The Road Less Traveled: How losses and triumphs carved my path.

My Story

I was born and raised on the outskirts of Vancouver. My life has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, losses, and unexpected turns. Today, I'm a successful entrepreneur with a heart for philanthropy and a passion for helping others.

My journey has taken me from delivering pizzas, construction, real estate and helicopters to running thriving businesses and even dabbling in the world of film. Through it all, I've learned the power of resilience and the importance of following your own path. Here is a bit more of an in-depth back story of myself to better understand me.

The Losses That Shaped Me

In 2009 and 2010, I experienced the most challenging times of my life. I lost my dad to a lung infection, and shortly after, my mom to lung cancer. Six months later, I lost two close friends in a car accident. These profound losses became a turning point, pushing me to reevaluate my entire life. My mom died just months before she was set to retire. I couldn’t continue down the same path I was on. I couldn’t risk the same thing happening to me. What was the point of life if you don't get to enjoy it to its fullest in your younger years? Why should you have to wait until you retire to try to enjoy life? What if that doesn’t come? I knew that I needed to make a change, break out of the norm, and go down a completely different path.

Exploring the Corners of the Globe

Travel has played a significant role in my life. It has provided much needed clarity, inspiration, and a chance for me to breathe. A chance to grieve. By stepping out of my daily routine and immersing myself in wild new cultures and environments, I've found that my perspective changes and my problem-solving skills are enhanced. From tuktuk races in Bangkok and wine tours of the Douro valley, to ringing in the new year under the Eiffel tower and the Sydney bridge, these journeys have given me time to reflect on my life, goals, and dreams, and make hard decisions with a renewed sense of purpose. The experiences and relationships I have made while traveling have enriched my life. As I continue to explore new corners of the world, I'm reminded of the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and open to the endless possibilities in the universe.

Taking Action and Embracing Opportunities

Knowing so profoundly that I couldn't risk going down the same path as my parents, I pursued my dreams of business ownership and financial freedom. Business ownership was going to be my golden ticket to the life I needed so badly.

I started by buying, renovating, and renting out properties, igniting my passion for real estate. As I continued working at my construction job, I knew I needed a change, so I decided to further my education and explore new opportunities. This sent me to Vancouver Island for the next chapter of my life. I was the first person in my family to pursue a post secondary education.

The Path to Business Ownership

Returning to the pizza business with a part-time job while attending university, I quickly learned everything I could about that business and became determined to own a franchise. I worked extremely long and hard days to prove myself and get every piece of knowledge I needed. I did everything I possibly could to save every dollar I was making, convince banks and the franchisor of our worthiness, and soak up every piece of information I could about the business.

In 2016, after a long bumpy road, I achieved the dream of business ownership. My business ventures have since allowed me to have freedom, create a lasting impact in my community, employ hundreds of individuals, and pursue my philanthropic endeavors, plus a heck of a lot more. It obviously has come with immense struggles, pain, and stresses along the way that I will write more in-depth about.

New Passions

In 2022, I ventured into the world of film, taking on background acting roles in various productions. I wanted to do something completely different from the pizza industry and throw myself outside of my comfort zone. I also needed a break from decision making for a bit.This new experience has inspired me to consider future involvement in the industry, and I am excited for when that time comes!

I have now ventured into the world of writing. I want to build the skills to be a better writer to share my stories.

Giving Back and Building Community

My journey has instilled a deep commitment to philanthropy and to my community. I volunteer weekly at a local non-profit feeding nutritious food to children in the school system, and serve as a director at other non-profit organizations. It is interesting to me how volunteering and philanthropy is the most selfless thing you can do, but also the most selfish. The rewards that you get from giving your time, knowledge, and money to others has such a profound impact on you. Volunteering has opened up so many different doors for me. I have met so many amazing humans through these efforts.

Relationships

There was a time shortly after buying my first business that something changed in my mind. For all of my life I wasn't interested in a relationship. I wanted to focus on me and thought a relationship would complicate that. I had so many goals that I wanted to accomplish and knew a huge portion of me was going to be directed towards a relationship. I decided to put myself out there more, and immediately found my now partner, Brian. My priorities shifted right away in the beginning of our relationship. It was always business first, everything else second. Now it was relationship first, everything else after that. 100% worth the shift though. We have been together 6 years now. I would be pretty lost without him.

I believe in the power of sharing your journey, life lessons, and mistakes with others. Everyone should! I love to inspire people to overcome challenges, step out of comfort zones, and make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of others.

I wish that when I was in the thick of losing my parents, moving from my hometown, meeting new people, going to university, dealing with tenants, buying and growing businesses, and starting new relationships that I documented more. Something I could look back on. Something that others can rely on for information and inspiration. What better time to start than now though.