In Focus | Matt Crowell of GetintheLoop

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?
Matt Crowell

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Grand Prairie but have lived in Kelowna on and off for most of my life.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family. I have lived away from my family most of my life for hockey or school or now with work. It’s nice to get as much time in as possible.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Antwerp, Belgium as it’s one of my favorite cities in the world. With all that has been going on in Belgium it would be nice to connect with old friends for a hello.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Gio Bean or Central Public House. I love the attitude Gio has every single day, it is a great way to start your day. I also love the entrepreneurial spirit the team has at Central. It is inspiring to eat there and it is also very helpful as I don’t buy groceries!

What is your favourite activity?
I love to travel when I get the chance.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burger

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My friends broke into my house when I was in Grade 12 and woke me up as if I was being robbed. When I woke, I ended up screaming in an extremely high pitched sound and ended up sounding like a girl. What was worse is they videotaped the entire event and played it at grad!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
As a child I watched my mother work three jobs, it was very inspiring. Now as an adult, it drives me every single day.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Anytime we would go camping with our family was the best for me.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered by coaching youth hockey in Kelowna as well as giving back to the Universities by speaking and mentoring groups of grad students on marketing and entrepreneurship at both UBCO and Okanagan College.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Attitudes. The ripple effect of a smile is amazing. Too many people wake up unhappy, negative, or pessimistic. I just don’t see the point.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Cruiser Bikes along the waterfront.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The picnic tables at Quails’ Gate Winery.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Just to see the downtown core continue to develop. I live and work downtown. I want to see it become more attractive for business and residents. And, it already is.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I dream of owning a fishing lodge or resort one day. I think it would a lot of fun to work while others are vacationing at my resort.

What is the name of your business/organization?
GetintheLoop

What does your business do?
We provide businesses with an innovative platform and service that allows them to attract new customers. For consumers it’s the best way to receive and use great deals on their phones.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: Getintheloopca

Twitter: @GetintheLoopca

Where can people find your business online?
www.getintheloop.ca

Why did you get into/start this business?
Initially it was to help golf courses fill tee times. That soon turned into a passion for marketing and helping businesses succeed with our platform. Lastly, I was NOT cut out for corporate work.

What is the goal of your business?
Our 24-month goal is to become Canada's leading mobile marketing company. Currently we connect hundreds of businesses to tens of thousands of consumers each and every day. We want to connect tens of thousands of businesses to millions of Canadian consumers soon.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Trying to find balance. I am not sure I need to, because I love my work. But, I tend to spend quite a bit of time working.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think there are always ways that we could have done things better. But, you can’t change the past.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?
I think it is very important to financially support your community.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kyle Blanleil because his attitude and energy are something I try to replicate every day.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Lukas Siemon

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!