Meet Karen! She's from the big city Vancouver, BC but moved to Kamloops 7 years ago and feels like shes finally home!
What is your preferred method of social media? (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
Facebook
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Vancouver, BC - I've lived in Kamloops for 7 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son Duncan, always so fun and we have such interesting conversations.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii, to the beach and relax.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Big Boot Inn. Wonderful service and amazing selection - Kristen & Ryan Gentile know how to take care of their customers.
What is your favourite activity?
Having a glass of wine with good friends.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I fall, trip and slip regularly - it's always very embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a Mother and all of the wonderful things that brings with it. It gives you a different perspective on the world and makes you appreciate the little things.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to Hornby Island with my family, spending full days on the beach in Whaling Station Bay.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In the past Canuck Place, Run for the Cure and more recently on the PAC for my son's school. We regularly donate funds to charity.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
That people are judged and discriminated against on the color of their skin or sexual orientation.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Walking down Victoria Street and browsing in the shops.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Sun Peaks, shopping, a long drive to enjoy the scenic views of Kamloops.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
A performing arts center in downtown Kamloops would be amazing. It would bring Kamloops online with other BC cities (like Kelowna) that can attract world-class acts.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
People, people, people!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel Europe, build a house, have more animals :)
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love Scrabble!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Karen McKenzie Mortgage Broker
Why did you get into/start this business?
My husband and I had bought and sold several homes before 2014, and I was very interested in the financing aspect and thought I could do as well or better.
What is the goal of your business?
To give people mortgage advice specific to their lives and goals. To educate people about mortgage penalties.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Doing it all! Parenting, cooking, work, leisure - fitting it all in.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wished I had started Brokering at 20!! It's been so rewarding.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I love my job!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son and my husband second ;)
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a small business owner, it's so important to support our local businesses. Small business owners have taken big financial risks and give jobs to other people in the community. They don't have pensions, paid vacation or sick time and work very long hours to bring us unique products and excellent services. That deserves to be acknowledged, and we can do that with our wallet.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Building my business, it's gone so well - I wish I had started decades earlier.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Thom Light - Realtor @ Royal LePage. He has a fantastic personality that endears him to his clients, and he puts their best interests first.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Local business owner
Some general comments/thoughts I would like to share are:
I love Kamloops - we've lived lots of places in BC, and this is home.
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!
