Driving B.C. forward presented by Dueck GM: Country artist Chad Brownlee

Credit: Chad Brownlee

Through this 12-part series, Dueck GM salutes B.C.’s entrepreneurs who are driving growth and innovation in the local business community. This month’s driving force is country music artist, athlete and philanthropist Chad Brownlee.

Originally looking to make his mark on the ice and not the stage, Kelowna’s Chad Brownlee was a defenseman making his way up the ranks. In 2003, he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks, but following a series of unfortunate injuries, Brownlee had to hang up his skates. It wasn’t long before he turned to his guitar and applied the same drive and passion he had for hockey into his music. The result is an amazing career that includes multiple Top 10 hits on the country music charts, being named Rising Star of the year at the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards, two BC Country Music Awards for Best Video and Best Songwriter for his single “When the Lights Go Down”. A true renaissance man, Brownlee frequently donates his time to a variety of causes.

What’s your favourite car?
I love the 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel.

Why do you choose Dueck as your preferred dealership?
The customer service is always top-notch.

Credit: Dueck GM

Chad Brownlee with Canucks alumnus and Dueck sales manager Mike Brown, at the Dueck Richmond location

What was your first job?
I picked apples in an orchard in Kelowna.
 
What was the turning point in your career?
Probably winning Rising Star at the 2011 CCMA Awards. It felt like I was finally accepted into the country music world.
 
What motivates you?
A sense of purpose. I’m driven to beat what I’ve already done, and to bring the best music I can possibly bring to my fans. Not letting them down is a pretty strong motivation.
 
What excites you the most about the future of the music industry?
The fact that people will always want to hear music. It’s just a matter of what platform that looks like. The technological side of this world is exciting and debilitating all at the same time. So staying ahead of the wave is what’s going to keep you afloat. But it’s in that unpredictability that makes it exciting, and allows me to have an entrepreneurial mindset.
  
How do you like to spend your time away from the recording studio?
I like to unplug and get away, usually to the nearest mountain that has trails for me and my dog to explore. The outdoors is where I feel the real connection. 
 
If time wasn’t a consideration, what would your ideal road trip be?
I would take a drive up the coast of B.C. to Alaska and check out a bunch of the salmon runs.
 
What are three things you must have with you on a road trip?
My pocket knife, my dog and a notepad.
 
What’s your favourite quote and why?
It’s a profound yet simple quote from Ghandi. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
 
What’s your mantra/motto?
Life’s too short to do anything besides doing what you love to do. Also, opportunity lies along the path created by the choices we make.
 
What are your three favourite spots to eat or do in the city?
I’m sorry did you say city? I’ll be in the woods somewhere eating a sandwich!
 
What music is playing from your radio while you’re driving?
That depends on my mood, but I like the chill vibes of some classic country when I drive. It makes me feel like nothing can bother me—Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and the Hag (Merle Haggard) know what’s up.

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