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My name is Patrick Wilkins. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1989 until 2012 when I was medically released from service due to injuries. I obtained physical and emotional injuries through my career, especially from my tour in Afghanistan in 2006. I am having a very hard time finding work that I’m now capable of doing. And it’s even harder finding an employer willing to take a risk on me with my medical restrictions.
So instead of looking for that perfect job that will accommodate my medical conditions, I thought it best that I create a job that I can do, one that I can be successful at, so that I can find my purpose in society again. We are so close with the personal finances in getting part of the equipment needed to start my business, having about ¾ of the funds to get up and running. But we just need a little assistance reaching our goal before the tourism season starts this year.
Here is the summary of what I am planning to do:
After 20 years of service, my family and I have relocated permanently to Kelowna, BC Canada and we want to become involved with our local community. My wife and I are both have a love and appreciation for all the Okanagan Valley has to offer. We take great pride in showing off our new home to all those who visit us here in the Okanagan. Over the last few summers, we have travelled all over the valley taking friends and family to wineries and local food establishments.
After one of these trips, I was watching a TV program about a person from Australia that was doing sidecar wine tours and how successful it was for him and his family. He was able to make an income doing the two things he loved the most: riding his bike and showing off where he lived. This is an endeavor where I know I could also excel. One of my many hobbies over the years has been riding motorcycle. I love this form of transportation - not only for the freedom it gives you, but the ability to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
This business not only suits me but also excites me as much as my old job did working on aircraft for the Canadian Military. This business will not only support us in this next phase of our lives, but also give back to our local community. We are anticipating that this business will grow which will require us to hire more riders and support staff as it becomes more developed and refined.
Our concept is custom motorcycle sidecar tours for couples and individuals wanting a unique, safe and affordable adventure that would not be available to experience anywhere else. We will provide customized and personalized tours throughout the Okanagan Valley. This concept is not in place in the Okanagan. I feel I can be at the forefront of this niche market.
Taking people on customized tours is not a new concept within the Okanagan, but no one is doing it in the open air of a sidecar. There are many companies making good money on driving people around in big, crowded, noisy, impersonal tour buses and vans. One individual has a business touring people in his vintage car. However, there is no one giving individuals and couples this kind of one on one attention for this price point.
We realize that there is strong competition with a number of successful tourism companies. However, we feel that our company and vision fulfills a niche that is not being explored in this market. This provides us with a viable starting point to carve out our own success in this market place.
Services:
• Provide personalized tours of attractions within the Okanagan valley.
• Provide a fully customizable tour package for couples.
• Provide a unique experience to our customer using the double-seated, convertible sidecar attached to a Honda Gold Wing.
• Promote and highlight the tourist-based industries and services that work within our community.
• Include local artists, art galleries, farms, historical landmarks and studios in to all the tour packages.
• All tours are based on the amount of time the customer wishes to spend with us. The longer period they book, the more customizable a tour will be: for region, number of stops, etc. I.e. one-hour tours will allow for only one or two stops at a nearby location, half day or full day tours will encompass more of the valley.
Not everyone can ride a motorbike, but at some point in a person’s life, they have dreamed about it.
I’m looking for your help so that I will no longer need to rely on disability supports. I would like to stand on my own two feet again and be a participating member of my community.
Thanks you again for all your help.
J. Patrick Wilkins Retired M/Cpl RCAF
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