Meet a Ukrainian refugee who turned his boat restoring hobby into a career

After arriving in Kelowna with his wife and three children, Ukrainian refugee Artem Vartanian came across a job opening at a local boat dealer and restoration shop that caught his interest.

It would be a new start for him that could combine his experience and hobby into one.

A new employee at the store would be his connection to this new work.

“He met Artem at some sort of a function, and Artem came by just to have a look. It became pretty obvious to us that he had some boat building background,” Absolute Classics Marine owner Andrew Middleton told Kelowna10.

“So we brought him in for an interview and hired him as a new employee, and he’s done some wonderful things for us so far.”

Vartanian was educated at a maritime college and was formerly a part time boat builder, even building them at a smaller scale in his free time.

“I build the scale models, ships, wooden, and sailing yachts,” he explained. “I like to work with wooden boats, and I like the restoration.”

When Vartanian mentioned his background in scale-model boats, Middleton quickly realized that he is someone who must have good hand-eye coordination, as well as great attention to detail.

He said they look for people with inherent talent and passion for the kind of work they do, and even though there’s a slight language barrier with Vartanian, it’s clear he is incredibly passionate about his work.

Vartanian said he’s quite happy in Kelowna, the city is beautiful, and it reminds him of Odesa, his hometown in Ukraine.

He had many people to thank including his English teacher, his wife’s boss, and many others for supporting him and his family.

“I’m so very thankful for all of those who support me, especially at my work, all of the crew who support me and help me,” he said. “They’re such amazing people, this is like my second family.”