In Focus | Brian Stephenson of Pushor Mitchell LLP

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?
Brian Stephenson

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Barrie, Ontario (go Colts), but I have called Kelowna home since elementary school.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend Shanna (and our dog McKinley). It is very hard not to want to be around such a bubbly, playful, and caring personality. Oh, and Shanna is pretty awesome too.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
This sounds un-adventurous but after being in Vancouver for three years right now I simply want to be here in Kelowna laying the foundation for my life and career (and getting the backyard ready for hosting awesome BBQs over the summer! I can’t wait!).

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Pulp Fiction downtown on Lawrence and Pandosy. Cool theme and feel, great place to meet with clients and colleagues, and they make a great London Fog!

What is your favourite activity?
Eating! Distant second would be soccer.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
This was difficult for me, but after careful consideration I decided my answer is pizza. Also, a pro tip for those students / recent graduates out there: if you order online from Domino's on Monday you get 50 per cent off.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Certainly not the most embarrassing thing but the other day while concentrating hard on some work my phone rang and I answered it with “Hi, this is Brian Stephenson calling...” I managed to confuse both myself and the person calling.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
One person who I am constantly inspired by is my grandma, Eileen. At 88 years of age she remains sharp as a tack and, more importantly, she takes great pains to be a part of the lives of her grandchildren, including those in Australia.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Some of my favourite memories are building forts in the backyard and riding bikes up and down Trumpeter Rd. in the Upper Mission (way before Kettle Valley was developed) with my lifelong friend Jarred Kelly.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I currently volunteer with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, am a Member of Influence with the Okanagan Young Professionals, am an attendee at the 100 Men Who Give a Damn events, and am seeking nomination to the Board of the Downtown Kelowna Association.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The culture that happiness is a distant goal (e.g. I am not happy now but I will be once I have X amount of money) rather than deriving happiness from the present moment and enjoying the stage of life that you are currently in.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
With spring and summer rapidly approaching, one of my favourite activities is playing beach volleyball followed by a jump in the lake.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Bertram Park

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think Kelowna has a ton going for it right now and I hope that young people and businesses continue to see the potential of the region and invest their time and money here.

If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To be passionate about what I do and to love what I do. My greatest fear is waking up wearing golden handcuffs and being trapped spending 60 per cent of my time each week doing something I do not enjoy.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was in Grade 7 I won $1,000 from Tim Hortons with Roll Up the Rim to Win.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Pushor Mitchell LLP

What does your business do?
Pushor Mitchell is a full service law firm which provides high quality legal advice and services to its clients.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
linkedin.com/in/brian-stephenson

Where can people find your business online?
www.pushormitchell.com

Why did you get into/start this business?
Because I love the idea of helping clients achieve their goals, whether it be the formation of a business, the purchase of a house, the development of land, or the establishment of an estate plan.

What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my practice is to facilitate growth while protecting my clients from legal risks and pitfalls and to become known in the community for providing high quality legal advice and customer service.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Right now my biggest struggle in life is preventing my girlfriend from coming home each day with a new dog adopted from the BCSPCA. If I let my guard down, next winter I'll be commuting to work behind a team of eight sled dogs.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same! I'm very lucky and happy to be where I am today, so why change anything?

Why do you think it is important to shop local?
Supports local business and entrepreneurship and creates more variety for consumers.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Brandt Fralick. I’ve recently had the chance to get to know Brandt a bit and he is the epitome of being passionate about what you do. His energy is contagious and you cannot help but admire his work ethic. He and his team are doing great things at Prime.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Govind Saran

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!