Biography
I was born in Russia, in the Ural mountain region. Obviously, my native language is Russian, which explains why there are two parts in this web site: one - in English, and another one - in Russian.

In 1981 I graduated from Ufa Airspace Technical University with two qualifications: Software Engineer and Electronic Engineer. Then for two years I served in the Soviet Army, Air Forces, as an engineer. I was in charge of repair electronic components of fighting jets and making sure that they do not fail during flights. Military service wasn't my choice, it was mandatory for every man in the former Soviet Union. But I do not regret spending those two years of my life, because military service made me a much more responsible and strong person than I was before.

Later I continued my study. I completed a post-graduate course and obtained a Ph.D in Computer science from Moscow State Technical University (Bauman Technical School), which is considered one of the best technical schools in the world. The area of my expertise was design of multilevel control systems for advanced technical units such as adaptive robotic lines, aviation engines, etc. All my work was based on extensive use of computers, and as a result I became considerably involved in software development. I worked for government institutions specializing in research and development. As I always try to reach high professional level in what I am doing, I had good perspectives and probably could have had a successful carrier.

Unfortunately, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 buried my dreams of working as a scientist and forced me, like everybody else, to take another direction. It was the time of chaos and economical disaster. I was left no other choice but to start my own business in order to support my family. I was running a software development business and an advertising agency. Eventually, this new path turned to be successful. In 1995 my family and I moved to Toronto, Canada, where we have been living since then.

In Canada I started a new business specializing in development of web-oriented software applications and providing services in promotion on the Internet. I also managed web portals that were created and maintained by my company, Dest Group Ltd., using them as channels of distribution of information and advertising materials. I believe my company was among those pioneers, who started offering Internet services in Canada. As the Internet was changing and transforming, so did my business. My clients’ needs expanded, they required more services - not only web design or promotion on the Internet, but help with development of a complete business model, outlining business strategy, etc. Therefore, in the end my company became a turn-key business development solution agency. Although this is a challenging job, that requires generating new ideas, understanding the essence of every business, I think we manage it well, due to our extensive experience and background. Even though I deal with complicated and unconventional tasks, my job is rewarding in terms of creativity and satisfaction by the results. So yes, I love my job :)

Like every immigrant I went through the process of adapting and fitting into the new environment. After many years of living here I can say that I became “a proud Canadian”. However, I continued to maintain close connections with my friends and business partners in Russia, Ukraine and other countries from ex-USSR. Actually, most of my articles are written in Russian, because a big part of my business and web portals are meant for Russian-speaking people.

And, of course, the most important part of my life is my family. My wife Helen is my best friend and a partner in all my enterprises. We’ve been together for more than thirty years. She has a degree in Economy and work experience in financial sector. My son, Yaroslav, has a Master degree in Computer Science obtained from University of Toronto.

Despite my technical background and experience I have a thirst for all forms of art. I appreciate fine architecture, I am passionate about visual expressions such as painting and photography, I value literature and I write myself. I also like to travel, meet new people and get familiar with their traditions and the way of living. I am into sports as well, particularly tennis, mountain skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
 
Random thoughts...
 
I always envy people who live where they were born and raised. It is important to have a place, which you can call a home, where you are surrounded by relatives and friends, who know you from your childhood. It gives you a sense of stability and security that allows you to focus on other important things in your life, be more experimental and creative. As a result, all your efforts are converted into better success, because you don't need to waste your time and energy on creating a secure and comfortable space for productive functioning - each time when you move to a new place.
 
Unfortunately, I did not have that luxury. Collapse of the Soviet Union whittled away (ñâåëî íà íåò) my achievements and my hope for a successful carrier. It forced me, during the age of highest productivity - mid thirties, to move to another side of the planet. For a long period of time my family and I were people “without a country” (no citizenship of any country). I was almost forty years old when I started a new life in Canada having nobody who could help us. The only thing that kept us afloat in those hard times was support that we gave to each other. This is why I keep saying that the most important part of every human being’s life is his family.