In Focus | Richard Rafton of Milkcrate Records Ltd.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Richard Rafton.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm Toronto born and bred and I have been 11 years in Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend Lucy: she takes me as I am and provides unconditional love.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Paris France - The City of Lights and the home of Gypsy Jazz, cafes, and incredible music, but also a city at the crossroads. France is struggling with xenophobia, misogyny, and racism and could use some help.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
You mean besides Milkcrate Records? I seek out other owner-operated businesses and love Funktional, Posh Jewelry, Lakeside Home Store, Tree Brewery and Georgy Girl.

What is your favourite activity?
Sitting on the patio, scratching my dog's head, grooving to good tunes and sipping on a local beer.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Fish Tacos!! so many choices here in Kelowna.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Being caught on video looking like Uncle Fester from the Addams Family during the Laurice Live At Milkcrate video now up on YouTube.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Working alongside Millenials and other young people who typically get slagged for not being politically aware but prove that stereotype to be wrong.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Getting a record player for my 11th birthday and listening to the one and only record that came with it... the Rolling Stones 'Aftermath'.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We host live in-store shows, always Free and always All Ages, where many local bands have played their first live shows. We've also participated at local music festivals like Keloha and the Bottega Music Festival supporting live local music.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The inequity, challenges and imbalances that women and females of all ages experience - in education, work & career, life balance, the medical and legal systems... I think the world would be a better place if men stepped back from the reins of power. (Go Hillary Go!!)

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Catching live music at Fernandos, Doc Willoughbys, Habitat, Muninn's Post and The Grateful Fed.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Paul's Tomb... by boat.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Creative solutions to the housing challenges facing so many people - marginalized communities, students, single parents, new families, newcomers to the Okanagan, Seniors... it is written into the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
If I had one wish that I could wish, it would be for all the children of the world to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a Matt Vautour guitar, a metallic blue Fender Squire Telecaster, and when I play Air Guitar, I nail all the solos.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Milkcrate Records Ltd.

What does your business do?
We are purveyors of fine new and pre-loved analog music, on vinyl and cassettes. We also offer record players and audio equipment, record supplies and fine Phillips sodas.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
On facebook at MilkcrateRecords.

Where can people find your business online?
milkcrate.ca

Why did you get into/start this business?
My friend and mentor, the original Mr. Milkcrate Peter Jeffery, shared his dream, vision, inspiration and perspiration with me, and I am eternally indebted to him (and the bank).

What is the goal of your business?
To change the world, one record at a time.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Dealing with the daily challenges of Mental Illness and the stigmas that still face us.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Have a 'Do Over'?? What fun is that??

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
'Keep your business in town to keep your town in business'... I wish I had of said that.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Bernie Wilson of Fernandos Pub for providing an affordable venue for live music to both local and touring bands.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Ryan Abougoush of The Grateful Fed.

Other information you would like to share:
We would like to give thanks, hugs and blessings to everyone who has attended one of our live in-store shows and supported us through 4-1/2 years of Magic, Memories and Music, and we hope to delight you for many years to come.

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, Kelowna.