Meet Isa! Isa is originally from Jerusalem and started his journey to Canada in Toronto back in 1996. He made his way from eastern Canada to western Canada in 2009, settling in Kelowna.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Jerusalem, moved to Toronto as an international student in 1996. I have been living in Kelowna since 2009.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter Samia and my son Antone, they both keep me active and make me laugh. They are the reason why I always look for ways to improve as a husband and a father.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mad Mango. I love the food and the family who runs it.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Cuba, for the salsa dancing because that is how my wife and I met. I love the culture, the language and the food.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Snowboarding at Big White.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was seven years old, my oldest sisters always thought it was cute to put nail polish on my toes, which I once forgot to remove. I showed up for karate class and after removing my socks, ten red toes were waving at everybody. I never went back.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing my father building his business from scratch inspires me every day.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My father used to take us traveling every Sunday to a different destination, where all the family friends would get together and have picnics.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Last year I volunteered as a boxer in the Fight for the Kids 2 through the Los Gatos Locos/Madkatz Boxing Club and Fitness Centre.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Go back to the flip phone era.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Find an empty court and shoot some hoops.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Build a restaurant on the water. We have lots of clean lakes it would be great to utilize it.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The weather and the orchards.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to Africa.
Learn two more languages.
See my kids get married.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to spend the whole day in the kitchen making mediterranean appetizers and BBQ.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isa.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
What is the name of your business/organization?
Freedom 55 Financial.
Why did you get into/start this business?
The impact it has on peoples' lives.
What is the goal of your business?
Helping people establish a tailored financial structure.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Need more time in the day.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The past have made me who I am today, and I love it. I will make the same mistakes again.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Samia and Antone stop jumping on the bed and stop jumping on the couch. LOL.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don’t spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
LeBron James.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep mom and pop small businesses alive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting a family.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My wife, who has been so very supportive, taking care of the family while I am focusing on growing my business.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Winston Wong from Mad Mango.
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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