Meet Mathieu Bédard. Mathieu is originally from Victoriaville, Quebec, but has called Kelowna home for over six years. He is an avid snowboarder who loves all the activities Kelowna has to offer.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m from Victoriaville, QC and have lived in Kelowna for 6.5 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My parents, I simply can’t choose one, it wouldn’t be fair. For me, spending time with my parents means time off, this is where I refuel myself, ask advice, create and share memories.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Spinco Kelowna. I have been a member for 1.5 years now. Some people think it’s an individual sport, but it’s completely the opposite. What I love about it is the feeling we get from pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones; we do this as a group.
Describe yourself in one word.
Communicative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece. I enjoy learning and there is a lot of history and culture there. The warm weather, amazing food and beautiful scenery greatly interest me. I feel it’s the exact vacation I need to take, eventually!!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Snowboarding at Big White; this is one of the reasons why I moved to Western Canada, to be close to the mountains.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There are lots, lol. One recently, I tore my suit pants just before a showing with clients!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I lost 70lbs in 7 months when I was 18. I went from 252lbs to 182lbs.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Boating on the Champlain Lake with my family; the lake reminds me a bit of Okanagan Lake.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
For the last 5 years, I have participated in raising funds for Motionball and for 3 of these years alongside with the KelownaHomes real estate team fundraising as a group.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Our tendency to judge people too fast. The famous quote “don’t judge a book by its cover” is so true. Especially in modern society, we live in today and the information available to us. It has become easier and easier to be judged and associated with.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I believe our local government is working on a solid plan to decrease the homeless in our city. Providing increased resources and services to help them move from the streets; this will be a very positive change. I would like to see the planning implemented in the next few years.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is becoming more of an Urban centre providing a greater number of services, activities, restaurants, events and festivals. We truly have an abundance - mountains, forests, lakes – all fantastic outdoor playgrounds less than 5 minutes from our City.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- A salmon fishing trip with my dad and brother.
- Travel the Oregon coast with my family.
- Go to six different ski resorts this winter.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m a clean freak. My house, my car and my office need to be clean at all time!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook: Mathieu Bedard or KelownaHomes.ca
Team Instagram: MathieuJBedard or KelownaHomes.ca
What is the name of your business/organization?
KelownaHomes.ca Team.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started real estate when I first moved to Kelowna because my parents said that I would be a good Real Estate agent. Six years later and with the help of mentors, coaches, team members and managers surrounding us, my business partner Christine Boisseau.
What is the goal of your business?
To help our clients save time, money and avoid any problems during the process of buying and selling Real Estate. To help realtors achieve their personal and business goals while keeping balance in their life.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Definitively balance between my personal and professional life. It’s so easy to get pulled in all directions if I am not focused.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
With the knowledge and experience that I have now, there are a few things I would tweak, but for the most part, I would do it the same again. We were very privileged to have the guidance of excellent mentors and coaches. They saved us a lot of time and energy.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Pardon my French. ;)
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don’t try to do it all by yourself, surround yourself with people you trust and have different strengths than you. Teamwork makes the dream work. Be open-minded and get a mentor and/or coach. Your biggest asset is yourself…take care of it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Gary Vaynerchuk, but at the same time, I want to say Ryan Serhant. Maybe I can have two?
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
From what I can remember, our community has the highest level of entrepreneurs per capita in Canada; it is therefore extremely important we support each other. With lots of amazing product to choose from, why not make sure that our money stays here.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
KelownaHomes Team hands down.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Every member of our team. It’s amazing what we have built as a group in less than 3 years. It’s amazing how much a group of people can achieve with a common vision.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Aaron Marsh & Lennie Rampone.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Not being from Kelowna, I am proud to say that Kelowna is home for me. I am extremely proud of where we are going as a community and love that so many organizations work together to better impact our future.
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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