In Focus | Grant Waidman of The Grant Waidman Group

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?
Grant Waidman

What do you always find yourself saying?
“Wow…just wow!”

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Martin Picard - a Canadian-born chef that has some very innovative ideas. I imagine between the two of us we could get into some good trouble together.

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
The Order of Canada – if I decide to go for something it’s all or nothing adventure.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Henry Ford – besides the obvious he was an absolute innovator with brilliant ideas and I’d love to know what he was thinking.

Who inspires you?
It’s not a who it’s a ‘what’ that inspires me. The personal victories people have like overcoming an illness, or achieving goals fire me up the most and makes me want to do better each and everyday.

What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Race a car at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
2. Write a book.
3. Take my family across Canada.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
“Naut Yours!”

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I’d rather not foresee a future day but instead focus on and enjoy the present day.

What are you passionate about?
Music, cars, cooking, and architecture.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day my daughter was born was mind blowing but hearing her say “daddy” was the best.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having my hard work be recognized with two Landmark awards and an Innovation award from my brokerage, Sage, this past year.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
I love winter brunches at Quail’s Gate Winery – you can’t beat the view, the staff, or the food.

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
It would be a tie between the seasonal Wine Festivals and West Kelowna’s Music in the Park summer concert series. Both events allow us to enjoy the beautiful location we call home, discover hidden gems, and appreciate local talent.

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Grant Waidman Group, which is licensed through Sage Executive Group Real Estate – Kelowna’s largest local boutique real estate brokerage.

What does your business/organization do?
We are dedicated to helping people buy, sell, or invest in Okanagan real estate and work tirelessly to make sure it’s “the one”!

Where can people find you or your business online?
www.gwgkelowna.com

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Be sure to “like” Grant Waidman, Realtor for the latest in local real estate stats, selling tips, and hot new listings.

What is your Twitter account?
@okgrantkelowna

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Grant Waidman

What is your mission?
To make real estate transactions as smooth as possible for all my clients. I do this by truly listening to their needs and wants, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring they are prepared for the journey ahead.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To continue to be recognized as a local leader in Okanagan real estate.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I’d like to maintain the current rate of business and growth I have seen within the past few years – my focus isn’t necessarily on growth but in the ability to provide my clients with the high level of service they deserve.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Valerie Fitzgerald from Coldwell Banker Previews International in Beverly Hills.

What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Honesty, knowledge, and dedication.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
No transaction is done alone in real estate. Any transaction is a result of everything you put in place from mortgage brokers, house inspectors, office staff, and our lawyers at closing. I am fortunate enough to work with the best in the business and appreciate all they do.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
I embrace the Okanagan lifestyle and as cliché as it may sound I have the opportunity to introduce outsiders to this unique and amazing location.

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?
Highly intellectual people from any field…but the kind that can get us out of a trapped elevator.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Eliminate the carpool lane and restrict heavy trucks and trailers to the right-hand lane through the city limits.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The unique ability for the city to be large enough so you have access to everything you need while still maintaining the small town charm and character we moved here for.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Cassey Zimmerman

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!