A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.
Our community is strong and growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.
Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech. A showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement. Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @OKGNtech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.
Meet Steven. Steven Morrison is a Lawyer at Farris Law and on the board of directors for The United Way. When Steven isn’t all suited up, you will most likely find him in his gym gear. He’s involved with both the Okanagan College Basketball, UBCO Heat Alumni, and on Wednesday mornings you’ll find him downtown running The November Project. We recently caught up with Steven to learn more about his role at Farris law and what he loves about OKGNtech.
What’s your favourite thing about your role at Farris?
“The best part about my role at Farris is that I get to feel like I am part of all of the teams, I am not just one company. Working with startups that are just getting rolling into the next phases of their business is so exciting. They all have so much passion in what they do, helping them see that through and be a part of it…It’s amazing.”#Threecheersforus
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
“I was the heaviest baby ever born in Prince George at 11 pounds 3 ounces… like you could sit me up! My mom told me that apparently when the nurse came in, she was like “So where is the newborn?” and my mom was like “This is him” she responded, “Oh I thought that was his older brother!”
[Editor’s note: Round of applause for mama Morrison]
When did you get involved with The November Project?
“I originally started going to The November Project when I was in law school out in Edmonton. Then when I moved back here, I was playing basketball with Roz Huber at the University. Roz was the co-leader at that time and was was looking for somebody who was the right fit. When she asked me to help her out, I had to think about it because I don’t half-ass anything. It’s now been a year of running the project with Roz, and I haven’t looked back.” #JustShowUp #FreeFitness #NoExcuses
[Editor’s Note: The November Project started in Boston and is now 8 countries. There are 49 tribes across the world. It all started in the month of November when a group of friends decided to use an excel spreadsheet to keep accountable and motivated for working out.]
What is your favourite thing about running The November Project?
“The best part about running The November Project is the people. They are the reason I am willing to spend my Tuesday nights staying up late organising workout plans and then waking up early on Wednesday. It gives everyone a place where they can let go of whatever their other careers are and goof off and have fun and just be with one another. We’ve heard that people who move to the city are recommended to come out because it is a great place to meet people. It’s 50 – 60 automatic friends.” #JustShowUp #FreeFitness #NoExcuses
[Editor’s note: November Project is hosted every Wednesday morning at 6:30 am. You will find the crew next to the sails on the end of Bernard.]
When were you introduced to OKGNtech?
“When I was articling out in Calgary, a few people had mentioned that the technology industry in the Okanagan was growing. I hadn’t realised the magnitude of it until I started working at Farris. Once you get into it the industry here – you get really into it.” #Itsallherenow
What do you love about the Okanagan?
“I grew up in both Vancouver and Kelowna. So I have lived here in the Okanagan for many periods of time throughout my whole life. My favourite part is all the different things you can do. We have everything to do in the summer and everything to do in the winter. It’s an absolute playground.”
What do you love about OKGNtech?
“Everyone in the OKGNtech industry has so much passion. We have a lot of young people, and even older people who have decided to leave their careers and come into tech and they are just so passionate about their ideas. It truly takes guts.”
Who inspires you?
“My older brother, inspires me all the time. Growing up he always talked about being a professional basketball player I would joke saying “I’ll be your agent someday!”. He’s now playing on a professional basketball team overseas. I have always looked up to him for that.”
[Editor’s note: Steven’s brother is 6’11… So he LITERALLY looks up to him]
Connect with Steven. Learn more about Farris Law. Hungry for more? Meet Sarah.
Have you seen the rest of the OKGNtech faces? Follow us on Instagram.
