The road to success — however you define it — often takes many different twists and turns. For Nick Rak (Accounting ’24), they involved a career change, a fresh start in Calgary, and a realization that, with the right support, anything is possible.

Originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., Nick had a talent for trades that seemed to run in his family.

“My dad, my uncle, my grandfather — they were all welders,” he says. “I was good with my hands, and welding seemed like something I wanted to do.”

Nick began working in the oil field after high school, pursuing an apprenticeship in welding. Then life took an unexpected turn.

Struggle and structure

“I got myself into some serious trouble,” he shares. “And during that time, I struggled with addiction issues.”

Nick’s struggle derailed more than just his career plans and brought him to his lowest point. After several years of hardship, Nick managed to overcome his addiction and gained a new outlook.

“I decided to do something different with my life after going to a presentation at Trade Winds to Success by people from SAIT.”

That presentation, together with the passing of a good friend, convinced Nick to move to Calgary and pursue a diploma in Accounting.

“If I had an education in business — a more formal structure — I could move into an industry where I could help people,” he says.

Unexpected opportunities

While at SAIT, Nick received financial support through the Bissett Bursary Program. Set up by David and Leslie Bissett, this initiative provides full tuition to recent high school graduates who demonstrate financial need.

That support, Nick says, provided more than just financial relief.

“I didn’t have a lot of belief in myself,” he says. “I was still struggling to wrap my head around the idea I might not actually be a bad person — I just made poor choices.

"Knowing the [award selection] board knew everything and still had faith in me — that was huge. That was the wind in my sails.” 

Nick found another unexpected opportunity after taking a job with a roofing crew. It gave him the chance to learn the trade while his studies were providing the formal knowledge needed to run a business. In 2021, Nick decided to take a massive leap forward and start his own company. 

“A friend lent me $500 so I could incorporate and get insurance. I went out on my own and started building my company from there.” 

"Anything's possible."

 Five years later, Nick has grown his company, Enrak Roofing, into a highly successful business with clients across Calgary and surrounding communities.  

“I enjoy the work — I enjoy heights,” he says. “No matter what kinds of problems I run into with my business, it’s a lot better than where I came from. I wouldn’t trade my worst day running my business for my best day in my active addiction.” 

Earlier this year, Nick welcomed his first child and plans to continue building Enrak to a point of self-sufficiency so he can focus on being the dad his daughter needs.  

He’s also interested in future political involvement as a way of giving others opportunities and effecting real change. When asked what he would say to someone like his past self, it’s that change and progress are achievable.  

“Anything’s possible. Anything we set our mind to can be done.”