Meet Joshua Laye and Christan Beharrell. Josh and Chris live in Kamloops and run Exceed Electrical Engineering Ltd. Both a curious, driven workers who enjoy spending time with family and hitting the great outdoors.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Josh: Grande Prairie, AB, 6 years.
Chris: Born and raised in Kamloops. Left for 4 years for school and returned right afterward.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Josh: My daughter (and wife, of course). She is incredibly energetic and fun to play with.
Chris: I like to hang out with my kids and wife. Kids grow up so fast, so I want to make these moments last.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Josh: I can't say I have a favorite. But, I have probably spent the most time in Home Hardware over the last couple of years as I renovated my backyard.
Chris: Probably KMS tools. I love a new tool and you can never have too many!
Describe yourself in one word.
Josh: Curious.
Chris: Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Josh: Costa Rica. I have wanted to visit Costa Rica for a long time. Culture and wildlife that is vastly different than home.
Chris: I’d head to Italy as it’s my heritage on my mom’s side and has always wanted to experience where they are from.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Josh: Open water swimming during the summer.
Chris: Having campfires near the surrounding lakes.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Josh: I ran away from school in elementary to avoid getting a flu shot. I walked home from school in town back to the farm. I don't like needles.
Chris: I get embarrassed on a daily basis.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Josh: Anytime I see someone come in last place at an athletic event. Not only did that person come out and participate, but the reception they receive at the end is often the best reception of the whole event.
Chris: How a little bit of salt can make anything taste so good.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Josh: My grandpa would host wheat threshing parties on the farm using his steam engine and antique thresher. There would be straw piles that the kids would play in, and music and food in the shop.
Chris: Spending the day packing hay bails in grandpas barn and going for supper right afterward on the beach down by the river.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Josh: I volunteer my time with the Kamloops Triathlon Club. I am part of the board of directors as well as assist with all the events that we host. We have incredible triathletes in town and it is exciting seeing everyone from new triathletes to seasoned triathletes compete locally and around the world. Shout out to all the Kamloops athletes who raced in Kona, Hawaii, this month!
Chris: In the past I have volunteered to deep fry a turkey to help the downtown homeless around Christmas time. It’s a humbling experience and everyone loves deep-fried birds.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Josh: Eliminate smartphones. They are great devices, but let's go back to the day where we play street hockey with others in the neighborhood, "borrow" a cup of sugar or flour from the neighbor and know all your neighbors more than just what they post online.
Chris: Make it a requirement that families should all eat together at the same table. That social interaction is important and we need to spend more time with each other.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Josh: Grasslands, Kenna, Stake Lake, or any trails I have not yet hiked.
Chris: One of the many coffee shops downtown. Our family ritually spends brunch at one of them every weekend.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Josh: The north shore is neglected by our City and needs attention. it's an incredible place to live and people should not be scared to visit.
Chris: I’d like to see more development in the downtown core to attract more people and businesses.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Josh: The numerous activities to do outdoors. We live in an incredible area.
Chris: The close-knit community feeling you get while living here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Josh: Go on a BBQ and whiskey tour of the southern US States. Race Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. Fly in a fighter jet.
Chris: Trip to Italy to visit my mom’s family. Camping trip across the USA with the whole family Finish my dog house. I built her a house 5 years ago and I still haven’t completed it. One of these days…
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Josh: I raised steers, a heifer, and showed a horse in 4H when I was young.
Chris: I put BBQ sauce on just about anything. I also make a trip to the USA just to buy good Olive oil.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Josh: Facebook: @JoshuaLaye. Instagram: @Tri2beReal. LinkedIn: @JoshuaLaye.
Chris: Mainly Facebook – I’m old school, but my wife recently got me into IG (see I know the lingo). @gonecountry55.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Exceed Electrical Engineering Ltd.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Josh: I've always had the entrepreneurial tick. It was a good time to pull the trigger and make it all happen.
Chris: I have a passion for engineering and wanted to take my drive to the next level. This is me trying to do just that.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to help increase the quality of life by engineering effective solutions. I also hope to give back by volunteering engineering time to local community needs and also needs in other countries.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Josh: Walking the tightrope dividing work and family time while juggling activities such as sports and volunteering.
Chris: Time is the great equalizer. If I could either sleep less or have more hours in a day I might be able to get something done.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Josh: “it is what it is.”
Chris: I’m a “yes man.” Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, but I always figure it out in the end.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Josh: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So choose wisely.
Chris: Try everything once. Food, ideas, it’s all relevant. You can’t judge your grandmas' fried green tomatoes until you’ve tried them.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Josh: I would like to have some cliche answer about some inspiring author or speaker, and there are a few that come to mind. But, I choose Gordon Ramsay. I like good food and I am sure he would be great to spend a day just learning and listening from his experiences.
Chris: Bill Gates. Somehow he has created one of the largest businesses in the world and turned it right around into a tool to give back to the less fortunate. That’s cool!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Josh: Simple. Local economic growth. Keep jobs and spending in town.
Chris: Having started more than one local business myself, I feel it’s important to support local.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Josh: Becoming a dad and completing an Ironman triathlon.
Chris: Hands down becoming a dad.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Josh: Patrick Waters. Challenging conversations on a regular basis keep me focused on moving forward towards success.
Chris: Gerald Harder. He is a guy that gives back to others way more than he ever takes. Secretly (until now), he is my role model.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Josh: Teague Brinkworth.
Chris: Janet Harder – she’s a passionate local businesswoman that has a magnetic personality.
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!
