The Foundation That Keeps Me Grounded.
When people ask what keeps me going after decades of building businesses, tackling setbacks, and finding success, my answer is always the same: it’s faith, family, and food. These three pillars have shaped not only who I am, but how I lead, work, and give back. They’ve grounded me during hard times and reminded me of what really matters when things are going well.
In a world obsessed with hustle and hypergrowth, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper reasons why we do what we do. But for me, these three values have remained constant. They aren’t just personal—they’re professional. They influence how I run my companies, how I treat people, and how I think about the legacy I want to leave.
Faith: Leading with Purpose and Integrity
I didn’t come from money. I was born on a farm where every day started early and every chore mattered. That’s where I learned the value of faith not just in a spiritual sense, but in the belief that doing the right thing matters even when no one is watching. That belief has followed me through every chapter of my life.
Faith gives me direction when things get murky. In business, there are always shortcuts you could take or fast wins you could chase. But I’ve always believed that success without integrity isn’t really success at all. Faith reminds me to treat people with honesty, to stay humble in victory, and to keep showing up even when the road gets tough.
It also gives me patience. Not everything moves at the pace we want it to, especially when you’re building something meaningful. But having faith, whether in a higher power, in your team, or in your own resilience, gives you the strength to keep going.
Family: The Heart of Everything
At the end of the day, all the business success in the world doesn’t mean much if you don’t have people to share it with. My family is my anchor. They’ve supported me through career pivots, new ventures, and plenty of long days and late nights. They keep me grounded and remind me of who I’m really working for.
Family teaches you empathy. It teaches you how to listen, how to be patient, and how to show up even when it’s inconvenient. And those lessons transfer directly into how I lead my teams. I don’t believe in leadership that’s all about power or control. I believe in leadership that’s about service, and that mindset comes from being a father, a husband, and a son.
When I think about success, I don’t just think about revenue or recognition. I think about time at the dinner table. I think about being present. I think about raising the next generation to be kinder, stronger, and more compassionate. That’s the kind of legacy that matters to me.
Food: Nourishing Body and Community
Food might seem like an odd pillar to build a life and career around, but to me, it makes perfect sense. Food brings people together. It’s at the center of family traditions, community events, and everyday moments of connection. And in a place like the Okanagan, where I’ve spent so much of my life, food is tied to both culture and care.
Supporting food banks like the Lake Country Food Assistance Society has become a key part of how I give back. I believe no one should ever have to choose between paying the bills and feeding their family. That’s why I make it a priority to donate, support local efforts, and encourage other business owners to do the same.
Giving food is about more than nutrition. It’s about dignity. It’s about kindness. It’s about reminding people that they’re not alone. That matters just as much in business as it does in life.
In my own home, food is also how we slow down and reconnect. After a long day, sitting around the table with my family is one of the most important things I can do. It doesn’t just feed the body. It feeds the soul.
Blending Values and Business
Some people try to keep their personal life and business life separate. But I’ve always believed they should inform each other. The values you hold at home should show up in the way you lead, the way you serve your customers, and the way you treat your employees.
Faith, family, and food show up in every part of my business. They’re in the way we build long term partnerships instead of chasing short term profits. They’re in the way we support our team’s well being, not just their productivity. And they’re in the way we use our resources to lift others up, especially right here in the Okanagan.
When your business reflects your values, it becomes something you’re proud to stand behind. It becomes more than a company. It becomes a force for good.
A Life That Feeds Others
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that success means very little if it’s not shared. A meaningful life isn’t just about what you build. It’s about how you use what you’ve built to serve others. That’s what faith, family, and food have taught me.
So wherever you are in your own journey, I encourage you to think about your pillars. What keeps you grounded? What do you want to be known for? And how can your business reflect the things that matter most?
For me, it’s faith. It’s family. And it’s food. They’ve given me purpose, direction, and joy. And I believe they can do the same for others.