Pavneet Singh has built a small empire of Pita Pit, Fresh Slice Pizza and OneStop/Canco locations employing about 90 people in the area, now he's running for the BC United Party in the electoral district of Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream.
Singh said his Sikh faith compels him to public service and that's what is driving his interest in politics.
The newly drawn electoral districts have brought Coldstream into a riding that now only resembles the one that a retiring Norm Letnick currently represents for the newly named BC United Party.
Singh said it demands extra effort to have a presence over the wider area, including Coldstream.
"I have been meeting lots of people there," said Singh. "Listening to their concerns."
"We don't want to ignore any part of our riding," he said.
With the newly envigorated BC Conservatives in the race and local New Democrats sensing opportunity, Singh admits the current stranglehold that his party has in the region, can't be taken for granted.
"I don't think anything is granted in this world," he said, adding that he's focused on what he has to offer, not his opponents.
"Honestly, I'm not concerned about anybody else."
Another issue that motivates Singh is pushing forward his party's promise to replace the 75-year-old Rutland Middle School.
"It has been ignored," he said.
"We will build a brand new Rutland Middle School."
It was as a young student, Singh was given a nickname, and it's a pretty nice one.
"All my family and close friends call me 'Happy'," he said.
He does tend to smile a lot.
Voters will make their choice Oct. 19.
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