While Stephen Petasky was spending four nights in a tent on the roof of his Sobeys store in the dead of winter, he passed the time dreaming of warmer climes. He was taking part in the “Campers for Hampers” Christmas Bureau fundraiser, drumming up donations for the annual charity.

Well, he’s not dreaming anymore: He’s jetting all over the world as founder of Luxus Vacation Properties, an alternative to timeshare accommodation. He offers a great lifestyle to investors, whose money is used to purchase luxury properties. They can holiday at any of the places in Luxus’ growing portfolio. Among their choices are a ski apartment in Panorama, a single-family home near golf courses in Palm Springs, and a penthouse apartment on New York’s Times Square.

Stephen’s goal is to amass 30 properties in 20 locations and hold them for 10 years while they appreciate. Investors will be given their share of the return from property sales, and Luxus will acquire replacement assets. Stephen’s enthusiasm has attracted close to 70 investors to Luxus. The company employs an in-house travel specialist to organize trip details such as flights, tee-off times and concert tickets.

At 28, Stephen is president and co-owner of two thriving businesses, but he’s also a committed family man. He and his wife, CTV news anchor Carrie Doll, love to spend time with their year and a half old son. It is a focus he saw in his father who has always been a mentor to him. “It’s better to learn from someone who’s actually gone through it,” Stephen says.

He attended the University of Idaho on a golf scholarship, but he acknowledges that he might not have taken this path so early if not for his dad’s guidance. Stephen’s father ran a Sobeys store and introduced his son and daughter to the business. Sherwood Park Foods operates the Sobeys Lakeland and Nottingham stores.

Outside work, the Petaskys are active in the community. They host successful golf tournaments to raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer Society and Robin Hood Association. Stephen enjoys the outdoors: golfing—of course, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing. He’s happy with the direction life has taken.

“I’m living everything I want to do, so I feel pretty lucky…”