Meet Ryan and Briar Beers! These two aren't from Kamloops but have been here for the last eight years. The Beers love dirt biking, dancing, and they own their own construction company.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Ryan: I am from Merritt and I’ve lived in Kamloops for 8 years.
Briar: I am from Cobourg, Ontario and lived in Kamloops for 8 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Ryan: My favourite person to spend time with is my wife because she’s wonderful and honestly, I have no choice– we work together and live together.
Briar: My husband—he inspires me every day. We work well as a team, we have the same passions and ambitions, and we challenge and push each other.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Ryan: My favourite local store is Rivercity Cycle because if I’m there, it means I’m not working. They have an exceptional staff and I shop there because they carry the brands that I like (Husqvarna and KTM).
Briar: My favourite local store is Terra restaurant. They have amazing staff and delicious locally sourced food and wine.
Describe yourself in one word.
Ryan: Driven.
Briar: Problem-solver.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ryan: I would go to the Czech Republic because I love the people there. Everyone is so nice and welcoming; they have a great community feel. And I have very good friends there whom I’d like to see again soon.
Briar: If I could go anywhere, I’d go to Ontario with my kids to spend time with my family.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Ryan: Definitely dirt biking.
Briar: My favourite activity in Kamloops is highland dancing.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ryan: I don’t actually get embarrassed. I’m a pretty open person.
Briar: I don’t get embarrassed. I laugh at myself more than anyone else can.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Ryan: Growing up, my mom was very hardworking and strong and always supported me, so her passing and the events surrounding that was probably the most inspirational thing that has happened to me. It motivated and forced me to take control of my life. It inspired me to be the best version of myself I can be.
Briar: The most inspiring thing in my life was growing up with the most incredible parents. They are very hardworking which inspired me to be successful. They always gave back to the community which made me want to do the same, and they raised a happy family which is one of my biggest goals in life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Ryan: Camping at Kentucky Lake with all of my family.
Briar: One of my favourite childhood memories was competing in Highland Dance competitions every weekend, allowing me to travel and meet so many different people.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Ryan: We volunteered our machines to take part in Meet a Machine and the kids in the community loved it.
Briar: I give blood every chance I get and we try to attend as many fundraising events as we can within our community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Ryan: Religion. And to give everybody in the world the ability to problem solve through communication instead of violence; that would solve a lot of world issues.
Briar: I just wish there was less hate. Sounds simple and I wish it was.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Delta Hotel and dinner at Terra. And wine tasting at Privato.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Kamloops would benefit incredibly if they built the proposed Arts Centre. I would love to see the Arts culture promoted more in Kamloops.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Where do we begin? The people here make Kamloops great. Also, an adequate amount of industry. There’s great weather in the summer and all year round we have access to all sports. The location is very central in BC and it’s a small-town feel with big town amenities.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Ryan: 1. Spend 2 months in Europe with my kids. 2. Climb to the base camp at Mt. Everest. 3. Race in the Red Bull Romaniacs.
Briar: 1. Take my kids travelling. 2. See a show on Broadway. 3. Own a cabin on a lake.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Ryan: I raced in the Erzberg Red Bull Hare Scramble and I placed pretty well.
Briar: I competed in the first-ever Choir Olympics in Austria and received a gold medal.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Via Facebook @CuttingEdgeConstruction, Instagram @cutting.edge.construction or LinkedIn @ Cutting Edge Consulting Inc.
What is the name of your business/organization?
CEC.
Why did you get into/start this business?
We got into this business because we have an extensive history in this area of work and we like what we do. It’s challenging but exciting.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to provide quality crane and industrial construction services and to be successful enough to continue to give back to our community in bigger and better ways.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Ryan: My biggest struggle at work and in life has been the balance between the two. Finding a balance between home life/social life and work is difficult and I’m still trying to figure out the right equation.
Briar: My biggest struggle right now in life is trying to do everything all at once – being successful with my work, being a good mom, giving back to the community, and having an enjoyable personal life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Ryan: I say “Get’er done” and “Let’s get at it” often because I’m always on the go to get things done.
Briar: “Hold on a sec, I need to set a reminder.”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Ryan: Like I always say, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
Briar: "Worry less. Smile more. Never regret."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ryan: If I could spend one day with anyone who is alive, it would be Barack Obama. He is a very smart and insightful man, and a great businessman who I imagine would give me some very valuable advice, both in life and for my business.
Briar: Bill Gates because he would be very interesting to talk to. He is a great businessman and he gives back to the world. I think spending a day with him would be enlightening.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Without shopping locally, there is no local business. Local businesses survive on their customers, and they depend on their community to support them. If I don’t support them, they won’t be able to support me or my family.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Ryan: My proudest accomplishment has been stepping out of the box and doing things on my own. Steering off the path I was on and taking matters into my own hands was what got me to where I am today and I couldn’t be more proud of that decision.
Briar: Raising two intelligent, capable and beautiful children.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ryan: Lionel Kabotoff with KLL Construction because he has a great business which has been extremely supportive in growing CEC.
Briar: I give a shoutout to my parents Joan and Paul for being so supportive throughout life and now especially with my family and business; they help out whenever they can and make an effort to be present in my life even though they live in Ontario.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Cheryl Gaunt of Barb’s Bouquets!
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!
