was a professional skier who helped get women freestyle skiing into the Olympics in 2014. She passed away in 2012 while training in Utah. Through her loss, I became really good friends with her husband Rory Bushfield. I remember meeting Rory at the Kamloops airport and he showed up in his own plane with no shoes on and a dog that looked like a wolf. He had sandals tattooed on his feet to make it look like he as wearing shoes. It was clear Rory was a down to earth guy! We would be at the most expensive restaurant in Whistler at the time & he would show up with Dex. It was clear how much Dex really helped Rory through his loss and that is the foundation of Dex Knows Best Dog Food, a new company we just launched. A portion is each bag sold will be donated to the Sarah Burke Foundation & we deliver right to your door!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Have more humans like Devin Andrew. Calm, cool & collective. He is pretty much the best human on the planet.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Mittz Kitchen or Jamie Rose's house.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
More dogs (in the city) and speed bumps on Royal Ave!
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Rivers, Mountains and lakes.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Make Dex Knows Best a global brand across Canada & USA.
2. Inspire someone to step outside their comfort zone.
3. Get Rory Bushfield to sell his plane and buy a helicopter.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My dad is white (Scottish & Irish).
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
@blairharper84 & @dexknowsbestdogfood.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Dex Knows Best Dog Food & Supplements & Property Guys.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because I love dogs, they help people every day! Keeping the Sarah Burke spirit & legacy alive!
What is the goal of your business?
Provide health and nutrition to all dogs while providing the most optimal customer service for our clients.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The struggle is real. I wake up & fight the struggle with both. However, in my old age, I am becoming more clear and focused on how to overcome the struggles. Every problem has a solution. Keep fighting & never give up!
What do you always find yourself saying?
100%.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Work hard. Don't give up. Surround yourself with positive people & you will see positive results.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Will Smith! The story of Will is pretty amazing and inspiring. He is also the best dancer!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because it’s best for the community. Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centres, linking neighbours in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Bringing Dex Knows Best to life.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jamie Rose, always having my back.....Love you brother!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Katheryn Learie from Owen Imaging - Local photographer who loves dogs!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
One time I walked on fire with my bare feet & Jamie Rose witnessed it. Invest in yourself, work hard & never give up! Thank you for the opportunity to share my story & please give us a follow @dexknowsbestdogfood @bushywayne @blairharper84.
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