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In Focus | Brent Rowland

Meet Brent! Brent is originally from Texas and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for 16 years now. He enjoys swimming in Okanagan Lake, sitting on top on Munson Mountain taking in the view, and spending some quality time with his wife, Yanti.

<who> Photo Credit: Brent Rowland
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
Born in Texas, moved to Naramata in 2003.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife Yanti. She helps me discover the fun and beauty in things I don't fully appreciate.

What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
The Naramata Store. It's Naramata's one-stop-shop.

Describe yourself in one word.
Curious

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Golapagos Islands. I'm a scientist at heart and I would love to see the diversity of life that inspired Darwin's ideas on evolution.

What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Swimming in the lake and walking along Okanagan beach.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
At a high school event with the entire student population in the auditorium, I was blindfolded and told to guess which of the girls in attendance was giving me a kiss...it was my mother.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching the birth of my children has been tremendously inspiring to me. My family is hugely important to me. I changed a great deal the moment I became a father. My kids and my wife have taught me so much about who I am and who I can be in my life. I am truly grateful that I get to share this life with them.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I played football as a child growing up in Texas. In my youth, my team qualified for a statewide playoff game, but I had another event that wouldn't allow me to do both and I was going to have to miss the game. One of my teammate's father owned an airplane and offered to fly my family and me to the game and return us home in time for my second event. We won the game and I got my one and only ride on a private plane. I even got to sit in the cockpit and 'fly the plane' for a few minutes. It was quite an experience for me as a child.

<who> Photo Credit: Brent Rowland
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered in several service organizations in Naramata and recently ended a 3-year term for the Naramata Elementary PAC. I am currently the alternate RDOS director for Area E.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For our global community to value the environment and our natural resources as much as we do our technology and entertainment.

Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
I love to sit at Munson mountain and take in the full view of the city and lakes.

Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I would love to see economic and community development in Penticton that moves our area away from its heavy dependence on the tourist dollar. I think Penticton is an amazing place for individuals and families to live year-round and so much of our infrastructure and resources are devoted to those who only come here on vacation. I appreciate the tourists and part-time residents who enjoy this paradise, but I think we as a community should focus on helping and expanding the population that is here in January as well as July.

What do you think makes Penticton great?
The environment is second to none, a true 4 season playground. Also, I really enjoy the sense of community I feel throughout the South Okanagan.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Hike the West Coast Trail

Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef

Take a river safari down the Amazon

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My first career was as an engineer. I spent 3 years working for Mission Control at NASA in Houston, Texas.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Equilibrium Massage Therapy

<who> Photo Credit: Brent Rowland
Why did you get into/start this business?

My maternal grandfather was a masseur. I took the training thinking it would be useful if I ever wanted to travel and work. I found my calling during my massage training, the perfect balance between science and artistic expression.

What is the goal of your business?
To bring health and wellbeing to my patients. I believe that everyone can find an active, healthy lifestyle that is meaningful to them and in balance with the current state of their physical wellness.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I struggle with the fact that I have limitations on how much I can help my patients. I remember that we are all on our own paths in life. I can support them on their journey, but they are ultimately responsible for their own health and wellbeing.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Although I've had struggles, I am happy with where I am in life. I wouldn't change the hard times as they are as important as the fun experiences in making me who I am today.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Pain always has information for us, but it is a liar sometimes, not telling the full story of what's happening in our bodies.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always put your best effort in all things and be teachable."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to be in the presence and learn from the Dalai Lama. He has been able to experience tremendous learning, struggle, and growth. He has interacted with countless cultures, scholars, world leaders and I believe he has learned as much as he has taught in each of those settings. I'm sure he has an amazing amount of insight to share with anyone lucky enough to spend time with him.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Our community is based on us supporting each other. We all grow and are able to experience more when we support each other financially.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have been lucky enough to experience many amazing things in my life as an engineer and a massage therapist. My proudest moments have always been watching my children succeed in their endeavors. I am a very proud dad.

<who> Photo Credit: Brent Rowland
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My wife Yanti is so passionate about bringing music into the lives of everyone she meets. She shines so brightly and brings tremendous joy through her teaching and performance.

My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Yanti Rowland


We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing [email protected]. 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, Penticton!



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



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