In Focus | Lynn Heinrich

Meet Lynn! She's a kind, sun-loving individual who has worked at SunRype in the Okanagan for many years.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I moved to Kelowna as a 6-year-old in 1971. Now you know how old I am.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Do I have to name one? I enjoy time with family, friends and our dogs. Spending time with my husband Lindsay is up there too.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bio Boro Boutique has a great vibe and the staff are so helpful.

Describe yourself in one word.
Kind - it's what I aspire to be as much as possible.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Panama - I've visited many countries but Panama is my favourite so far! Bocas Del Toro was so unique and Santa Catalina, Coiba Island will be a repeat visit to snorkel with 1000's of fish and a shark or two.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything in the sun. I find our winters a bit challenging so skiing at Big White helps to get above the clouds. Floating in a pool in the summer is a nice way to spend a day in the Okanagan.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh gosh - I've got a list and they are all long stories. This one might fit: back in 1996 I was at SunRype's IPO launch party and in front of the 100 or so people there I managed to hook my foot on the easel stand that was holding the very first SunRype share certificate. It was framed with glass and came crashing down to which the room went silent (cue crickets) and all looked at me...

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My children! (And working with Disney was pretty cool too).

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I had a pet raven named PJ. He fell out of his nest. I hand fed him and raised him up to a full sized adult. I taught him to fly by wrapping a towel around my bike handlebars where he stood and practiced flapping his wings until one day he just took off. Don't worry, he came back and live with my family for quite a while.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am the Past Chair of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. This will be my last year as I will have served my full term. If anyone's looking for a passionate volunteer or board member please give me a call.



If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd really like to resolve our homelessness issue here in Kelowna and around the world. I don't believe anyone chooses to become or to remain homeless. I'm attending an orientation session with HOPE Okanagan next month. I think homelessness for women is particularly scary.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain Dog park. I like to sit on the bench at the top and look out over the lake. I take my three dogs with me. They appreciate the view too.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd like there to be more Kelowna citizens willing to show compassion and tolerance for our homeless until a solution is found.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our history, our lake and mountains and our amazing future. Kelowna and the Central Okanagan has so much to offer.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Help establish a new business here in Kelowna,
2, Write and publish a book
3. Welcome grandchildren into this world.
You've got to make them "a stretch, but achievable".

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I completed the Across the Lake Swim in my 50th year. Swimming the 2km in open water was only part of the challenge. I also had to overcome a huge amount of anxiety. My late Mom was my inspiration to train and complete the swim. I figured if she could face down Alzheimer's I could conquer my fears too.



How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
LinkedIn: Lynn Heinrich
Facebook: Lynn Heinrich

What is the name of your business/organization?
SunRype.

Why did you get into this business?
I've worked for SunRype since 1993. It was my dream to move back to Kelowna, after University and working in Vancouver's advertising field. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had such a long tenure at SunRype. I've worked with great people, many of whom are still my friends. I currently manage our US business.

What is the goal of your business?
Make great tasting, healthy food and beverages for North American consumers.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
It's been extremely rewarding but not always easy to blend our family of 6 into the healthy and happy unit it is today.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
They'd be different. I try not to repeat mistakes so I figure I'd do those things differently.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need".

What is your best piece of life advice?
Take care of yourself first and then you can take care of others.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ricky Gervais, because it would be a laugh a minute and despite his sometimes off colour humour, I like the way he thinks.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Our local business owners are the reason our city is so full of vitality. They deserve to be supported.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lindsay McDonald (can you pick your husband). He's a fantastic Mortgage Broker with a heart of gold. I watch him work tirelessly to get his clients the very best deal.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lindsay McDonald

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for asking me to participate. I read KelownaNow's In Focus Forum regularly. It's been fun to answer these questions.

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!