Tell us about your background and where you are from?
Sure, let’s dive into it! I’m from Ireland, specifically from County Cork in the south. Talking about myself isn’t something I do often, so bear with me—it might take a bit of time.
Professionally, my background is in marketing and sales. I studied marketing in college at CIT in Cork, which is now known as Munster Technological University (MTU). I’ve always been a sociable and outgoing person, so business naturally drew my interest. Marketing was my first choice when picking a college course because it checked a lot of the boxes for me. I liked that it offered a lot of options in terms of different career paths.
After finishing college, I joined a distillery—classic for an Irishman, right? Selling whiskey came naturally to me. I spent four years there, initially working as a marketing manager, but I also moved into various roles, including sales, international sales, and new product development. I learned a lot during my time there. Interestingly, I started at the distillery as part of my college placement. I remember during my first interview, they mentioned they didn’t have a marketing department, so I would essentially be starting it from scratch. That actually suited me well since I enjoy taking charge and forging my own path. I’m not one for following rigid structures, so it was a great fit.
It was particularly rewarding to join the company in its early stages. I had the chance to help build and launch the brand, contributing to new product development. Over the four years I was there, we grew from being a small domestic whiskey brand to one of the most recognized independent craft spirit brands in the world, with a significant presence in the States, mainland Europe, and Asia. Being part of that journey and having a hand in the day-to-day operations was really fulfilling for me. I’ve always preferred working in smaller companies because you get to have more input and learn about different aspects of the business. I wouldn’t have wanted to be just another intern fetching coffee—I wanted to be involved, and that’s exactly what I got to do.
What motivated you to move to Canada?
Honestly, it was mostly about a change of scenery, especially after the whole COVID situation. Ireland had one of the longest lockdowns in the world, and it felt like forever. Our pubs were closed longer than almost anywhere else, which was a huge deal back home. I had never lived abroad before, though I had done some traveling—to places like India and around Europe. I had actually visited Canada twice before moving here because my aunt lives in Ontario.
The decision to move to Vancouver was largely influenced by friends who had already made the move. For many Irish people, the popular options are either Australia or Canada. My original plan was to move right after finishing college, but then COVID hit. Two of my friends had just landed in Vancouver and were telling us how amazing it was, but Ireland went into lockdown right after, and we couldn’t travel more than 5 kilometers from home, let alone move to another country.
That lockdown period only increased my motivation to leave once it was over. As soon as I could, I went through the visa process, got on a plane, and headed to Vancouver. People often ask me why I moved from one of the wettest countries in the world to one of the wettest cities, but I always say that at least here, the weather is consistent, and you have proper seasons. In Ireland, it’s more of a guessing game day to day.
Vancouver also has so much to offer year-round. I’m quite an outdoor person—I love hiking and trail running. I grew up 20 minutes from the ocean back home, so being near the sea is important to me, and Vancouver provides that. Even though I’m not a big city person, Vancouver strikes a nice balance between city living and access to nature, which really appeals to me.
I’ve been here for about two years now and am currently working on getting my permanent residency because I’m not quite ready to leave yet.
How did you hear about AFGL?
I actually heard about AFGL before I even moved to Vancouver. Some friends of mine had worked for them, and I also came across their name while researching the move. There’s a Facebook group called “Irish New in Vancouver,” which is one of the most active communities with around 90,000 members. Through that group and other sources, I learned a lot about the job market in Vancouver, which is quite different from back home in Ireland. The hiring process here can be much longer, especially for someone coming from abroad, with a lot more hoops to jump through. So, finding something temporary to pay the bills is almost a given.
When I first arrived, I took about a month off to settle in, get the lay of the land, and maybe enjoy myself a bit. But as my funds started to run low and I wasn’t hearing back from job applications, I realized I needed to find something in the meantime. I reached out to a few people I knew, and I think I sent an email to AFGL that morning. By the same afternoon, they called me in for onboarding, and the next day I was already out working on sites.
I started out doing labor work with AFGL, working on various construction sites. They placed me with a small residential carpenter, which was a consistent gig for the entire time I was on site. It was a valuable experience, especially since other people often get moved around to different sites, crews, and types of projects. The guy I worked with was actually Irish as well, from Tipperary, which might have been part of the reason he kept me on. It was a small crew, but I learned a lot.
One of the best things about working with a company like AFGL, even if you have no interest in pursuing a career in construction, is that you pick up some really useful skills. My family back home works in construction—I’ve got uncles, cousins, one’s a carpenter, another’s an electrician, a plumber—so I already had a decent understanding. But it was great to apply that knowledge and get more hands-on experience, especially in a different country where they do things a bit differently.
It was particularly nice over the summer, working on projects like building decking on Point Grey Road in 27-degree heat—definitely not a bad way to spend the day! Of course, it’s a different story once the weather gets colder and the rain sets in. At that point, I didn’t mind the idea of an office job as much.
Has your perception of the trades changed since starting to work for AFGL?
It definitely has. I have a much greater appreciation for the work now. Like many in the younger generation, especially here in Canada, I initially saw the trades as more of a fallback option—a path you might take if things didn’t work out with a degree. That mentality contributes to the current labor shortage we’re seeing in the trades.
In my family, those who went into the trades didn’t really have the option to go to college; it was their only choice. But now, having worked in the industry, I can see the opportunities that come with it, and I’ve developed a real respect for the type of work that tradespeople do. Sometimes, I even think pursuing a trade might have been a great option for me when I was younger, especially since I’ve always wanted to run my own business.
The trades offer a solid path to entrepreneurship. After being in Canada and seeing how many construction companies and subcontractors are family-run businesses—often first or second generation—it’s clear that learning a trade, gaining experience, and then striking out on your own is a well-established route.
There’s also something to be said about the sense of pride that comes with working in the trades. Even now, when I drive past projects I worked on, there’s a small sense of pride knowing that I contributed to them. That’s something I’ve noticed is a big deal for anyone in construction. Yes, you do it for the paycheck, but there’s also a real sense of pride in shaping the landscape of Canada, whether it’s through renovating someone’s house, adding an extension, or building a high-rise downtown. You can’t help but feel proud knowing you had a hand in creating something tangible and lasting.
How has AFGL supported your journey so far?
AFGL has played a significant role in my professional journey, especially in terms of offering a clear path to progression. When I first started working on site, my hope was to eventually find a full-time role in marketing or sales, particularly within the drinks industry, since that’s my background. However, I found it challenging to break into that sector here in Vancouver. The craft brewing industry is more prominent here, but my experience is in spirits, and there aren’t many big spirits brands with head offices in this area—that’s more of a Toronto thing.
AFGL really stepped up by offering me a role in their office, which allowed me to transition from working on sites to focusing on sales. If it weren’t for that opportunity, I might still be out on the construction sites. They’ve given me the chance to apply my skills in a new context, which has been invaluable.
One of the key ways AFGL has supported me is through their commitment to upskilling their employees. Just like they offer training and development opportunities for the guys on site, they’ve been more than willing to provide me with any training I need to advance in my role—whether it’s learning new software, taking a course on sales, or improving my client management skills. They understand the value of investing in their employees’ development, which not only benefits the company but also helps with employee retention.
Another important aspect for me is the clear path to progression that AFGL offers. Even during my interview, they laid out the potential career growth within the company, which is something I find very important. I like knowing there’s a ladder I can climb and understanding how I can progress within a company. It’s something that motivates me to stick with a company rather than constantly searching for new roles elsewhere. Consistency is important to me, and AFGL has provided that by showing me the opportunities for growth and development within their organization.
What resources have been the most beneficial for you at AFGL?
One of the most valuable resources for me has been the accessibility to Matt, the CEO. Having a direct line to the founder and CEO of the company is incredibly useful. His knowledge and expertise have been essential, especially since I don’t have formal training or education in construction. There were definitely things I didn’t fully understand at the beginning, and the learning curve was steep, particularly since I’m working in a different country than I’m used to. Being able to bounce ideas off Matt and ask questions has been key for me.
Beyond that, AFGL has also provided various training opportunities that have been really beneficial. We’ve done a lot of safety training, which is crucial in this industry. I’ve also completed a Train the Trainer course, which means we can now provide necessary training to our teams on-site without relying on third-party schedules. This makes my job a lot easier, especially when clients need guys trained in specific areas like fall protection or fit testing.
How do you think AFGL differentiates from other companies in the industry?
Simply put, I think the biggest difference is that they genuinely care—about their workers, about the industry, and about the quality of work they deliver. It might sound cheesy, but it’s true. The founders of AFGL come from a construction and trades background themselves, so they truly understand the needs and challenges of the industry. They don’t just want to see their company succeed; they have a real passion for the construction industry as a whole and want to see it thrive.
AFGL was built on the idea of addressing a genuine need for quality, reliable labor in the industry. The founders recognized that there was a shortage of skilled workers, and they saw the potential in the immigration and newcomers market to help fill that gap. They care about bringing in people from overseas to supplement the current workforce, and they focus on maintaining a high standard of quality, which isn’t always the case with other providers.
What really stands out to me is how much they care about their workers and clients. They genuinely want to see people succeed and get ahead in life. From day one, even if someone doesn’t have a construction background, AFGL invests in their growth. Some of the biggest success stories are people who started with no experience in construction and, within a year, worked their way up from general labor to junior carpenter, foreperson, and beyond. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those same people later in life taking on leadership roles like project manager or site superintendent, essentially climbing the ranks within the industry.
While AFGL is, of course, a business and there to make money, the care they show for their employees and the pride they take in their work really set them apart. It’s refreshing to see a company that not only wants to succeed but also wants to see its people grow and thrive along the way.
What do you enjoy most about living in Canada?
The lifestyle and access to the outdoors are what I enjoy most about living in Canada. It’s been great for both my physical and mental health. Since moving here, I’ve noticed a significant positive impact on my well-being. The access to nature is incredible—especially living in Kitsilano, not far from Jericho Beach. Over the summer, I can walk just five minutes to the ocean and take in the stunning views of the city, mountains, and islands in the distance. Even after two years, I still go down there nearly every evening, and it never gets old. It’s a pretty special part of the world.
The year-round outdoor activities are another big draw for me. You can never really get bored here. In the summer, there’s the beach, hiking, and trail running, and then in the winter, you’ve got skiing. I’ve also gotten into the craft beer scene, which is fantastic here. The diversity of people is another thing I appreciate—you get to meet all sorts of interesting folks from different backgrounds.
I used to play rugby for years, but I had to retire due to injury. That left a bit of a gap since I missed the physicality and team aspect of the sport. I’ve since found new activities to focus on, like trail running, which is easy to get into with all the amazing trails around here. Skiing is another new passion. This past year was my first season, and I had a blast. I spent Christmas at Big White and made several trips to Whistler. I wasn’t sure how I’d take to it, but I ended up loving it—not just the skiing itself, but the whole experience that comes with it.
Overall, it’s the combination of outdoor access, diverse activities, and the beautiful surroundings that make living in Canada so enjoyable for me.
What are your professional goals for the next few years?
My professional goals are really centered around growth—continuing to learn, improving my skills, and expanding my knowledge. A Few Good Lads is in a really exciting growth phase right now, with a lot of opportunities on the horizon, and I’m eager to see us capitalize on those. I’m particularly focused on helping to turn Matt’s vision for the company into a reality, working behind the scenes to contribute to that success.
As the company grows, I want to grow my own role and experience alongside it. I’ve always had the idea of owning my own business someday, but that’s not something I see happening in the immediate future. Right now, I’m really enjoying what I’m doing at A Few Good Lads. The flexibility and independence I have here allow me to influence the direction of the business without having to take on the major risks that come with ownership, and I find that very satisfying.
So, my main goals are to help grow A Few Good Lads as a brand and to see how I can contribute to its journey. I’m just really enjoying the process. As they say, if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, there’s no real point, and right now, I’m in a place where I’m both challenged and fulfilled professionally.
What advice would you give to other international workers considering moving to Canada and a career in the trades?
My main advice would be to do your research and be prepared. A lot of people come to Canada expecting to quickly land their dream job, find the perfect apartment, and live an incredible life from the get-go. But it’s important to remember that moving here means actually living here, with all the ups and downs that come with day-to-day life. It’s not a 24/7 vacation, despite what you might see on Instagram or Snapchat. Real life comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s important to be realistic about that.
So, take the time to understand the job market, the cost of living, and what it really takes to settle in. Be ready to face the hurdles and adapt to a new environment. The rewards can be great, but they come with effort and persistence.