Grady Pasiechnyk: Back to his Kootenay roots

Grady Pasiechnyk is proof positive that you can come home again.

Pasiechnyk grew up in Kimberley, then spent eight years in Alberta—playing college volleyball, studying business at the University of Lethbridge and, eventually, working for Alpine Canada as national events manager.

In that capacity, he enjoyed travels across North America, but also came to the realization that there is no better place than the Kootenays to live and raise a family. So when the opportunity to purchase Wine Works, which has locations in both Kimberley and Cranbrook, presented itself, Pasiechnyk didn’t hesitate.

He describes Wine Works as “the premier shop for all things fermentation” and takes great pleasure in helping customers create their own delicious wines. As further proof of his entrepreneurial skills, he is also the publisher of Kootenay Media’s Go Kimberley and Go Cranbrook magazines.

Pasiechnyk and his wife, Corissa, are expecting their first baby in May. After all, what better place to raise a child than the Kootenays?

Kootenay Business caught up with Pasiechnyk and asked him a few questions.

How did you come to choose this line of work?

In a way it chose me. I went to school to play volleyball but found I was more excited about the marketing program I was in. This started me down the path of entrepreneurship. It was always my goal to move back to Kimberley. I knew in order to be satisfied here, I would need to create my own opportunities which, for me, could only be done by running my own businesses.

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

Is anybody really ever excited to get out of bed in the morning? Not me! Once I’m up though, I love the challenge and responsibility of having to keep the train rolling in the right direction. I really enjoy the social aspect of publishing our magazines as well.

Where do you like to spend your downtime in the Kootenays?

I grew up golfing and skiing so I try to get out as much as is socially acceptable. My wife and I have a ’77 Volkswagen Westfalia bus that we love to camp in, and I play in a couple bands. I have no shortage of ways to fill free time.

What has motivated you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?

Selfishly, I’ve always really enjoyed the risk/reward aspect of working for yourself. I know that if I can work harder, or be smarter (and perhaps sometimes a bit lucky), it will pay off exponentially. Of course the flip side is that you don’t have anything to fall back on, which can be a bit stressful.

What makes the Kootenays attractive to an entrepreneur?

It’s the same thing that makes it a great place to live: the people are so nice. It’s a place where everyone is happy to be sharing their experience with everyone else, which makes it really welcoming. Perhaps the biggest thing, though, is that when you’re an entrepreneur your work and life are one and the same, and I can’t think of a better place to live than the Kootenays.

What trends have you observed in your community that might impact the local economy in the next five years?

We’re growing! My own peers are starting to figure out that you can have an amazing quality of life at a fraction of the price compared to a city. My wife and I are expecting our first child in May and it’s incredible how many people we know who are in a similar boat: wanting to put down roots and start a family here. I’ve also found that our community is very conscious of supporting itself, and that vibe is contagious.