Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
I am from Edmonton, born and raised. I moved to Penticton in August of 2010 to work with John Kot when he was with another Auto Group.
Who is your favorite person to spend time with and why?
My favorite person to spend time with is my son Leighten, he is very active with hockey and lacrosse. A close 2nd is my beautiful wife Kate. We always have lots of laughs together no matter where we are or what we are doing.
What is your favorite local store in Penticton and why?
Starbucks on Main. Can’t start my day without a Venti Long Americano.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Taco’s hands down. I make a mean Taco!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ripped backside of pants years ago in a dealership snowball fight. I was throwing laser beams and dominating my opponents, so I hung in there ripped pants and all, and finished the Battle Royale.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The birth of my son Leighten A. Barber in December of 2011.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
My very own backyard. I love my backyard…
What do you think makes Penticton great?
There are many things about Penticton that make it great. The mild climate, the city being surrounded by beautiful scenery, lakes, mountains, the great people of the South Okanagan, and being in the heart of wine country.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That I once fed Craig Simpson, Ex-Oiler, Penguin and Sabre, multiple Stanley Cup winner, current NHL/CBC play by play, with one of the nicest passes he has ever seen. He tapped in the pass, and celebrated as if he had scored the winning goal in game seven, double overtime to win the Stanley Cup!!
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was always interested in sales as a career professional. I had an opportunity to get involved with auto sales, and I liked it very much, did well, stuck with it and 25 years later the rest is history.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle is trying to balance work, family and life. Sometimes work gets in the way of what’s truly important, family, friends, and being a good father and husband. My wife, Kate, is great support, and of course my son, Leighten, is a breathe of fresh air when I get home.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not change a single thing. My journey brought me to Penticton where I met my wife Kate, and where we had our son Leighten. We have a good life, a beautiful home, we are surrounded by family, our friends visit each summer… I wouldn’t change a thing!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Let’s order Pizza!! I have a 7 year old son, this comes up often…
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
This is easy, #1, my son Leighten. #1A, my beautiful wife Kate, and #1B, being involved with the Kot Auto Group and Penticton Nissan.