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In Focus | Tillman Hodgson

Meet Tillman! He's lived in the Okanagan for over 7 years now and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

<who> Photo Credit: Tillman Hodgson

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
We moved to Kelowna in 2013. Born in the Peace River region, we were living part-time in Regina and part-time in the Kootenays — a lot of driving!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Tracy. I have the good fortune to be married to someone who is both my best friend and my business partner. She shares a love of adventure that has taken us on some pretty amazing experiences.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Landmark Clothier. I’m a fan of classic gentlemen’s style and Dale really knows how to make a gentleman look like one.

Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Glacier Bay. It’s on my bucket list of places to experience, and with the glaciers retreating quickly, every day there’s a little less to see.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Boating on Okanagan Lake, most weekends between mid-March and mid-October.

<who> Photo Credit: Tillman Hodgson

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
In the early days of the Internet, I used to host a cable TV show that answered tech questions. One episode, we had planned to use a Star Trek theme and had rented Star Fleet costumes for everyone to wear. Unfortunately, I was the last one to arrive — just minutes before we went live — and so I had to use the last suit left. It was about 2 sizes too small, and so I spent the entire show trying to keep a desk, plants, and whatever else I could find between me and the camera. It was a total gong show. However, it did get me over the last remaining fears I had about something embarrassing happening while I was giving a presentation as no fear could possibly top that reality.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing the world from the top of Bear Tooth Pass by motorcycle, 3300 meters above sea level and with a view down into Yellowstone that seemed to go on forever. It looked and felt like the planet was still young and untouched. It was a very moving experience for me.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My grandmother's backyard. Because she lived so far away, I only saw her during summer vacation. One year I mentioned how much I liked raspberries and peas in the pod. The next summer when I arrived, I discovered that most of her backyard had been tilled and planted with raspberries and peas in the pod. She never said anything, but she didn’t need to.


<who> Photo Credit: Tillman Hodgson

Where do you volunteer or give back to the community?
I’m very active volunteering on the board of the Kelowna Yacht Club and also with the CPS, which teaches vital boat safety skills across Canada. I’m also a supporter of the 100 Heroes, which I think is a great approach to connecting donors and community non-profits.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The world is pretty amazing, and I wouldn’t want to change something only to find out that it was part of what kept everything balanced. But perhaps if humankind’s existing capacity for solving problems could be made to consistently exceed its capacity for causing them, that might be a good thing for everyone.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I rarely want to be alone so I don’t have a default place to go. Maybe a book store?

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
For the tech sector to continue to grow. Diversifying our jobs and buffering the seasonal tourism cycle seems like it could do a lot to improve the liveability of our city.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It’s a combination of the culture and the nature of the region. There’s so much to see and do here, without having to travel. And the climate, lake, and ALR make the city feel green and connected to the land.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Seeing Glacier Bay by boat.
2. Seeing a MotoGP race live, ideally in Australia.
3. And going to the Montreal F1 race ... which I get to check off the list this June!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I tell terrible jokes, puns even. Just kidding, everyone knows that about me.

<who> Photo Credit: Tillman Hodgson

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Seekingfire Consulting, Inc.

Why did you get into this business?
I was part of building a provincial ISP in the 1990s when high speed Internet was still a new thing. After a while it became clear to me that building the plumbing was less interesting than helping businesses use it effectively and securely. So I pivoted and have been focused on information security ever since.

<who> Photo Credit: Tillman Hodgson

What is the goal of your business?
We help organizations with information security, privacy and compliance. In the early days of the Internet it was all about sharing information, but now it’s about protecting sensitive information.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Maintaining a good work/life balance. I’m getting better at it, but taking time for myself still doesn’t come naturally.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I often think that there are lots of things that I would change, but if I did I’m not sure I’ll still end up being who I am. Sometimes you need a little salt to taste the sweet.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I often say “and here’s why." I’m fascinated by how things work and why they work that way, and those are often the stories I end up telling.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Trying and failing hurts a lot less than people fear it does. It’s the mechanism through which learning works.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk. He dares much more than most with SpaceX, and that would make for a very interesting day of conversation.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Thinking optimistically that I have many more years on an upward trajectory, I’m hoping that it’s yet to come!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
John-Gary Aylward, just for being who he is.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Gord and Valencia Hynes.


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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