In Focus | Dr. Gary Thomson of NUCCA Kelowna

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?
Dr. Gary Thomson

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
It would be great fun to spend a day with Richard Branson on his island. He has many very successful businesses based on exceptional service and care for the customer. I am sure I could learn a few things.

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I am not aware of any award that would apply to what I do. I am rewarded everyday with the thanks and gratitude I receive from people I am able to help. This allows them to return to normal daily activities without pain and discomfort.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Mahatma Gandhi. He empowered a nations people (to sit) to stand up and took back a country without violence or war. You have to have an unwavering commitment to your faith and beliefs to accomplish what he did .

Who inspires you?
People with passion who live life and pursue their dreams. These people usually present with a great attitude and have a lot of gratitude.

What are three things on your bucket list?
To travel and experience different countries and cultures, like all of Europe. Go to the top seven wonders of the world, which would include the following, climb Kilimanjaro, Machu Pichu, and go to the Galapagos Islands.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I am a Taurus and will stick to terra firma, maybe a home on Lakeshore Road close to the water and it would be called paradise in the Okanagan.

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
Every day is a new day with new experiences. Forward projection usually means I missed the wonder of today. I am working on each day, one day at a time.

What are you passionate about?
My Life, my work, my wife, and family.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
There are many, meeting my wife, having a family, births, birthdays, pretty much everyday is a new adventure that is amazing with the right attitude.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
There are SO many places to dine in Kelowna! This city’s restaurant choices are so varied and amazing for its small size, with a focus on farm to table. We have this blossoming wine industry that is now bringing worldwide recognition to the area. With this comes world class chefs and foodies. To name a few, The Vines, Krafty, RauDZ, BNA, Salted Brick, Momo’s, Hector’s, Zabb, and the new Duffer’s.

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
Again there are many activities I enjoy in Kelowna. Being able to enjoy winter activities in mild weather and summer activities in the warmest climate in Canada! I enjoy snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, and paddling. In the summer I also enjoy Kelowna’s Parks Alive Music program and ending the day with a glass of local wine overlooking Okanagan Lake. AMAZING.

What is the name of your business/organization?
NUCCA Kelowna, which stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association

What does your business/organization do?
I restore the balance and posture to the spine by putting your head on straight. It is a chiropractic technique but it is so different and gentle that most patients do not see it as chiropractic.

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

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Nucca Kelowna or Dr. Gary Thomson

What is your mission?
My mission is to restore posture and balance, and thereby assist people in returning to health.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
The final level of certification in the NUCCA technique. This is a high level of mastery on a consistent basis with the technique.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I have only been in practice in Kelowna for three years. I have been practicing the technique for 23 years. In five years I will be very well known throughout the Okanagan Valley, for assisting people with their health.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Dr. Ralph Gregory and Dr. John Grostic developed the work through the 70’s. More recently Dr. Al Berti who has been a powerful mentor for me who practised this work for over 45 years and lives in the lower mainland.

What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Quality, integrity, and compassion.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
I have two wonderful part time receptionists that do an excellent job and I thank them everyday for their dedication and commitment to the practice.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
There are many people who have experienced traumas, motor vehicle accidents, and falls that have affected their quality of life as they are in pain and have not recovered. I do a very specific and gentle form of chiropractic that restores the balance and the posture to the body. The adjustment is done with a very light touch to the side of the neck, there are no quick movements, snaps or cracks. There are only about 65 people in Canada that do the work, less than 20 who are certified in the work, and I am the only certified practitioner in the Okanagan.

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 would ask these investors to invest their time and money in putting plans and people together to assist in turning our economy around. Utilizing the abundant resources we have in an environmentally conscience way and getting people back to work.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
I would not change a thing about Kelowna, I am so grateful to be living here. I appreciate the amenities and the people.

What do you think makes Kelowna great? .
The people and its location. It is unusual to meet anyone who does not love living here and this belief affects the whole energy of the city. Kelowna has one of the most desirable mild climates in the whole country, we are surrounded by lakes, vineyards and orchards. We have four beautiful, distinctive seasons and winter is one of the shortest. You cannot say that about many places in Canada.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Chad Weninger, he is a mortgage broker in town and does a great job with passion and commitment.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
My apologies for not answering many of your questions with one answer. There is so much to say and never one thing or one event. I love Kelowna, and the whole valley for all that it offers and I think this is the best place in all of Canada. I look forward to meeting more people and assisting them. Thank you for the opportunity to do this piece to introduce myself.

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!