In Focus | Les Bellamy

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?
Les Bellamy.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Prince George and raised in Armstrong. I took the opportunity to move to Kelowna in 1989 and call it home.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Wonder Woman, as in 'I wonder why this woman has put up with me for 19 years', my bride, Pat.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to experience the modern architecture and creativity of Dubai. Just search Burj Khalifa; anyone who can get a building that high, and get it to stay up, deserves a lot of credit.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
MacDermotts on Bernard by far. They remember who you are by name and what you bought a year ago. They truly are the description of customer service.

What is your favourite activity?
Golf is my favourite activity. Ironically, it also my most frustrating activity.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Yes please!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I believe building my new office below the Kelowna flood plain is about to become a real contender.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I met Pat, she told me I would be successful at anything I took on. So, I quit my job and started my own company.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Putting together our first rock band and performing in our high school foyer

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We are involved in the Wish Come True Society, The Ride to Reach Motorcycle run and assisting underprivileged children to play in organized sports. Also, for every new client we work with, we donate $250 to the charity of their choice.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For John Lennon’s song, 'Imagine', to become a reality.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Golf in the morning, Harley ride in the afternoon and a walk to our local eateries in downtown Kelowna in the evening.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
To be truly alone, I would go to a Donald Trump appreciation night.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I am very proud of the city Kelowna is becoming and current administration is headed in the right direction overall. We all want to see better social conditions, but arguably that comes from provincial and federal levels more than a municipal level.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. Just take a walk down the board walk and soak it in.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I don’t have a bucket list. I am happy with the things I do, the people I know and the things I have.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I volunteer managing an international gaming site online, but I am not a gamer.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Personally and a little Facebook.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Bellamy Homes.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I got into the business by accident, but quickly realized I loved it. There is so much satisfaction creating a home for someone.

What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to be better than yesterday – everyday.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle is balancing my passion for my work and my life. When you love your work as much as I do, it is hard to remember it is not life.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I can’t imagine being happier than I am right now. I have an amazing wife, loyal friends and a team of professional tradesman beside me. What more could a guy ask for? I would do it all over just the same.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.' Kurt Robinson told me that when I was 21 and it has always stuck.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Politics aside, Barack Obama. He appears to have a good sense of humour, genuine opinions and he's a great speaker. He just seems like a real cool cat.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
A strong local economy depends on strong local support.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
In 2015 our team was awarded 'Small Business of the Year' by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Six months later, we were awarded 'Builder of the Year' by the Canadian Home Builders Association. I am proud to be surrounded by such an amazing team of people.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jeanine and Roger Dionne. They raise two autistic children and always have time to help anyone else when they need it.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Justin O’Connor.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks to KelownaNow for making me take the time to stop and reflect on myself. I think I will take the rest of the day off.

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.