Meet Bill Soukoreff! Bill is from Calgary but moved to Kamloops last year. He is a loyal man who enjoys hiking and checking out the local art scene!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Born in Calgary. Relocated to Kamloops last year after spending some time in Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert and Kitimat.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Eva. Her love of art, nature and animals is inspiring.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
It is a tie between Red Beard Cafe for their world-class tap selection and great food and Amplified Cafe for coffee.
Describe yourself in one word.
Loyal.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Soy, Wallonia, Belgium. To visit Fantôme, a small brewery specializing in farmhouse ales.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking and enjoying the local art, craft beer and third-wave coffee scene.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once had a dream that was so real, I believed it was reality and that caused a lot of public humiliation!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My wife and I spent 5 years volunteering in Paraguay, South America. A place few people travel too. We came back as different people. But, in a good way!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I spent most of my childhood in Ireland which was very poor at the time. We didn't have toys, but we invented complex and imaginative games. It was a great time and place to just be a kid!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My wife and I privately mentor individuals and also small groups. We provide training, support, life coaching, and business development. Eva and I are also looking forward to volunteering at the Kamloops Court House Gallery this spring.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Elimination of unsafe cleaning chemicals and the associated "greenwashing." Everyone is affected by poor indoor air quality and dermal absorption from cleaning chemicals and their residue. Try this little test: In the morning take a clove of garlic, cut it in half and rub the wet garlic on the bottom of your barefoot, then get dressed. Within 24 hours you will taste the garlic in your mouth.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Amplified Cafe and the river.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
The continued support of small local business.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
First, the people! We were worried that we wouldn't find the same down to earth, openness and friendliness that we experienced in NW, BC. Second, the amazing, panoramic views!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Spend a whole winter on North Beach in Haida Gwaii storming watching with my wife.
2. Spend a day brewing a Saison with Bob Sylvester at Saint Somewhere Brewing Company.
3. Get a glass of Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My love of low watt, vacuum tube audio equipment.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
https://www.instagram.com/tapestryfinecarpetcleaning/, https://www.facebook.com/tapestryfinecarpetcleaning/, https://twitter.com/PlantBasedClean, https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsoukoreff/
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tapestry Fine Carpet, Rug & Upholstery Cleaning.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Passion for safe and natural plant-based cleaning technology, indoor air quality and love for wool rugs.
What is the goal of your business?
Share my 30-year' experience and love for safe & natural, plant-based cleaning technology and high-efficiency (HE) cleaning systems that excel in water and energy conservation.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Being a perfectionist.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Good enough is the enemy of all progress."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Show kindness to everyone, in every situation and at all times.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Spend a day brewing a simple Saison with Bob Sylvester at Saint Somewhere Brewing Company.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Make no mistake. Local businesses are the lifeblood of a community. We lived in a small city where all the local business closed down. It was very sad to see how it negatively affected the community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Married for 30 years!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Daniel Houghton, the owner of Amplified Cafe for bravely bringing, no compromise third wave coffee to Kamloops.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Daniel Houghton (Amplified Cafe).
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, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
