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?
Dennis Wong.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I had lived in Edmonton, but I've lived in Kelowna since 2009.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Kim, because we have similar interests and ambitions.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico because we have been there twice before and the weather, beaches and food are fantastic.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Summit Tools because I have a tool fetish.
What is your favourite activity?
I love to golf.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Our family moved to Canada from England in the summer of 1980. I was 7-years-old at the time and I started school in September in grade four. Some time in the first week the teacher had me read a paragraph and the kids all started laughing. Apparently a Chinese boy with an English accent is funny.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Working after failing my first year of university. It made me realize that I have more to learn and offer so it inspired me to further my education.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing hockey with the boys every day after school. We played road hockey in the summer and pond hockey in the winter.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I really should volunteer.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish everyone had a home to go to.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Going to the beach!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My model train room. Working on my layout and running trains is my zen time.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
A bypass route to help relieve congestion on Harvey. During the summer traffic on Harvey, and even Springfield, is terrible.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The proximity to, and the availability of, outdoor activities.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
See the pyramids.
Dine at Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant in London, England.
Golf St. Andrews.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Quality Home Solutions.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was previously a teacher in Edmonton. When we moved here, I realized that I wanted to pursue something that I am passionate about, renovations.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide quality renovations and make someone’s vision become reality.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Having enough time and money to be able to do all the things that I want to do.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would wait a year or two after finishing high school before pursuing university. I would have liked to work and/or travel a bit.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Careful', I have made a lot of mistakes in the past and I have a lot of life experience so when I see my kids doing something that could potentially have a bad outcome, then I’ll tell them 'careful'.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I'd like to spend a day on a job site with Mike Holmes.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
With this day and age of online shopping, the traditional brick and mortar store needs all the help they can get.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having a great family, I have a beautiful wife and two awesome kids.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My wife Kim Orwaard-Wong. She is one of the smartest, most caring and hardest working people I know.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kim Orwaard-Wong
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Anyone interested in a bathroom/kitchen remodel or basement development should check out our webpage, Facebook page and contact us.
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.
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