When Roman Petrushel and Kate Pine moved to Canada, they brought years of entrepreneurial experience and a thriving business background. However, they were uncertain how quickly they could adapt to the Canadian market and whether their success abroad could translate to a new country. They anticipated a long journey to establish themselves but were pleasantly surprised by how quickly things progressed, thanks in large part to RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI). 

“We thought about starting a business as newcomers, and at first, we weren’t sure it was a good idea,” Roman shared. “We didn’t fully understand the culture, the mentality, or even where to begin. But CNI helped us dive deep into Canadian life and business practices. The program was intensive and eye-opening, covering everything from Indigenous perspectives to the importance of mental health—concepts that were entirely new to us.” 

Kate’s research skills were instrumental in finding CNI, and together they decided to commit to the full-time program. “The program helped us so much,” Kate explained. “It wasn’t just about learning English. The program taught us how to prepare for interviews, how to be involved in the Canadian workplace, and how to succeed in this new environment. Now, this information helps us when hiring employees ourselves.” 

The couple highlighted the practical, hands-on nature of the training. Through CNI’s Work-Integrated Learning opportunities, they gained real-world experience in Canadian workplaces. “That was the turning point,” Roman said. “We realized, ‘We can do this.’” 

Today, Roman and Kate’s company, Einktab, specializing in innovative e-ink devices, has surpassed their expectations. They’ve signed a major agreement with Best Buy Canada and are approaching their first million in sales. The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but they credit their success to a combination of hard work, adaptability, and the foundation they built through CNI. 

“What really stood out about Canada is the focus on happiness and quality of life,” Roman reflected. “In other countries, it was always about survival and achievement. Here, people genuinely care about your well-being. It’s a cultural difference that inspired us and shaped our approach to both life and business.” 

Kate added, “The question that always stayed with us was, ‘What makes you happy?’ That’s such a Canadian question. It pushed us to think about enjoying life while pursuing our dreams. CNI gave us the tools we needed to not only understand Canadian culture but also contribute to it. We’re grateful for the guidance and support we received. It’s been a transformative experience.” 

Their story is a testament to the impact of programs like those offered at CNI, which empower newcomers to overcome barriers, integrate into Canadian society, and achieve their goals. Roman and Kate’s success is not just their own—it’s a shining example of what’s possible when communities invest in newcomers. 

As they continue to grow Einktab, Roman and Kate remain passionate about giving back. They’re exploring ways to mentor other newcomers and share the lessons they’ve learned. “We’ve received so much support,” Roman said. “Now it’s our turn to help others succeed.”