David Bellringer has just moved to Bowen Island to manage Village Square but he has already developed a deep appreciation of local people and local businesses. "The lifestyle and the people," he says when asked what brought him here, adding, "I really want to mention how valuable Dianne Olsson is. She shows so much pride in [the maintenance of] Village Square and it is really evident that she cares."
Bellringer is the general manager for Harris Properties that took over possession of Village Square on December 1, 2012. The 31-year-old will have an office in one of the buildings and wants to play a role in ensuring that his tenants, both residential and commercial, are happy and thriving. Part of that objective can be accomplished by encouraging people to shop on Bowen, Bellringer believes.
"I see the landlord as part of a team to promote businesses," he says. "It's obvious that for many of them it is hard in the winter." Bellringer is getting his first taste of island life. Before coming to Bowen, he lived in Whistler and managed the Fairmont Hotel. He also was a commercial Real Estate broker in Vancouver.
Bellringer brings a lot of ideas to his position and envisions more gatherings like the one he witnessed during the Light up Bowen festivities. "That was an awesome experience to see everyone coming together for such a traditional event. I would like to see more opportunities like that," he says, mentioning ideas like farmers markets or kids' activities in the square.
Bellringer often works side by side with Olsson. He is impressed by her dedication and by how much she knows about Village Square and its buildings. "Every residential tenant really likes her, she even has treats for every dog that walks by," he said. "She is just awesome."
