Rachelle Colthorp

Rachelle Colthorp believes financial success within a community starts with our youth. That’s why when she’s not running Sun Life Financial in Kimberley, Colthorp volunteers with Junior Achievement BC to deliver an Economics for Success program to high school students. In addition, Colthorp is a member of Junior Chamber International (JCI) and this year, she is the chair organizer of Leadercast JCI Kootenay—a one-event designed to help participants develop leadership skills, social responsibility and fellowship.

As a service to the community she loves, Colthorp often delivers free educational seminars on a variety of financial topics. With passion at her core, Colthorp is a well deserving member of our Top 40 Under 40 list.

How did you come to choose this line of work?

I’ve always had a passion for education and working with people, so when I decided to leave my career as an elementary school teacher, I was looking for a professional career that would challenge me; provide me with an opportunity for growth and success; and, more importantly, the opportunity to help others grow and succeed. Becoming a financial advisor was a natural fit for me that combined my love for education and working with people with my interest for personal finance, and a desire to become an entrepreneur.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

I'm excited to make a difference in people’s lives and have a positive impact within our community. Meeting with people, and working with them to get them on the right track to meet their financial goals is a very rewarding part of the job and it is something that I really enjoy doing. 

What’s your focus for 2016?

Growing my business through awareness and education. Personal finance is one of the most important aspects of our lives and often we are not taught about budgets, credit cards, student loans, insurance, investing, etc. in school. I want to empower individuals and families in our community when it comes to building and protecting their financial security.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur in the Kootenays?

I moved to the Kootenays for the lifestyle shortly after finishing university. I wanted to get out of the city and fell in love with the area when I moved to Kimberley. It's a wonderful place to live and work. Becoming an entrepreneur and building a business in a community I love is a dream come true.