Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Ashish Kakker
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we're pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable—its people.
The heart of any great city is its people, the ones who pour their passion, creativity, and energy into making their community thrive. In Kamloops, Ashish Kakker is one of those people.
As the Events & Terrace Restaurant Team Supervisor at Monte Creek Winery, Ashish brings together his love for hospitality, event management, and creating meaningful connections. Since joining the Monte Creek team in February, he's been a stellar ambassador for the winery, bringing his enthusiasm for events and guest experiences to one of the region's most beloved destinations.
What brought Ashish to Kamloops was education, he came to pursue his Master's in Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University, specializing in Events and Festival Management. But what made him stay was something deeper: the city's welcoming community, its perfect balance of natural beauty and urban comfort, and the genuine sense of possibility that fills the valley air. Finding his place at Monte Creek Winery has been the perfect blend of his academic expertise and his passion for creating memorable moments.
We're excited to spotlight a Kamloops champion like Ashish!
TK: Ashish, how did you first get into the tourism industry?
"My journey into the tourism industry began with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management, which gave me a strong foundation in hospitality and guest experience. After graduating, I worked in the events sector for a year, where I discovered my passion for creating memorable experiences and connecting people through events. To deepen my expertise and pursue a global perspective, I moved to Kamloops, BC, to complete my Master's in Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University, specializing in Events and Festival Management."
Ashish's path reflects a commitment to not just learning about hospitality, but truly mastering the art of bringing people together. His academic foundation in hotel management gave him the technical skills, but it was that first year working in events that revealed his true calling, watching ideas transform into experiences that people remember long after they're over. That passion found its perfect home at Monte Creek Winery, where wine, food, events, and stunning landscapes come together to create unforgettable guest experiences.
TK: That's quite a journey! What drives your passion for the work you do?
"What really fuels me is the excitement of bringing people together and seeing ideas turn into experiences. I've always loved the energy of events, the planning, the creativity, the little details that make people smile. There's something so rewarding about watching a vision come to life and knowing you've helped create a moment people will remember. That feeling of connection, of making something meaningful happen, is what keeps me passionate about what I do."
This philosophy isn't just talk, Ashish lives it every day at Monte Creek Winery. As the Events & Terrace Restaurant Team Supervisor, he's responsible for orchestrating countless moments that matter, from intimate wine tastings to spectacular events on the terrace overlooking the valley. His approach reflects a deeper understanding that hospitality isn't just about logistics and execution, it's about creating spaces where human connection can flourish, with great wine and beautiful surroundings as the backdrop.
TK: Amazing! On your day off, what's your favorite thing to do in Kamloops?
"Honestly, my favorite thing to do in Kamloops is just getting outside and exploring. I love hiking the trails, taking in the views of the mountains and rivers, and feeling completely in the moment. It's my way to recharge and enjoy the beauty of this place. I also really enjoy going to local events and festivals. There's something special about being part of the community and experiencing what makes Kamloops so unique."
It's fitting that someone who spends their working hours creating events at one of the region's most scenic wineries finds joy in exploring the very landscapes that make this area so special. Ashish has found that perfect Kamloops rhythm, the ability to step from the organized energy of event planning into the wild, unscripted beauty of the trails, and back again to the vibrant pulse of community gatherings and festivals.
TK: Last question: what makes Kamloops stand out for you?
"For me, Kamloops stands out because of its incredible balance of city life and nature. You can be in the heart of a vibrant community one moment and surrounded by mountains and rivers the next. I love how accessible outdoor adventures are, and at the same time, there's a welcoming, tight-knit feel to the city. It's a place that feels alive, inspiring, and really easy to call home."
Ashish's perspective on Kamloops carries special weight because he chose this city from halfway around the world. He didn't grow up here or stumble into it by chance, he researched, planned, and deliberately decided that Kamloops was where he wanted to build his career and his life. That kind of intentional connection to place speaks volumes about what this city offers to newcomers and what it inspires in those who call it home.
Looking ahead, Ashish's goals reflect the same commitment to connection that brought him here. He hopes to continue growing in the tourism and events industry, creating experiences that celebrate culture, community, and connection, the kind of events that leave people inspired and smiling long after they're over. He wants to blend creativity with organization, keep learning from others in the field, and make a positive impact on how people experience destinations and events.
For anyone visiting Monte Creek Winery, whether for a wine tasting, a meal on the terrace, or a special event, they're likely experiencing Ashish's work firsthand. His understanding that tourism isn't just about places, but about the moments that happen in those places and the connections that form between people, makes him exactly the kind of ambassador that helps visitors fall in love with Kamloops and the Thompson Valley. Since February, he's been bringing that passion to every guest who walks through the winery doors, and that's exactly the kind of dedication that makes this region shine.
Monte Creek Winery
Royce Sihlis
