In Focus posted October 12 2012
In Focus | Trevor Neill & Mosaic Books
Mosaic Books has been a Kelowna institution for more than 4 decades, and there's no sign of stopping the family owned and operated business. Trevor Neill is the manager for Mosaic Books and he is also the man behind Mosaic Books' awesome vinyl record selection! The folks at Mosaic Books do a lot of good for the community and in a world that is constantly being overtaken by the "Bigger is Better" mentality, we would like to recognize the little book store that continues to thrive. Trevor took some time to tell us a bit more himself, as well as the books, so read on and enjoy!
What is your name?
Trevor Neill
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
They don't!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"No worries!"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
James Murphy, founder of DFA records and front-man to the recently disbanded LCD Soundsystem
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
The Polaris Award
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Nikola Tesla
Who inspires you?
James Murphy, Dan Snaith, Keiran Hebdan
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Write and produce an album under the Ghostly or DFA record labels.
Build a house with the help of friends and family.
Go to space! C'mon Richard Branson, help a guy out!
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Darth Yacht
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
Two years from now... wouldn't want to look too far in advance, where's the fun in that?
What are you passionate about?
Music and design. There is nothing more satisfying than going from an idea to physical manifestation.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
There are too many to name... they're all pretty good in the grand scope of things. I recently saw Hot Chip in Vancouver, and that was pretty darn fantastic.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
It may not be my grandest accomplishment, but my proudest, off the top of my head, has to be when I was the DJ for two of my good friends' wedding. The 100+ wedding party was dancing for a solid two hours, and there were no hiccups. My pride lies in making friends and family happy, so to have such an awesome opportunity was an honour.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Dunn Enzies Pizza and the Hobo... it's a tie!
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Skiing in the winter, lounging on the patio in the summer. Plus biking. And boating. Ermmm... they're all my favourite?
What is the name of your business/organization?
What does your business/organization do?
We sell books, magazines, cards, calendars, vinyl records, CDs, gifts, and bargain books. We also have lightning fast book ordering, most arriving within 3-5 days. I'm sure you've heard of us, we've only been around since 1968.
What is your Twitter account?
What is your mission?
To be the best bookstore in Canada. Then, THE WORLD. Then, SPACE. Because astronauts need books too.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
It has always been my desire to create a united Canadian independent book industry; one that shares information amongst stores; that operates as single, family owned businesses, but with the power and influence of a large chain.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
Right where it is now, perhaps with another location in Penticton or throughout the Okanagan. Why mess with a good thing?
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Vancouver Kids Books... they rock my socks.
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Customer service in the form of quirky, unique staff. Fast ordering of pretty much every English book in print. And last but not least, an amazing selection of bargain books, most under $8. 10,000 bargain book titles to be exact.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Goooo Team Mosaic!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
We are partners with Project Literacy, we sell tickets for local events, and the staff and family that own Mosaic are very involved with shaping the community for a more local, sustainable future.
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be
Its layout and overall wide arm acceptance of chains and strip malls. Things are spaced out too much, with commercial centres detached from residential suburbs and apartments. Most of Kelowna looks too much like every other city in Canada, with the same large brand chains dominating the highway. With the exception of the Downtown waterfront and outlying mountain regions, Kelowna is completely cookie cutter. More attention needs to be paid to developing the downtown core by providing jobs and residents that would help achieve a sustainable, unique future.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Location, location, and location! This is one of the most beautiful pieces of the world, with so much to offer all year around. It's safe, quiet, but also offers the same amenities of a larger city.
Some general comments I would like to share are
Mosaic Books just opened their second location, and it's in Rutland! On the corner of the Willow Park Shopping Centre on Highway 33 West, Mosaic Rutland is a store of its own, with 3500 square feet of bargain and new books. Mosaic's exceptional book ordering and customer service can be found at this new location. Check us out, 7 days a week, 363 days a year, or give us a call at 778-484-5393.
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