In Focus| James Allen-Levesque

Meet James Allen-Levesque! He has been living in PG for two years!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Well I can't spend time with her anymore but I loved playing cards and talking to my auntie Kim, she, unfortunately, passed away a couple years ago.

What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
My favourite store locally is Sound Factory, it's a great group and they are always happy to help me figure out what guitar works best for me!

Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go back to my hometown and take out all my friends and family for dinner!

What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Hiking! Ontario has some beautiful sights but the mountains here are hard to beat!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably when I slid all the way down frontage hill after I just finished walking up it while it was icy.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting a chance to work in my dream career and make a difference for the better no matter how small that difference is!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Back when I lived in a tiny town in northern Ontario called Onaping where I grew up for a good portion of my childhood. When I was six and seven when fall would come, I would love to ride around and see how all the leaves changed, and I would climb a local rock called "bloody rock" which was just really a big rock with some red spray paint on it, and I would just sit up there and watch the trees with all their beautiful colours sway in the wind.. One day I'll get to do it again!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Simply by helping thy neighbour! Although I want to get more involved with the community here nothing beats helping someone move a couch if you see them moving or just helping someone bring in their groceries!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just more acceptance. We are all unique people with our own unique perspectives! Although there is always a line, we all deserve to be heard!

Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
I would just go for a walk through the forest of the world, very peaceful at night for the most part!

Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I hope to see the clean up continue in the downtown area, and just keep the momentum of access and health!

What do you think makes Prince George great?
Its small minded community with its big city dreams! It's a great city to kick-start a career or settle with a family!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Drive from sea to shining sea! Truly give back to this country in some way! Lastly, I would love to see Scotland!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Even though I work in sales and seem quite outgoing when I was a kid I was so shy I would hide from my aunts and uncles, even my Memere and Pepere!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Well, I like to connect anyway I can! But I always find that face to face interaction can't be beat!

What is the name of your business/organization?
I work for Prince George Toyota and I love every minute of it!

Why did you get into/start this business?
The automotive industry has always been a deep passion of mine! Ever since I was knee high form the ground my Dad and my Pepere would take me on drives in my Pepere's classic cars and I would get to go to every car show!

What is the goal of your business?
We strive to find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle as best as possible and hopefully improves your quality of life!

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Growing as a person and accepting some things as they are. We can't always control everything but it's how you take it in stride that makes the difference!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing! I truly believe that if not for what I have been through I would not be here now!

What do you always find yourself saying?
What will be, will be

Tell us your best piece of life advice
Go with your gut, and never stop doing your best no matter how hard it is. Nothing in life worth doing is ever easy!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My Dad and Pepere, I miss them more every day. They truly helped shape who I am today.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keeping money in the community is always best for keeping local services running and businesses open!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Doing as well as I have in my industry in just five months!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jared Crellin, he was the man who gave me this great opportunity in the first place!

My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jared Crellin.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I'm thankful for everyone who has helped me out and a big thank you to Terry Kirby as well! I wouldn't be here if not for Jared and Terry!

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, Prince George!