In Focus | Jace Anderson

Meet Jace! Jace is originally from Manitoba and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for six years now. He enjoys being outdoors taking advantage of the many activities that Kelowna has to offer, and spending some quality time with his girlfriend.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Flin Flon, Manitoba and have been in Kelowna on and off for 6 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Truly anyone who wants to go outside and explore our awesome mountains but usually that's my girlfriend Rylee filling that spot.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are soo many, Bicycle Cafe is one of my go-to lunch spots but any of the delicious downtown restaurants could top the list depending on the day.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
All this talk of Iran in the news had me looking up pictures and looking into the rich history & architecture which definitely peaked my desire to check it out.


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything outside that gets my adrenaline going, from mountain biking in Smith Creek to climbing up in Kettle Valley.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
A younger Jace didn't think the cigarette lighter wouldn't heat up with the car turned off and didn't register the glowing metal coils before jamming my thumb into it... lots of tears.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In all honesty, both my parents are awesome but my dad has consistently inspired me. He worked hard his entire career but never complained or brought any of it home. His disposition and ability to laugh at himself is one of the many traits I try to carry with me.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
So many to choose from but growing up in a small northern town, we played hockey on the bunk (outdoor rink) everyday for 14 hours in -40 degree weather. Those days you don't even feel the cold were always some of the most fun.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I recently volunteered with the awesome group at Elevation Outdoors. We took some kids from Kelowna and West Kelowna rock climbing over 6 weeks and it's safe to say I'm hooked. Will definitely be volunteering for the next program they run (hiking then snowboarding!).

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think affordable or free education, both primary and continuing, gets at the root of many of the worlds major problems.


Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Fintry Falls

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
In general, I would like to see more tolerance and acceptance towards people, whether it's their living situation, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The small local businesses.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Wingsuit the "Crack" Gorge in Switzerland
2. Start a non-profit
3. Swim/Bike/Run an Ironman

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I played trumpet in elementary school for 3 years.


How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Email or text will get you a response fastest but any of the socials work well.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Active.ly

Why did you get into/start this business?
When I moved here from the prairies, I wanted to do everything our natural playground had to offer but found it was harder for a beginner to get started compared to team sports and urban rec.

What is the goal of your business?
To get more people out adventuring, mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding and their adrenaline pumping.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing it all.


If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I like the way it's all worked out, would be hard to change anything.

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

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Better to try and fail than not try at all."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tim Ferriss, I don't think anyone has learned more from so many different people than Tim. He does a great job of distilling it down and giving an unbiased insight into the people he meets.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Ignoring the fact that they usually create the best products, it's nice to see the money you're spending going back into the local community.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Easily starting a business, so challenging and I'm still learning every day.


Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mitch and Kurt from Thick as Thieves Entertainment. They have Denim on the Diamond coming up and they've set it up to be even better than last year!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Matt Gomez

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!