In Focus | Jason Blucke of Investors Group Financial

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?
Jason Blucke

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Vancouver but I have lived in Kelowna for 22 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My close friends. They know who they are. I wouldn't want to offend any of them by singling one out.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
In the summer probably nowhere else but the Okanagan but in the fall I am heading to four countries in Europe and I would love to see Japan and the Maldives next.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are too many good local stores to choose narrow down one.

What is your favourite activity?
Golfing in the summer is my time to de-stress, hockey in the winter is time with friends and I really enjoy hiking with my dog or going for a bike cruise along the beaches and downtown.

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

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha nice try. My close friends would probably have a list but I will keep that to myself.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have had a close friend overcome cancer.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Getting on to the bus for a weekend hockey tournament out of town was always exciting. You would hop on the bus and be with your best friends at the back of the bus and family at the front. It was always exciting being so young and playing new teams, seeing new cities in Canada and the US and staying in hotels with your friends.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been a part of many organizations in the past like the Kelowna Jaycees who do a lot of community work and fundraising events for different organizations. Recently I was a part of the Investors Group Alzheimer's Walk for Memories in Kelowna which helps raise money for Alzheimer's. My grandfather passed away from this illness so it is one that is closer to me.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That is a tough one. I think there are too many problems in the world to focus on one thing. We are really fortunate where we live. I try to focus on the positive side of the news now. Most news is just so negative that it can drag you down with it if you let it.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
It has to be between being on a boat or wine touring.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Either the beach, Knox mountain or the golf course.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It would be nice if Kelowna had a more robust young professional and business community. I know that this is one of the areas the leaders of the city like our mayor are working on improving.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To have tomorrows newspaper. I think always staying a day ahead of the rest of the world would be a pretty special gift.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Jason Blucke - Investors Group Financial Inc.

What does your business do?
Financial Services for clients and businesses - Help clients reach and protect their financial goals as quickly as possible. - Wealth Management, Investment, retirement, insurance, group benefits, estate, education, debt management, tax planning.

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

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

Why did you get into/start this business?
My stepfather who is also in the business encouraged me when I finished playing junior hockey. I started my finance degree at Okanagan College and enjoyed and excelled at it so decided to make a career of it.

What is the goal of your business?
To help and add value to each and every client we come into contact with. If we can make someone's goals a reality or fears go away through our advice and services then we have done our job.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Keeping a proper work/life balance I think can always been a struggle but I feel the older someone gets the easier that struggle becomes.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
After my last year of junior hockey, I didn’t pursue a university hockey or potentially playing in Europe so I could move home and get going right away. I think that has always been a question mark of something I could have enjoyed my time doing a little longer but no I think that coming home when I did starting my career as early as I did has paid off and been a blessing.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We have great local people and great local talent in our city so shopping local provides jobs, creates wealth and stability for Okanagan residents, keeps growth close to home and allows this talent pool to stay and thrive in Kelowna rather than being forced to move to a bigger city where they may get lost in the crowd.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom Tracey Matthews. She has always been a huge supporter of mine and is still to this day always trying to make my life easier. She puts her kids and family ahead of her own needs. I owe her for any amount of success I have had in sports, school, career or personally.

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!