In Focus | Sean McHugh

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?
Sean McHugh.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Vancouver B.C., but I have lived in Kelowna for seven years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Melissa, because every time I'm around her I remember I won the lottery of a happy life.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bohemian Cafe, the food is off the yummy charts.

Describe yourself in one word.
Fun.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
So many places I'd like to go but since it's so cold right now I'd like to go back to Cuba. We've been there once and the people and culture were fantastic but also it was magnificently hot this time of year.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Aside from being on our training mats, it's probably enjoying a walk with a hot coffee in our beautiful city.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Uhm... lets just say I'm thankful there weren't camera phones when I was younger. :)

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Helping people who constantly say "I can't" to saying "I can" and then achieve their goals.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I wasn't a strong kid in school. When we had a weight lifting class a lot of the kids laughed at me because I was one of the weakest kids. I started to use my brother's dumbbells in grade 6, by grade seven I had built my own little gym at home, by grade 9 I was paying for my own gym membership. Then in grade 12, I represented BC in the Canadian games for Olympic weightlifting.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Every day I'm thankful for my health, my family and wonderful friends in my life so I do my best to be a positive member of our community.

PacificSports Okanagan - is a non-profit organization to help get kids active. I'm involved in teaching wrestling, self-defence and functional body moments classes.
Kelowna Food Bank - I do a Christmas collection of food and toys. I also do small events and charge non-perishable food items to go to the food bank.
Kelowna Women's Shelter - I'll do self-defense seminar and give the proceeds to the shelter.
The Elizabeth Fry Society - I just did a small self-defense demonstration for their Take Back the Night March. I also plan to do more events with them in the new year.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to show a little more empathy for our fellow human beings. The world would be a better place if we showed a little more compassion, kindness and love as this will always surpass hating another person.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Bean Scene, I love to take a few moments to enjoy a mocha and a sandwich!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Housing is a big problem. I've lost members as they had to move because they couldn't find any or afford to live here.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the scenery and the weather

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
It's hard to narrow it done as I have a lot of goals, but let's say:

1. Learn a second language
2. Learn to play an instrument
3. Have a trip on every continent - I've been on 3 so far

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can tear-up watching a movie.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
First Strike Martial Arts but we have joined an international team and will be rebranding as Alliance.

What is the goal of your business?
To inspire people with a healthy lifestyle.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Some days your confidence can be a little low when times get tough. Then I look in the mirror and tell myself I only have one life to live so get out there and live the best life you possibly can.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
As you get more experience in business or older in life you can look back and say I would do many things differently. Learn from it and move on.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I was just told today I say "this is another fun one" with a smile just before I demonstrate a submission hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class.

Tell us your best piece of life advice?
Share your knowledge and share a smile.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My wife Melissa! As we have 2 small businesses to run sometime we don't get a lot of 'us' time. So we always take full advantage to have a full day to unplug and enjoy the day together.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We all have a budget to live on but if you don't invest in your community, who will?

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Earning my Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Black Belt from one of the worlds highest ranked Instructors Master Marcus Soares.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Christopher Russel of CJR Acupuncture. Not just because he nominated me the In Focus profile but because he represents the Kelowna community. A small businessman with a beautiful young family doing his best to bring positivity and health to his community.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Taylor Kolar of TWP Fitness. Taylor and her family are the owners of TWP fitness. Taylor and her family have done such a wonderful job promoting health & wellness but also have help fundraise and support many local charities here in Kelowna.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Get out of your comfort zone and you'll be surprised at what you can do. Now get out there and do it toady!

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.