Meet Drew O’Kane | Entrepreneur/Dream chaser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Drew O’Kane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Drew, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As an entrepreneur who has worked for himself for 30+ years “risk” has literally been my middle name. I have always been the person to inspire others to take a chance on them self and that is only possible because of the chances I have taken on myself time and time again over the years. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and some failures are bigger than others, but so are some successes! you have to be willing to roll with the punches, but the key is learning from your mistakes and applying THAT to your future. Leaders take risks and you miss 100% of the shots you never take!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a creative Aquarian, I have always been coming up with ideas, whether it be artwork, business concepts, engineering or even film making. (Winning national awards in film and engineering) While I could expand on several areas of my personal creativity, the one dominating my life today is, of course the creativity in our business POPS Rockin Kettle Corn. Starting in Ketchikan Alaska in 2010 with only two flavors, today 13 years later, we make more flavors than anyone in the world at over 200 taste bud tantalizing creations! We get asked constantly even by fellow poppers in the industry “ how do you do it!?” -but of course we can’t give all of our secrets away. In all honesty though, learning to embrace my bipolar diagnosis, along with a complement of ADD has been a driving force in many of my creative ventures! I am known as the “idea guy” in my circle, and anyone that knows me knows that I am always up to something! The hardest part has always been picking which ones to follow through on? Easier said than done!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having lived in different parts of the country from Colorado to Arizona and Alaska. I am an outdoorsy type person but also one who enjoys good food and good people! To anyone who has never been to Arizona, I always recommend Sedona! Those in the know, know that Sedona is the place to go for a good energy, cleanse and restart not to mention the beautiful views and connection with nature. The shopping and food in Sedona is also unique! Being a lover of water, I would also recommend a day on the lake at Lake Pleasant, or for a more intimate setting canyon lake where you can see Indian petroglyphs on the rocks from the water! It’s an awesome connection to the past right in front of your eyes, that is really quite special! Top that off with some cool drinks and a fishing pole and you are set for a perfect day at the lake!
When you’re ready for dinner, I suggest old town, Scottsdale for a large selection of delicious food for the foodie in you! There’s always good nightlife in Scottsdale, if you’d like to boogie, or just people watch!
Last, but not least, I would always suggest visiting Ahwatukee for some shopping and good peeps interaction! Awesome little town nestled in the south corner of Phoenix, with good hospitality pretty much everywhere you go!
Last, but not least… get yourself a bag of the best kettle corn you’ll ever eat at POPS! Always handmade over fire in small batch, perfection and always fresh! With 20 to 30 flavors daily, there’s something for everyone and you won’t find a more unique treat. Made with love in this cute little mom and pop shop!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up in a somewhat hostile environment, I learn to rely on myself more than anybody else. This got me through my younger years, but as I matured I realized I had some awesome people around me that were a great help along the way! My grandparents were an incredible foundation to a beautiful support system in my life, always saying that anything is possible and supporting my dreams, no matter how outlandish they may have sounded. This allowed me to believe in myself and also that incredible things were possible, if I only believe in them! I had some great mentors along the way as well that taught me great business values that many overlook making textbook mistakes. Of course, today my greatest support system, inspiration, and partner in all things is my amazing wife Tracey! The love and generosity she shows me every day is proof that everything I’ve done in my life, led me to the right place being where I am today.

Facebook: Pop Rockin Kettle Corn Emporium

Image Credits
Photos taken by: Drew O’Kane