Meet Michael! Michael is originally from Lumsden, Saskatchewan and has been living in Kelowna for five years. On his free time, he enjoys carving up the mountain at Big White and sharing his music with others at local events.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Lumsden, Saskatchewan, I attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, lived and worked a gap year in Perpignan, France, spent over a year in Chicoutimi, Quebec, site of the Saguenay floods of 1996, and moved to Kelowna in 2014.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Lisa Kilgour. We are best friends, love to travel, host dinner parties, listen to music and get out in nature.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
QB Gelato. Seriously delicious eats. Should be illegal.
Describe yourself in one word.
Chill.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Up to Biggie. I’m at work and I have a mean friend who keeps texting me saying that the snow is amazing.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Attending or performing music at Red Bird Brewing’s Thursday night music event or playing a house concert at Skyhouse.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Missed the net on a penalty shot during a minor hockey playoff game knocking the Canadian flag off the back wall. It was a substantial miss.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I played the guitar and sang two songs with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo at a 2014 Juno party. Good harmonies. Right place, right time, lucky me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Lost Valley Trail Rides near Lipton, Saskatchewan when I was 5 and 6 years old. 3-day trail rides on horseback and wagon covering about 40km/day. A great family adventure inspiring a love of horses and nature.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was involved with the Kelowna Ogopogo Rotary Club for over 3 years helping out at the Annual Lobster dinner, playing music for the children’s Christmas concert and accompanying exchange students at outdoor events.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Bring back the Kelowna Regatta.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I’d ride my bike up to the first level of Knox Mountain Drive, take the short bike path, then coast down Royal View Drive to Mountain Ave, Kelview Drive, Cerise Drive down to Clement. Fun cruise, almost no pedalling on the way down.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Slow down 5G wireless rollout that is underway. Firefighters in the US and Canada have effectively lobbied to prohibit installation of these powerful devices close to fire stations due to proven drops in cognition, memory and judgment. Also, California residents complained that recent wildfires destroyed 5G wireless installations shutting down communication capabilities in times of emergency. Underground fibre optic lines are preferable, provide instantaneous internet and are not hazardous to health.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Many cool people, gorgeous mountains, great craft beer, fresh, local produce, entrepreneurial economy, easy airport access, a monster in the lake, Biggie, Knox, New Arts Collective...
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to India and Iran, build a 3D printed home and play a gig at The Dream Cafe in Penticton.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I play a lot of live music, won the 2017 Okanagan Singer-Songwriter contest and really love the 80’s hard rock band Whitesnake.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, YouTube (Huber Mortgage and Michael Huber Music), LinkedIn, Instagram @michaeljohnhuber
What is the name of your business/organization?
Huber Mortgage - a member of the Verico Compass Mortgage Group.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To master the craft and challenge myself to build a professional business and conscientiously serve the people of my community.
What is the goal of your business?
Help people avoid mortgage pitfalls, educate and save people money through professional mortgage techniques and strategies and get their mortgages funded with as little stress as possible.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Confidence and self-esteem. Public speaking and performing live music has helped with this. Learning to flow and trust.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Obviously, I would change certain aspects and correct some mistakes that I made. But life teaches us lessons and I am a better person for having faced the challenges.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Relax.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Forget your head. Listen to your gut. It sees into the future."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Russell Brand
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I really try to focus my spending on local artists and shops. Food from local producers, Christmas gifts from the craft fair, local breweries, wineries, etc. It’s important because the quality is better and it supports my friends and community members.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Learning a second language. Having the ability to converse with people on their home turf and debate perspectives is immensely rewarding.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lisa McIntosh at Urban Harvest. Local business, organic food delivered to your door, she treats her team really well.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Vince Eger, Kodiak BC
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Shameless self-promotion...With over 7 years of lending experience, specializing in residential, construction and commercial mortgage finance, I excel in finding the right mortgage contract for each client. My background is in mortgage lending and administration as well as economics and communication. I successfully manage diverse client needs across Western Canada’s ever-evolving economic and real estate environment. Let’s find YOUR estimated mortgage payment.
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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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