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?
Jonathan De Bruyne
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m originally from Belgium, but I grew up in Cayman Islands. My family made the move to Kelowna in 2003 and I haven’t left since!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My fiancé, Jessica, we’ve travelled South East Asia together for three months and every day was a new surprise. We always enjoy each other’s company and always find new adventures to go on. She’s truly my best friend and soon to be wife so I couldn’t ask for a better person to spend my day with.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Cayman Islands, I spent seven years of my childhood on these beautiful islands but haven’t had the chance to go back.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Kelowna Farmers market, there’s so much to choose from and the environment feels like a big community. It's supporting local and I know everything bought here is fresh and locally made.
What is your favourite activity?
This would be a toss up between baseball or soccer. All depends on my mood, do I feel like having a couple of beers while playing a sport or actually getting a work out?
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers, 100%. I’m still waiting for Kelowna to open an In-N-Out!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Embrace the embarrassment, but if I have to think of one time, in the second grade I had to use the bathroom right when a test started. I asked my teacher if I could please please go but her answer was no… I think you can figure out the end of the story!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Starting Kelowna Concierge, I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, but taking that first step and having all the support from friends and family has truly been an inspiring experience.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every Sunday my family and I would go to a resort on the other side of Grand Cayman where we would enjoy some well-earned family time and be tourists on the island.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I’ve participated in multiple fundraisers such as the Walk to Fight Arthritis, CIBC Run For the Cure, Walk for ALS and Bats for a Cause. I enjoy trying new fundraisers to meet new people and learn about the cause.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would teach people to be happy with who you are and what you have. I strongly believe the world would be a happier place if we all embraced what we have and who we have around us. It’s all relative to the next person, so taking a step back and enjoying life to its fullest would create a better place for all of us.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Bringing our guest out on my personal favourite tour, Brews and Views Okanagan Brewery Tour. As I love the craft breweries popping up around the Okanagan, I enjoy nothing more than bringing our guests there to share the experiences.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Cedar Avenue Beach Access. I spent countless hours studying here during my time at Okanagan College and find myself coming back to this spot to spend some alone time when needed.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The downtown core has significantly changed since I moved here in 2003 and I’d like to see this continue to grow. As we’re attracting more guests from all over the world, continuing this process will increase our exposure, create more jobs and bring us closer as a community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people! We were impacted by the Okanagan Mountain Park fire which was the first time I saw Kelowna come together to support each other in any way possible. No matter what events occur, our town continues to surprise me and the people that live here. No wonder we love calling Kelowna our home!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Ride in a fighter jet!
2) Train and complete a triathlon
3) Bungee jump
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’ve never held a baby! I’m an only child and my extended family lives in Belgium so I didn’t have many opportunities to hold a baby. When I turned 16, I promised myself I’d wait until I had my own child, which will be my first time.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kelowna Concierge.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started my hospitality career as a bellman, which I always enjoyed most. Creating memories, the interactions and watching tourists find out how amazing our beautiful city really is. After climbing the corporate ladder and realizing this isn’t why I got into hospitality, I took a step back and followed my dreams in a bigger picture and started Kelowna Concierge with my four best friends, Jessica Eldridge, Chad Haller and Jillian Wegner.
What is the goal of your business?
'We plan. You play' is our tag line and pretty much sums up our business. Our mission is to save our guests time by planning for them, so they have more time to enjoy the Okanagan Valley!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t start over! I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m currently exactly where I want to be in life. Without my experiences, mistakes and lessons I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Life’s too short to stress over the small problems so 'it is what it is.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My granny, she’s technically not my grandmother, but she raised me just as a grandmother would have. She was a neighbour who loved kids and would look after me multiple times a week. As I grew up we’ve always stayed in touch and she would be the sole reason of me travelling back to Belgium.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kelowna has a vast array of business to choose from, as we continue to grow, supporting local businesses and operators helps strengthen our community. This will allow Kelowna to thrive and bring economic value to our town.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Passing my private pilots license. My original goal was to become a pilot so after spending an entire summer learning how to fly, studying hours on end and finally taking the tests resulting in a pass was hands-down the most accomplishing feeling to date.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Luc De Bruyne from Kastel Homes Construction Company. As a father and a business owner he’s truly the definition of a hard worker. He’s always supported me in any decisions I’ve made and continues to be by my side in all aspects.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Cedric Younge, he's the front office manager at the Delta Grand Okanagan.
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.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
