Meet Karen! Karen has been living here in this beautiful city for 23 years now. She enjoys hiking the many scenic trails here in Kelowna, visiting the local wineries, and going on adventures with her husband.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
23 Years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband when we are off on our traveling adventures!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Our local wineries - I love to support our beautiful Okanagan wine industry and the browse the unique gifts they stock.
Describe yourself in one word.
Entrepreneur
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Machu Picchu - on my bucket list of the most amazing places in the world to see.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking in nature around Kelowna.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I wore two different shoes to work one day. They were both black but they weren't a match... I went and bought a new pair that morning..lol
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Travelling the world inpires me. We get to see some of the most amazing monuments in our travels. We live a modest lifestyle at home and spend our money on travel. I love to see how similar we are as humans on this side of the world compared to the other side. We all love our children, and smiling and laughing is a universal language.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family and friends. It was a regular occurrence to go group camping. We grew up loving hiking, nature, campfires and marshmallows. We in turn, took our kids camping and they are now camping as adults. I can't wait to camp with my future grandchildren.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
It is one of my true passions in life to give back to our community. I served on the Board of Directors for United Way for the maximum term of 6 years and I've been on the organizing committee for the Alzheimer's walk for the past 8 years. Each year I participate in Grad Transitions program at KSS & RSS and give to the Heart & Stroke Foundation & Central Okanagan Food Bank.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That people would do the right thing at all times no matter if anyone is looking or not.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The beach.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see all of our downtown core and Rutland be a safe and family friendly area 24/7. A place where businesses can thrive and you can go for a walk anytime and feel safe.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our tourism industry - we still need more!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I am a planner by nature so I am already living my bucket list. But if you ask me, what I want more of? More world travel to widen my understanding of the world, more time spent with close friends & family, and more opportunities to give back to our community.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was born in Edmonton, moved to Calgary and then Kelowna and would never go back!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
karenerickson.ca; Facebook (personal & professional page) & Linked In
What is the name of your business/organization?
IG Wealth Management - Karen Erickson/Kayla Caruana - Mother/Daughter Certified Financial Planning Team
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love sharing my knowledge of financial planning with people. We advocate that you need to have the CFP designation to call yourself a Financial Planner, and we both do. It is important to the consumer to know that who they deal with is qualified.
What is the goal of your business?
We are Retirement & Estate Planning experts. We love to help clients get all of their investments and financial & estate planning in order to give them the peace of mind they deserve!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Time - I feel I am a very efficient person but I need more time to do even more for those I care about.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
In business, I took the slow and steady path forward. If I were to do it again, I would have been more bold and confident in my skills and become an entrepreneur a decade earlier.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Do the right thing."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Put the work into whatever you are passionate about before expecting the results."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mentor in Vancouver. Without her, I wouldn't have the career I have or the leadership skills I have built. She is brilliant and positive and has the scope of experience and vision to help others achieve!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To build our Okanagan brand in this global marketplace.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a Certified Financial Planner and mentoring my daughter to achieve the same designation. She even one-upped me with her Business Degree in Finance!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband Richard. He was the one who told me that I could become an Advisor and cheered me on throughout my CFP. He even helped me build my business with his referrals. He is my biggest fan! Thanks, honey!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Roger & Jillian Wong - part owners of Intrigue Wines in Lake Country
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We live in the most beautiful place and we just need everyone to get involved to ensure we have a strong community now and into the future. Look for a place to give a helping hand and do it!
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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