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In Focus | Greg Donskov

Meet Greg! He's passionate about supporting the arts here in the Okanagan, and often finds himself saying "Let's do coffee!"

<who> Photo Credit: Greg Donskov

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I have family here, so back and forth, but officially three years from Toronto.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
Angela, my partner, in this adventure called life! Along with my mother, she's got so much energy and there's never a dull moment.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Wentworth music being an active musician I'm always interested in current technology and am a gear head.

Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
With spring around the corner, Kelowna is a pretty great place to be. Just got back from Saint Martin, so an island in the sun with white sand would be all right. Growing up in Florida during my formative years meant the beach and water becoming very much part of my soul.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Playing music, and enjoying coffee walking past the downtown shops. I enjoy meeting people at my Open Houses and serving as brand ambassador of this awesome city.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was at an Open House previewing a property for my clients and realized my pants had ripped at the back. The multi-coloured boxers really tied it together. Ah well, you gotta laugh.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There's been many inspiring things that have happened in my life, which makes me feel very fortunate. During my residency in Los Angeles the band finished a set. Charlie Watts the pulse of the Rolling Stones walks up and complimented my performance. I then got to hang and talk drums with Charlie and later Ed Norton! Music has been a source of inspiration as it has provided me with the opportunity to travel worldwide throughout North America, Europe, Caribbean, Middle East and Asia. Music made it possible to hang out with some of my hero's in the industry, see the world and its culture while touring with Lollapalooza, Edgefest, and the Havana Jazz Festival.

Between the people I met of all walks of life and the folks I've worked with in my various incarnations, inspiration takes many forms. Most recently a very dear friend of mine reached out and told me he was diagnosed with a serious illness. He is an incredible human being and so young still, it made me feel very sad. He instead, focused on making a video diary for his baby daughter as she's growing up. Rather than tears of sadness, my friend focused on creating tears from laughter and joy. It got me thinking about how delicate life is and how important it is to strive and do the things that make you happy. Being grateful, choosing laughter and making a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive things and supportive people is critical, as time is a precious, non replaceable commodity.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was about 8 years old with my mother and grandmother at Gulfport beach in St.Petersburg, Florida. The seagulls were squawking, the sun was warm on my face, had my toes in the sand and I was building a sandcastle. I smelled the burgers cooking by a local restaurant hut that was on the beach. Next thing there's grandma and mom with fries and burgers in hand and we all sat and ate on the picnic bench. Life was simple then and as I get older I realize it's the simple things in life that makes me happy.

<who> Photo Credit: Greg Donskov

Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I play with Poppa Dawg outside of our busy gig schedule we make time to support and perform for charity. We have taken part in the Rock4Kids fundraiser over the years. I also more recently have organized the Kelowna Wealth Group already with over 77 active members. My objective was to create a knowledge exchange, identify common questions, concerns not only within real estate category but numerous financial verticals. I organize guest speakers, explore investment strategies, address current hot topics and trends. Those certainly the benefit of networking, but I strongly believe that this forum I've organized to share experiences and ideas helps build an informed and pro active city. Our demographic indicates this, as we have millennial's to retirees and the feedback has been very positive.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'm as guilty of it as everyone is. I love technology and social media outlets, however we could all benefit from more Facetime less Facebook more instaham less instagram.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Myra Canyon and Mission Creek Greenway love the views, taking photos or riding my bike.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see even more musical venues and unique eateries. Food and the creative arts serve as a delight to ones palate; but also serve as way for people to enrich their lives and minds, betterment for people is betterment for our community.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The views, the lakes, the people and the pace

<who> Photo Credit: Greg Donskov

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel to South America
2. Finish another solo album
3. Buy one more fixer upper investment property in lovely Okanagan.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm an avid photographer. Have produced and directed a documentary on professional gaming. In Los Angeles, I sang, wrote jingles, and composed tracks for CSI Vegas, Warner, Marvel having collaborated, recorded and performed with Grammy & Juno nominated artists such as: Masa Kohama, Simone Denny, Ed Ryuter"Sean Mendez", OLP, Gary Marks "John Scofield, Teresa Trull, Alice Cooper" to name a few.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Greg Donskov Kelowna Real Estate
Instagram: @gregdonskov
Website: www.gregdonskov.com

What is the name of your business/organization?
Greg Donskov Kelowna Real Estate Royal LePage

Why did you get into/start this business?
I always had an interest in real estate. I bought investment properties early on and was a photographer running a successful boutique digital company which served the top realtors & brokerages of luxury properties in downtown Toronto. Having moved around a fair bit, I empathize with my clients and the stress of the moving process. I believe my personal experience helps provide solid advice to save time and worry. I have had great success in finding my clients exactly what they're looking for the right price and best terms and conditions.

What is the goal of your business?
Ensuring my clients continue to receive the "VIP with GregD" experience. Helping people buy or sell their home while continuing to build my business from referrals exclusively as I have been from the start.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Lately balancing a regular fitness routine as my work, personal life and gig schedule keeps me busy. Thank goodness for the physicality of the drum-set and for the proximity of awesome hiking trails here!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing, it brought me to where I am, which is pretty awesome. Life for me is chapters and the journey is what makes it worth living.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Let's do coffee!

<who> Photo Credit: Greg Donskov

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Travel. It opens doors, educates and eliminates generalization.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Steve Gadd (got to hang with him a bit in LA. He's one of the most recorded studio drummers ever. I dig his playing, his energy and his humbleness as a brilliant, world class musician.

My grandmother, unfortunately not with us anymore, forever in my heart. She was such an inspiration, always made me laugh and feel special. Despite incredible obstacles, and formally residing in the repressive Soviet Union she maintained a sense of humour, gratefulness and always considered others before herself.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support local business, so they in turn help the community thrive and grow other business.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My clients calling thanking me and referring me business after their move,indicating how our collaboration made for a smooth transition.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Rick Halisheff he puts Kelowna on the map everyday with his music.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Rick Halisheff Poppa Dawg

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Support the arts it's integral!


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.

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. Thank you, Kelowna!



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