Meet Chris Martin. Chris is from Vancouver Island but moved to Kamloops in 2014. He is a "pub guy" who loves spending time with his girlfriend and getting to the outdoors.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm from Vancouver Island actually. I grew up in a small town called Port Hardy, Arguably the greatest saltwater fishing town around. I went to Highschool in Sidney near Victoria and lived and worked in Campbell River before moving to Kamloops in 2014
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Girlfriend Gina, She is my best friend and we do pretty well everything together.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Well, I'm more of a Pub guy and On The Rocks is my "Go to."
Describe yourself in one word.
Thirsty.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I hear Aruba is the place to be. I'd Go for the Beach, Drinks, and Fish.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Its a toss up between riding my Harley or Fishing.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Well, that is a great story, but I better keep it off the record.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that happened to me was probably meeting my first boss Scott at Campbell River Hyundai. I hadn't done well in school, had no real prospects for furthering my education or a career in mind. Scott took a chance and hired me. He taught me about work ethic, Finance (personal and at the dealership) he was tough but that's what I needed. I was inspired because he had achieved so much so young and helped me believe I could too.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was young I used to spend all my free time with my Grandpas, Jim and Chris. Going way back I remember my first fish with my Grandpa Chris and that fueling a lifetime passion that he has and his father had too. Fishing him is a great memory every time. Moving up a few years to when I was in Grade 7. I had 2 best friends and we lived for riding Dirtbikes. My Grandpa Jim Built us trails all through his property and we spent every moment possible out there Just being best buddies and Living to Ride. I miss those days. I was lucky, both grandpas lived in Port Hardy and Port Mcneil. About 20 mins apart.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
One of the biggest reasons I love working for Zimmer Wheaton GMC is exactly this, Giving Back to the community. We sponsor so much in the community and it makes me so proud of where I work.
To list a few, Kamloops Hospital RIH foundation, Kamloops Hospice, SPCA, Kamloops Minor Hockey, Valley View Dry Grad and all sorts of other Community Sports from Curling to Baseball.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think that if everyone had access to electricity or if everyone around the world had unlimited electricity, the benefits would be profound.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
A Lake or a mountain top.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Well, our roads are getting better already and everyone appreciates that even if it is inconvenient right now. Also, we could definitely use Uber or some sort of ride sharing. It would make going out for a drink or dinner much more enjoyable.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The community here. We have the nicest folks around Kamloops. Maybe it the Sun though?
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I will Catch a 1000lbs Black Marlin, become a General Sales Manager at a Dealership, Vacation at least once a year, every year.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Despite my bright red hair, I have Native blood. My Mom, Grandma, and Grandma are all Statuses and I would one day like to be too.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
You can find me at @lifeofchrismartin on Instagram, "Life of Chris Martin your automotive matchmaker" Is my business page, "Chris Martin" Is my personal facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Chris Martin Your Kamloops Automotive Match Maker.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Vehicle sales is a passion of mine and it was time to start branding myself.
What is the goal of your business?
I would like to Be everybody's go-to-guy in this industry. Someone you can send your mom, dad, Friends or people you just met to buy a vehicle from me and know that they will be taken care of because you know and trust me.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I struggle with Pizza, At work, and in life, in my dreams and pretty well all day.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Want to go for a beer?"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Find out what you are good at, then do it. Don't worry about the other stuff.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Today I would say my mom, Its been a few years since we have seen each other because she is in Ontario. If that happened and were talking about someone famous, I think being on Joe Rogan's podcast would be pretty cool.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think important to shop locally because of the relationships we can build. There isn't a better feeling than going into a place of business and the people working know you and you know them.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I was an assistant Sales manager at the age of 22 and worked in the finance office for a dealership when I was 23
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Big shout out to Rob Zimmer for running a tight ship and making this dealership great to work at.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ryan Pidduck
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for choosing me for this. I want everyone to know that you can ask me any question about the Automotive industry. I have been doing this for 8 years now and I can Help. If you don't understand Financing, Trade Values, or just want general knowledge on anything, do not hesitate to contact me on any of my social media handles. Pop into our showroom and say hi any time and enjoy this Beautiful city.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
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!
