Meet Oliver! He's a young business owner from Vancouver and moved to Kamloops year and a half ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend Mel, because she brings out the best in me.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Klasskes Bistro - they have the best donair in the world.
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Monaco because I'm a huge Formula One fan and driving the streets of Monte Carlo would be surreal.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
My friend has a dirty old Toyota 4Runner. Taking that thing wheeling in the batch off-road park is a lot of fun.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
All my friends and I had that long "Justin Bieber style" hair in grade 6. We were walking down the street and some lady shovelling her driveway told us GIRLS to have a nice day.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Reading Darren Hardy's, "The Compound Effect" and "Entrepreneur Roller Coaster." Those two books gave me the courage to run my own business and the tools to make myself a better person.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My friends and I were really into mountain biking. This one time, we built a huge jump (huge to us in grade 5 or 6) and it was decided that I was to guinea pig it. I remember how nervous I was, pushing my bike up to the top of the hill. I must have sat there for a solid 20 minutes before taking the first few pedal strokes to what I thought was certain death. The rest is a blur, but I remember landing the jump without incident and the excitement of everyone involved in the jump building process.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My football coach was big on giving back to the community that supported us. We helped the Lions club with all their events and volunteered at soup kitchens.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change the fact that burning oil and gas causes pollution. Why? So we can keep our beloved V10 Dodge Viper in production forever, without harming the polar bears.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Between school work and running my business, I spend a lot of time alone at my desk.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
We need a dedicated bagel place to feed my obsession
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The sense of community here is awesome. You don't get that in Vancouver.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Rent an old Porsche 911 (964) in Como, Italy and drive to Monaco. Then drive back in a New 911.
2) Race a season in the Ferrari Challenge
3) Non-car related: See a New York Giants game.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to golf
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram are my top 2. I also use Snapchat a lot because that's where my friends are.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Telamon Painting - A Division of Telamon Construction Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been painting. We moved a lot and my dad ran a student painting franchise a long time ago, so I picked up that skill from him. I ran a student painting franchise one summer and now I'm on my own.
What is the goal of your business?
My goal is to make houses look good and protect them for years to come, while putting myself through school. Long term we are looking to expand the construction side of the business (renovations and development)
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My family still lives in Vancouver, so being away from them is a bit of a struggle at times.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Who's a good boy?" Remy generally is (dog).
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Read lots and learn from other people's mistakes. It's easier than learning from your own.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I don't get to see my dad often, so I would say him. My second choice would be the fictional lawyer, Harvey Spector, from "Suits". I'm a big fan of the show and I'm sure a day with him would be awesome.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
A dollar spent in the community has a greater impact than a dollar spent on Amazon.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting my business off the ground has been a huge accomplishment.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My dad. He's always there to support me, but also won't hesitate to give me his opinion.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I've only lived in Kamloops for a short while, but I love it here. I love the sense of community and people I've met here. Keep being great, Kamloops !
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!
