In Focus | Luigi Mastrobuono

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?
Luigi Mastrobuono.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Nelson BC, but have been happily living in Kelowna since 2008.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have to say my girlfriend because with how busy of a life I lead, she keeps me grounded.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere with white sandy beaches and fruity cocktails with tiny umbrellas.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love the local Farmers Market next to Orchard Park Mall, its a great place where you can find unique items from local entrepreneurs.

What is your favourite activity?
Basketball or golf, but if I can be out on the water, I love paddleboarding and kayaking.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Sorry, I didn't hear anything after you said pizza...

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ha! Well this is a long list, but one I can laugh about now is getting hit in the groin-area with a basketball three times in one game.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Just watching my parents work hard and sacrifice so they could retire early. I think having them as an example has inspired me to adopt the same mentality and work ethic.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Definitely my first youth soccer game when I was eight. Growing up Italian, there is definitely an emphasis on soccer as part of our culture, especially with my dad. I remember being really excited and nervous before it because I wanted to play well so my parents would be proud. I ended up scoring two goals that game and seeing my parents faces afterwards still stays with me.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Kelowna is a community that has given me so much and I try as much as I can to return the favour. Right now my focus is on helping revive the basketball programs at Okanagan College by volunteering on the Kelowna College Basketball Society.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I don't like how fear is being used to spread intolerance. Sometimes it feels like we are going backwards in how society can generalize certain cultures as a result of listening to propaganda. I wish everyone could look past a person's appearance and pay more attention to the merits of individual character.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Boating in the summer, hands down.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There are so many quiet, little parks in Kelowna, and they are great places to be alone with your thoughts.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more young people go out on a limb and follow their professional aspirations. Driving more local business is awesome.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I'm a pretty simple guy I would just want everyone around me to have a stress-free and happy life.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a huge nerd and have an addiction to Jeopardy.

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Dino Gini Group.

What does your business do?
Real Estate.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love working with people, I have always been a very social person. My girlfriend always bugs me that wherever we go I know someone.

What is the goal of your business?
As a realtor, my goal is to ease the process of buying and selling your home. I want to remove any stress and give people the best quality experience.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I have a tendency to obsess over accomplishing my goals, and sometimes I have to remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change anything, I am happy with who I am as a person and I think I am a product of all my experiences, successes and failures.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Driving local business drives a strong community. We need to support each other because as Kelowna grows, we grow

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'm going to have to give a shout-out to Jeff Van Dolah, for making a tough decision to switch careers to pursue his goal of working with youth.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Savannah Scott at RBC.

Other information you would like to share:
My grandfather always told me making friends is the most important thing you can do in life. I love connecting with new people, and again, it can help drive local business. Cheers everyone!

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.