Can you tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from?
My name is Ahmet, and I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey. I moved to Canada about eight years ago. I studied engineering back home, but I came here primarily to learn English and experience something different. I had a few options—Australia, Ireland, and Canada—but something instinctual drew me to Canada. I first moved to Toronto, where I spent six years before relocating to British Columbia about two and a half years ago.
What motivated you to move to the west coast?
Initially, I was just visiting BC, but I immediately fell in love with the lifestyle. I love being outdoors, surrounded by mountains and rivers, and I felt like this was the perfect place to start a new chapter. I moved here after finishing college in Toronto, where I studied Project Management and later switched to Business Administration.
How did you first hear about A Few Good Lads?
I found out about A Few Good Lads through a friend while I was living in Whistler. I was looking to make the move back to Vancouver, and my friend recommended the company to me. She gave me a brief introduction, and I trusted her advice. Everything happened so quickly—the onboarding process was smooth, and the team was really efficient. Even though my move was a bit hectic, A Few Good Lads made the transition much easier.
What kind of work are you currently doing for A Few Good Lads?
Right now, I’m working at the West Shore project in Delta, where we’re building a dome. Our team handles a variety of tasks, mainly carpentry, safety checks, and ensuring the workflow runs smoothly. We’re responsible for tasks like building stairs, setting up rails, and making sure everything is ready when the concrete gets poured. Every day is different, which keeps things exciting. I enjoy that it’s not a monotonous job—there’s always something new to learn and do.
How have A Few Good Lads supported your journey so far?
They’ve been incredibly supportive, right from the start. Moving and adapting to a new job isn’t always easy, but they made sure everything was clear and straightforward. Even when I had issues—like my car breaking down right before my shift—they were quick to help. I didn’t expect a response when I messaged them on a weekend, but within minutes, they had arranged a solution for me. That kind of reliability and support makes a huge difference, especially when you’re adjusting to a new environment.
What do you enjoy most about living in Canada?
For me, it’s all about freedom. I’ve been here for eight years now, and it feels like home. The lifestyle in Canada has allowed me to become certain about what I want—whether it’s my hobbies or my career path. I’ve made amazing friends here, and the connections you build when you move abroad are unlike anything back home. The sense of freedom and community is what keeps me rooted here.
Have you picked up any new hobbies since moving to Canada?
Yes, quite a few! I’ve gotten really into fitness, specifically calisthenics and bodyweight training. I used to be a bicycle courier in Toronto, and that’s where my love for physical fitness started. Over the years, I’ve become deeply passionate about training and even started coaching people. I’ve built a lifestyle around it, combining my love for fitness with my passion for music. I mix tracks specifically for my training sessions, making the experience more dynamic and enjoyable (Ahmet’s DJ account). It’s been incredibly fulfilling, and I even ran a successful workshop last summer in Trout Lake.
What are your professional goals for the next few years?
I’ve been working on building my own calisthenics business: Movement Based Lifeforms. It’s not just about training but creating a community around a healthy lifestyle and mindset. I have a website where I train and guide people, and I’m looking to expand this over the next few years. I want to collaborate with like-minded individuals and grow my brand, incorporating elements like music, workshops, and even a clothing line. It’s a long process, but I’m excited about where it’s headed.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about coming to work in Canada?
Be open to new experiences and trust the process. It can be daunting at first, especially if you’re leaving behind a familiar environment, but Canada is a place where you can truly find yourself and grow. The freedom, inclusiveness, and sense of community make it easier to adapt and thrive. If you’re hardworking and willing to embrace change, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.