We recently connected with James Addington and have shared our conversation below.

James, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I believe that something that we do differently in our business is the ability to focus on the differences and uniqueness of our team members. Come as you are is one way that we support our team and their abilities to be themselves. As the world turns there are always different influences out there. However, having our people to express themselves is important. Obviously there are some limitations to ensure that it is tasteful as we are forward facing hospitality individuals. Although, with that being said “hospitality’ is about being able to find the uniqueness of a situation or individual and cater to this.

Mental wellbeing and expressiveness is the way for sure.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

James Addington is a multifaceted individual whose journey through life is marked by a profound dedication to personal growth, creativity, and making a positive impact in the world. Born and raised in Oakville, James developed an early fascination with the intricacies of human behavior and the power of storytelling.

Throughout his youth and adult life, James has been fortunate to live in multiple countries and provinces. Most recently, he finds himself in Kelowna, BC, which has been his home for the past nine years, with the exception of one year spent in Regina. During his time in Regina, James took full control of his Mental Health, realizing that Kelowna was to be his home for the near future.

As the Managing Partner for the Unconventional Hospitality Group, which includes Pretty Not Bad, Salt & Brick, Diner Deluxe, and their newest venture in collaboration with the team at Summerhill Winery, James thrives in the hospitality industry. Key to his success is his ability to fully immerse himself in the community and culture of any city, connecting with people through kindness and treating them with genuine respect.

After years of working through his struggles with Mental Health, James has found the ability to simply be himself, embracing the most authentic version of who he is. He believes this authenticity has brought out the best in him and his work, with the hope of making a strong impact in the community.

James is most excited for the upcoming summer, looking forward to spending time with friends and family while surfing on Lake Okanagan, and hopefully playing a round or two of golf.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my most favourite marketing stories is when we brought our newest restaurant ” Pretty Not Bad” to life. This was a project that we wanted to take a bit of a different approach than probably that of other restaurants before us. We wanted to to build the brand and recognize what we were bringing to life more than the food and beverage. Focus on People, Hospitality, Mental Health, & Community. Follow up afterwards of that of Food and Beverage. It was a major risks and maybe would have gone about it a bit differently. However, we are now very passionately able to say that we have created a brand and a culture that people are believing in.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Be authentic. Have though conversations. Show compassion. We are all human. Not saving lives. Admit your mistakes when made. All things can be solved with communication.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prettynotbadylw.com, www.jacexperiences.com, www.saltandbrick.ca,
• Instagram: jaadington004, prettynotbadylw, salt_brickylw
• Facebook: James Addington
• Linkedin: James Addington

Image Credits
Shabir, Noah Dorsey, Jayden Reid