In Focus | Kelsey Alexander Helm of Wheelhouse Ventures

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?
Kelsey Alexander Helm

What do you always find yourself saying?
“Sorry” I am always trying to empathize, and when I feel I miss the connection I genuinely feel bad. Though through overuse, the intent behind the word is lost. I need to get better… sorry.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
My first choice would always be family. Though, assuming they are all busy that day, it would have to be a serial entrepreneur. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, would be the front-runner, though a day would not nearly be enough. I’d be very interested in learning how he manages his focus, and handles decisions. I’d also be very curious on the type of person he truly is, and what aspects of his personality lend well to his success in business.

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I actually had to search for “Business Awards” ha ha. My ambition is around impact; awards are not something I strive for. Appreciation from my colleagues, and others receiving value from my efforts is much more important to me.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Leonardo da Vinci, though I’d need to learn Italian. I think his intelligence, and creativity pushed him to the edge. So much of his art, and inventions, have had an impact on our world, and I would love to see & understand how they were conceived.

Who inspires you?
My parents. I am a recent father, and boy is it tough. Every day I ask myself what my parents would have done in a similar situation, and try to copy that. I’m so very thankful for my upbringing, and hope that I am able to provide a similar foundation for my kids. Similarly, my wife, Ashley is a person of inspiration. Her patience, with me & our kids, and her focus on the importance of living in the moment encourages and inspires me to grow in kind.

What are three things on your bucket list?
Octoberfest in Germany
Drive a supercar on the Nürburgring in Germany
Attend the Just for Laughs comedy festival

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
The Ellis Fox after my boys.

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I love philosophizing about the future, though not knowing is the excitement of life. Thinking of the ultra wealthy; when you can have anything you want, you can lose passion and ambition. I see a parallel to seeing the future. Not knowing my path forces me to face events I might otherwise avoid, and encourages my personal growth.

What are you passionate about?
There are multiple passions in my life; being a great husband, father and son. Saying that, finding my personal passion has been a struggle. I like doing many things, though have not yet found the thing I love to do. Year by year I am getting closer to that thing, and know that when I do have the time to spend on it – I will have found it.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
It has been the milestone events in my life, where the game has changed. Proposing to my wife, and the birth of both of my boys are the top so far.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
One of my proudest accomplishments takes me back to high school. My best friend and I went to an outdoor/leadership/mountaineering camp. It was the first time I’d been away from my family for any length of time (7-10 days) and there were multiple occasions where I had to push myself harder than I’d ever had to previously. I truly believe this experience proved to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
The Curious Cafe Artistry & Alchemy at 1423 Ellis St. The vibe is always welcoming, and the food is extremely well put together with great taste. It is a comfortable place whether you are wearing a suit, or board shorts. If you haven’t, I highly suggest checking it out.

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
My favourite activity is going to the park or on a hike with my family. We live in one of the nicest places in the world, and I love experiencing that. The opportunities to see world-class waterfalls, mountain lakes, ski hills, streams, rivers, mountains are all within an hour from us – why wouldn’t you take advantage?

What is the name of your business/organization?
Wheelhouse Ventures

What does your business/organization do?
Wheelhouse Ventures is a new organization in definition, though we are quite active in the technology and innovation community. We are still growing up, and have yet to define ourselves! Hoping this year we are able to spend some focus there, and I’d love to speak with anyone who is curious. The bulk of my current focus has been on supporting the development of the Okanagan Centre for Innovation.

Where can people find you or your business online?
People can find me and connect with me through my Linkedin profile.

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Please send me a message - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kelseyhelm

What is your Twitter account?
@Helmworks

What is your mission?
To support & encourage growth in the technology industry in Kelowna.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Have significant and lasting impact.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
We have a true definition of who we are and what we do. We are supporting multiple previous successes and growing intelligently.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Bob Iger

What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Trust, experience and drive.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
Our present focus is on the Okanagan Centre for Innovation. The goal in supporting the establishment of the Centre is to help create an ecosystem in which Wheelhouse Ventures can operate. The goals of the Okanagan Centre for Innovation is to drive the economy, create local jobs, and build the technology/innovation/creative community.

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I’d want them to be with Artificial Intelligence experts. I am so curious as to where that field is going, and what the plans are to stay safe through the evolution of that tech. I’m not sure the fears of AI are warranted, and it would be very interesting to hear their perspective and where they are investing their money.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The one thing I would change is encouraging more open and welcoming communities.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lifestyle, scenery and the new desire for change & collaboration amongst the innovation & technology industry.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Matt Gomez of SoilMate.com

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!