Meet Eric he is originally from Neepawa, Manitoba but has lived in Kelowna for four years. Eric is a photographer for local professional wrestling organizations such as Big West Wrestling, Thrash Wrestling, and Invasion Championship Wrestling. You can also find Eric snapping some wicked shots of the Okanagan lifestyle with his dog, Larry!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Larry, my Argentinian Mastiff, is my best friend. We spend all of our spare time hiking together.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Sunshine Pet Supplies in West Kelowna. An exceptionally friendly staff with a large selection of products for all varieties of pets, including my mastiff's diet of raw elk. They even provide free delivery for their customers all the way to Lake Country.
Describe yourself in one word.
Believer.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would walk from town to town across Canada, visiting all the friends I've been missing for far too long.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Once a month (always a Friday), Big West Wrestling produces an exciting, family-friendly, live event at Lake City Bowling & Billiards / Brooklyn Pub. These all-ages events provide both thrilling stunts and comedic moments for the audience.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
A couple of years ago, I saw a post on Facebook claiming 'this year Halloween will be on Friday the 13th, for the first time in 666 years.' Somehow, I fell for that and after sending it to a friend was met with a response of 'read that again… Slowly.'
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My mother always wanted to be a school teacher and to focus on working with special needs youth and she has accomplished that. There's nothing more inspiring than seeing someone you love doing what they want to do with their life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Training for track events. I loved being out alone after school in the middle of nowhere, running the prairie roads, confident the other kids weren't putting the same work in, knowing the thrill of competition was coming.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer as a photographer for local professional wrestling organizations Big West Wrestling, Thrash Wrestling, and Invasion Championship Wrestling. It gives me pride to be part of the Invasion Nation, who have donated more than $100,000 directly to local charities like Mamas For Mamas, Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, NONA Child Development Centre, and the YMCA Strong Kids Program.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish the global focus was on compassion rather than profit.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hiking with my dog through Glen Canyon is always a peaceful experience.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
While I have only lived here for a few years, I believe Kelowna is doing a fantastic job. The passionate response from the community to everything that happens here is itself the daily positive change I hope we all continue to experience.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The scenery is why I love it here so much, the beautiful lakes, skies, mountains, trees, and wildlife everywhere you turn. I often describe the Okanagan Valley to friends as being similar to the Great Valley in 1988 "The Land Before Time" animated film.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Work a World Championship UFC event in Las Vegas.
- Work a WWE WrestleMania event.
- Save enough money to spend a few years travelling Canada on foot with Larry.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I represented Team Manitoba in the 1994 5-pin bowling National Championship tournament, held in Welland, Ontario.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram @ericwolaniuk, Twitter @EWOLmma
What is the name of your business/organization?
Although I've volunteered as a photographer for numerous promotions over the last decade, I've never considered my own business. It's always been more important to me to be involved, to be part of the team and each event has an opportunity to open new doors.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Martial arts and professional wrestling have been lifelong passions of mine. After spending years working jobs that weren't important to me, I decided to go after what I love and stick to it. And I'm truly happy I have.
What is the goal of your business?
I plan to someday be working for a major media outlet or promotion covering the biggest international events in both mixed-martial-arts and professional wrestling.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Like all of us, unexpected situations have often caused a fork in my path. Yet I find myself here in paradise, doing what I love, struggle creates appreciation.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I hadn't made mistakes in the past, I'd surely make them in the future. I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and hopeful for where that knowledge will take me.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Damn sunglasses!" every time I bend over to tie my shoes they fall off my head.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Follow your heart, believe in magic. You'll never get another chance to do it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom. I haven't spent a 24-hour period with her since way back in junior high.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
While the store may not belong to your own friend or family, it is the friend or family of someone in your community. Love starts with LO-cal. Also, please google the environmental upside.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
After growing up hearing the legend of this gruelling run down gravel roads and through sand pits. I won the annual 3km Arden Run in 1996 in Manitoba. It is a proud memory. In both the training and the run itself, I earned that one.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
New York Times bestselling author / former WWE World Champion Mick Foley for everything he does to bring awareness to Kelowna's own Mamas For Mamas.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
I'd like KelownaNow readers to know about Toshido MMA fighter Chris Day, a Kelowna-born professional mixed-martial-artist working his way towards a contract with a major promotion like the UFC or Bellator MMA. You can find him on Instagram at @cday08
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
