When I arrived in Kelowna at 19 years old, everything I owned fit on the back of my motorcycle.
Like so many people who came here looking for opportunity, I wasn't looking for an easy life. I was looking for a chance to build one. I worked in restaurants, worked construction during the day, and played bass in local bands on weekends to help pay the bills. I wasn't handed an opportunity. I had to earn one.
Building a Life
In 1996, I started Bellamy Contracting as a framing and foundation company. Two years later, I married the love of my life, Pat. Looking back, that was the best decision I ever made. She's been my biggest supporter, my sounding board, and my rock through every challenge and every success. Whatever we've built over the years, we've built together. This year, we celebrated 28 years of marriage.
Lessons from Hard Times
In 2008, I lost my job as the economy collapsed.
Instead of looking for another one, I decided to take a chance on myself and started Bellamy Homes because I believed there was a better way to build homes and serve clients. The years that followed were some of the toughest our industry had ever experienced.
Those years taught me lessons no classroom ever could. When every dollar matters, you learn to separate needs from wants. You learn to plan ahead, make difficult decisions, and be accountable for every result.
Those experiences shaped the way I lead, the way I run my business, and the way I believe government should operate.
Music, Community, and Giving Back
Outside of work, music has always been an important part of my life. I played bass with the same group of friends for nearly 20 years. Like any successful team, great music is built on trust, commitment, and working together toward a common goal.
Kelowna has been incredibly good to Pat and me. We've built our lives here, our business, lifelong friendships, and a deep appreciation for this community. Along the way, I've always believed in giving back through volunteering, serving in leadership roles within the home building industry, mentoring others, and supporting local organizations and community events.
Why I'm Running
So why does any of this matter?
Because the same lessons that built my business are the lessons I believe City Hall needs today.