In Focus | Stewart Vanderheide

Meet Stewart. He has lived in Kelowna for 18 years. He owns a social networking app that encourages people to meet and have a meal together.



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up at Cultus Lake. I have lived in Kelowna since 2000.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife and our 3 little kids. There's nothing like seeing the pure excitement in their eyes.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Okanagan Spirits.

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.



If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali. Those huts on the water look amazing.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything on the lake.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Besides my family, 2 major highlights would be winning the Canadian Bowl with the Okanagan Sun Junior Football Club and being a 2 time National Champion in Taekwondo. Just goes to show what you can accomplish with a goal and hard work.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I went to Space Camp in Florida when I was 12. We got to live and train like astronauts at the Space Centre. It was pretty cool.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Your Family Mortgage makes a donation to charity for every family we help get a mortgage.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish people could have an intelligent debate without it resorting to the sort of political divides we see now.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hike Pauls Tomb trail and go for a swim.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The overall cost of living. As a mortgage broker I see how difficult it is for young families to make ends meet.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Location, location, location.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- backpack Europe
- own a family cabin
- compete in an MMA event

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a country boy at heart.



What is the name of your business/organization?
LunchMeet & Your Family Mortgage

Why did you get into/start this business?
I like to help people live a better life.

What is the goal of your business?
Bring people together / help people achieve a dream.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Starting a new company with a family to provide for is always stressful.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Being an entrepreneur is a series of learning experiences.



What do you always find yourself saying?
Let's make it happen.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Richard Branson.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a small business owner myself, I understand that shopping locally helps local families.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My family.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Bryan Smith. He is the technology genius behind the LunchMeet App. I couldn't do it without him.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ty Summach

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have recently launched a Social Networking App called LunchMeet.
Social Networking for Real People.
You’ve finished school, focused on a career, you or your friends have moved, maybe you had kids along the way. How do you connect with people in your community?
Social Media – are we really connecting.
Events – you grab a card or exchange info, then what.
LunchMeet encourages groups to share a meal and socialize.

Is there a better and easier way to connect with interesting people?
• Maximum of 4 people
• Host your own Invitation Only LunchMeet
• Anyone can host or join a Mystery Meet
• They can be anytime, anywhere
• Restaurant discounts and loyalty rewards.

And best of all, it’s free to use!
Download it in the App Store or Google Play.

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!