More Than a Bottom Line
When people talk about business, they often jump straight to profits, projections, and performance metrics. And yes, those things matter. But over the years, I’ve learned that the real value of a business isn’t just measured by how much it earns, but by how much it gives back. That belief has guided me through decades of work and shaped the way I lead today. Giving back isn’t a side project. It’s part of the core mission.
I’ve lived in the Okanagan for years now. It’s a beautiful region with incredible people, but like everywhere else, it has its struggles, especially when it comes to food insecurity. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to support organizations like the Lake Country Food Assistance Society. Helping feed families in my own community feels like the most natural, necessary thing I can do, and I believe more businesses should build giving into their DNA from day one.
Where It All Started
I didn’t grow up wealthy. In fact, I was born on a farm where everything came from hard work. There were no shortcuts, no handouts. You learn quickly that when someone in your community is struggling, you step up. You lend a hand. It’s how we survived and how we thrived. That mindset never left me.
When I entered the business world, I brought those roots with me. Whether I was working with solar infrastructure, energy innovations, or product development, I always looked for ways to align my work with something more meaningful than just making a buck. Helping others, especially close to home, just made sense.
Why Local Matters
We often think about philanthropy on a global scale, and that’s important too. But there’s something especially powerful about helping people in your own backyard. The Okanagan isn’t just where I live. It’s where my family shops, where my friends raise their kids, where my neighbors worry about the same things I do.
Organizations like the Lake Country Food Assistance Society make a difference in very real, very immediate ways. They fill fridges. They relieve stress. They show people that they aren’t alone. Supporting them isn’t just charity. It’s an investment in the health and strength of our community. And when your community is stronger, so is your business.
Making Giving a Part of Business Strategy
One of the most common excuses I hear from business owners is, “We’ll give back once we’re more successful.” I get it. Especially in the early days, every dollar feels like it has to go toward keeping the lights on. But I’d argue that giving back shouldn’t come after success. It should help create it.
When you bake giving into your business model, whether it’s through donations, volunteer hours, or partnerships with local nonprofits, you do more than just make a difference. You inspire trust. You build goodwill. You show your customers and your team that your business stands for something.
It doesn’t have to be a huge financial commitment either. A monthly donation, a seasonal food drive, or matching employee contributions can go a long way. The important part is consistency and sincerity.
What It Looks Like in Action
In our work, we’ve donated to food banks, supported clean energy education, and built systems that help people live more sustainably. But one of the moments that stuck with me the most was when we sent a certificate of donation to the Lake Country Food Assistance Society. It wasn’t about the recognition. It was about setting an example.
When you’re in a leadership position, people are watching. Your team watches how you spend, where you give, and what causes you support. When they see that you’re committed to something bigger than your own bottom line, they’re more likely to take ownership and give back themselves.
It’s a ripple effect, and it starts at the top.
The Human Side of Business
At the end of the day, business isn’t just numbers. It’s people. It’s families. It’s communities. And if we’re not using our platforms to make life better for the people around us, then what are we really building?
Giving back reminds you of what really matters. It grounds your mission. It connects you to something real. And in times of uncertainty, economic downturns, political instability, or even just the everyday stress of running a company, that kind of clarity can carry you through.
A Call to Other Leaders
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur reading this, I want to challenge you. Don’t wait. Don’t wait until your business hits some arbitrary revenue goal to start giving. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to get involved. Start now. Start small. Start local.
Pick a cause that matters to you or your community. Reach out. Offer your support. Build giving into your goals, your budget, and your culture. You won’t regret it.
Purpose Is the Real Profit
I’ve spent a good chunk of my life building things like charging systems, energy platforms, partnerships, and teams. But the thing I’m most proud of is the way we’ve used those businesses to give back. That’s the legacy I want to leave.
In the Okanagan and beyond, I’ll keep working to support the people and organizations doing good work. And I hope more businesses will do the same. Because in the end, success means nothing if you’re not lifting others up along the way.