Becky Kay had her sights set on being a dental assistant when she returned to Penticton, where she grew up, from Vancouver.
Her life took a twist though when she was offered her own Par-T-Perfect franchise.
“I dropped school, started doing this, and it has been 11 years now and it has been fantastic. Working with kids, I definitely have nothing to complain about. I knew I always wanted to do something with children,” said Kay.
The next Top 40 Under 40 recipient had worked for the company in various capacities when she was younger and with no business education background she dove headfirst into the franchise. Now 33 years old, she continues to learn and grow and has a vision to continue expanding her business.
“I would love to either expand, have more staff and have more equipment. At the same time I want to give back even more,” she said.
Kay is an active member of JCI Penticton, which she says has created invaluable connections for her in her personal and business life. JCI hosts events raising money for the JCI Summer Day Camps for kids operated through the Penticton Community Centre throughout July and August. Kay, and Par-T-Perfect will be part of the Aug. 3 Jacked and Juiced custom truck and car show run by JCI Penticton at Skaha Beach.
Over the past two years she has been involved with several community events and charities including the International Children’s Festival, SPCA Paws For A Cause, Relay For Life, Heart and Stroke Mother Daughter Walk, Have a Heart and others. Last year she created an event for Easter with help from the City of Penticton. The Perfect Easter Party has proceeds going to the South Okanagan Children’s Charity.
“I just want to make people happy without them knowing. I try to always do things to create happiness and positivity but do not need to be thanked,” said Kay. “I do it because it feels good and not to be recognized.”
At Par-T-Perfect she employed 32 people last year between the ages of 14-30. Having been in business for 11 years, she continues to grow and create lasting memories for kids in the Okanagan, both those she employs and children they throw parties for.
“I am lucky to be able to be a positive role model to young kids and teens in the community ... we do as many charity events as we can and these amazing young leaders I get to work with help me participate in as many charity events as we can,” she said. “Without them I would not be able to do these amazing things.”
So far this year they have held three free parties for young children who have a life-threatening illness. They provide the equipment and the Par-T-Leaders donate their time.
“To see the smiles on those parents and childrens’ faces is more rewarding than anything,” she said.
Par-T-Perfect sponsors a young girl in Guatemala through Plan Canada. Kay said it is a wonderful way to teach her own children how lucky they are.
“It’s sweet to hear them talk about their other sister,” she said.
Her eldest daughter, just eight years old, holds the same desire to help others. The family often go on garbage walks around their neighbourhood and clean up. Kay also helps with random acts of kindness, raking leaves, helping people carry groceries and volunteering for charities.
“I think it really stems from my grandmother. She was an active member in Penticton of a lot of different volunteer groups and I can remember when I was little we would go on garbage walks and I use to be embarrassed at the time, but it was those little things that she taught me that I didn’t realize until now,” said Kay. “Now I do those things quite often with my own daughter.”
Kay’s business has been awarded top sales growth and most creative franchise owner and Par-T-Perfect has won the bronze medal for the Canadian Franchise Association of Excellence. Despite all the awards and success, Kay is a humble person and says she feels lucky to be in business for herself but not by herself.
“We are an amazing team that works well together and are constantly growing together,” she said.
Penticton Top 40 under 40 is presented by the Prospera Credit Union and White Kennedy LLP Chartered Accountants in partnership with the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, JCI Penticton with support from Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen.
Nominations should be sent to manager@penticton.org with the subject line ‘Top 40 Nomination.
Please include nominees contact info and a brief reason for nomination.