Top 40: Kyle Blanleil
Okanagan Edge Staff - Apr 20, 2018 - Columnists

Image: Contributed

This year, Okanagan Edge and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce have partnered to showcase some of the Okanagan’s most exciting entrepreneurs, through the Top 40 Under 40 program.

Sponsored by BDO, the Top 40 Under 40 recognizes innovative young professionals in our community and showcases their accomplishments.

Okanagan Edge will feature a new honouree each week, so check back often.

This week we recognize Kyle Blanleil ofAndre’s Electronic Experts.

Image: Contributed

When Kyle Blanleil was 19 years old he was told he had five years to live.

In order to beat his cancer, he had to live through 46 hours of spinal surgeries, spend eight days in a forced coma, and make it through radiation and rehabilitation.

“Each was a challenge, and my attitude was what’s next? I refused to lose,” Blanleil, who now helps run Andre’s Electronic Experts with his father, says. “I wake up today feeling the same: a smile on my face and excited for the challenges ahead.

Ten years after the experience, he celebrated a decade cancer free by bringing together 300 friends and family to celebrate—and raising $30,000 for Okanagan Cops for Kids in the process.

While he says he was thrilled to have raised so much money for such a good cause, what he’s most proud of is “how I handled my battle and never gave up.”

Today, Blanleil has helped grow his father’s company to double what it was a decade ago. Andre’s is now recognized as one of the Top 5 Telus dealerships in Canada.

“It was ingrained in me from a very young age to have dedication, strong work ethic, and strive to achieve your goals. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and follow in my father’s footsteps,” he says.

He says he’s fortunate his dad allows him to do that, encouraging him to follow his ideas, creativity, and passion, and letting him “treat his business like my own.”

“I wake up every day with the passion to win, the passion to succeed, and the passion to lead,” Blanleil says. “What’s next?”

Along with his professional careers, he’s been the president of the Kelowna Major Men’s Fastball Association. He has also volunteered as a Kelowna minor hockey coach, acted as a motivational speaker for Kelowna Minor Hockey, and as a keynote speaker for KSS Cancer Day.


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