Josh Kalhofer

Originally from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Josh Kalhofer is Co-Founder and President of Kid Drop Inc. He is an ideas man;  brainstorming and thinking outside the box is what he does best. YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? JK: My start in Fort McMurray began homeless and living at the Salvation Army and the Marshall House. Since then, I’ve worked my way up in Syncrude, bought my first house, started a business and now own commercial property. YMM: What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? JK: My biggest risk in life was quitting my site job to go into business for myself. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? JK: The most rewarding part of my career is working for myself because every day is new and exciting. YMM: What motivates you? JK: Bills, hunger, kids, The usual. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. JK: As someone who has relied on the support and services provided by our local Food Bank, volunteering for them is rewarding on many levels. It is important to give back when you can. YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo? JK: Like most people, I came to Fort McMurray in search of a better life. I found my better life and now it’s our community that keeps me here. YMM: What does community mean to you? JK: We are all in this together because we all want the same thing; a better future for our kids. YMM: How would friends and acquaintances describe you? JK: They would say that I would give the shirt off my back to help someone in need. YMM: What is something that people are always surprised to learn about you? JK: One of the best jobs I ever held was that of a bellman. I would greet guests, and help them with directions to popular Vancouver restaurants and the tips were great! YMM: How should success be measured? JK: Success should be measured by your will and perseverance. YMM: What are you most grateful for? JK: Unfortunately, I’ve had some really close calls in my life, So I’m grateful for simply being alive every day. YMM: Who is your hero, and why? JK: My mom is my hero. She was a single mother who had to work incredibly hard to support her kids. She is my inspiration to never give up. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? JK: The best advice that I’ve ever received is from my mother. “Josh, it doesn’t matter if you hit the ball as long as you swing.” YMM: What would you tell your 12-year-old self? JK: Don’t let anyone tell you life is short, it’s a lot longer than you think. YMM: What is one challenge that you’d like to tackle in 2024? JK: I am primarily focused on my business right now, and in 2024, I would like to challenge myself to open two more locations in Alberta.