Community Highlight: Matt Betlamini

Our community is an integral part of the success of our company. HAVN’s vision and vitality are brought to life with the support from our community members helping us work towards achieving this dream. It is our pleasure to highlight some of our members, to showcase their incredible talents, hard work, and creativity in our weekly segments. 

Matt is a man of many remarkable talents. With a mastery honed through self-driven determination, Matt is a skilled carpenter capable of crafting anything from intricate guitars to functional kitchens. At HAVN, he built all the beautifully detailed cabinetry and bookcases. Beyond his craft, his unwavering passion for the ocean drives him to conquer heavy waves through surfing, kiteboarding, sailing, and freediving. Solid in both physique and character, he exudes strength and reliability. When the chips are down, you can count on Matt's to be by your side when challenges arise. Matt is a dependable friend with classic cowboy resilience and the soul of an ocean explorer with the zest for life. We’re lucky to have him to contribute to the success of HAVN!

Q: What did you work on for the HAVN project?

I built the locker room cabinets, a book display bookcase, the front desk reception area, and the retail section.

I met Nick almost 10 years ago when he was shaping surfboards and I needed a surfboard repair. He allowed me to use his surf shack, though he was initially hesitant about it. After I completed a high-quality nice repair, he seemed to change his perspective and was open to friendship.

He’s like you can repair a surfboard, we can be friends, which was quite funny. We surfed all the time together. As 25- year-old shenanigans, basically, engaging in youthful antics. We've just kind of always enjoyed the ocean together and really our friendships really, always kind of been around the ocean.

Everyone's got that kind of tie here. It's always just been super solid. Kind of feels a, it's an Alberta thing.

Interestingly, all our friends originated from Alberta or other provinces.

Q: What got you excited about joining this project, how did you get involved?

I helped Nick construct his carriage house at his place. It was just me and him for most of that project. Nick approached me during a sailing trip with this idea of building a massive spa.

This was about four years back, and I casually remarked, "Sure, that's gonna cost you." Just teasing, you know.

But then out of the blue, he says, "Yeah, I'm actually thinking of doing it." So, he asked if I wanted to be part of it. I was in between shops then. It was a bit of a crossroads for me. I wanted to fully commit to the project, almost like a Bjorn situation, but at the same time, a new shop offer came up. I was torn.

I thought, putting myself behind another year to hunt for a shop, while this incredible opportunity was here, didn't make sense.

I mostly did my own thing through the project, especially considering we'd discussed tackling the cabinets right from the beginning.

It's an ongoing thing, you know? Little upgrades here and there. Plus, the whole back zone – I'll likely lend a hand with that too.

Q: Did you think this project was going to get improved?

It's really inspiring to witness your friends create something like that. There was a touch of skepticism because Victoria has a lot of older residents who resist any change whatsoever.

They're quite set in their ways, you know? But this was so innovative and fresh.

It brought a new energy to Vic, which was really needed. You see, downtown doesn't offer much beyond partying and dining out.

There's a lack of places that genuinely promote health and wellness. What Nick established is more than just a view of the harbor; you're immersed in it.

I was quite certain it would work out.

On the day of the hearing, I was so exhausted I couldn't attend in person. We ended up watching the live feed from home, "Oh yeah, that's happening."

I really wanted to dial in and say, "Hey, we're here, cheering you on."

Q: Tell me about your background. 

I started with carpentry, initially inspired by woodworking, particularly crafting instruments like guitars. When I moved to the island, I intended to build guitars, but soon realized it wasn't a sustainable source of income. Making a living wage as an artist is tough.

So, I shifted focus to foundational carpentry. I knew I needed to run my own business because of my passion for surfing. Working for someone else wasn't an option; I needed the flexibility to take time off. It was a turning point, and I ventured into various odd jobs, eventually establishing myself through word-of-mouth referrals.

My journey took around eight or nine years in Victoria, hustling and honing my skills. Having my workspace was a game-changer. It was a two-car garage, conveniently across the street from home. I got breaks via friends, working on significant commercial projects, like the one for Rest House in uptown.

These opportunities gave my career momentum, and I began working for contractors and consulting firms in town. No marketing, just word of mouth, which serves as vetting for me. It's a relief; I don't need to deal with the marketing hassle.

Q: What are the things you love about the west coast in Victoria? 

I grew up in a remote ranch, far from any city, surrounded by vast space. The ocean was the only place that made me feel small, like that sense of openness from my childhood. I knew city living wasn't for me.

I started in the outskirts, then transitioned to the city. Victoria felt like a small city with a big-city vibe. It's compact, cool, and my friends were here, so I naturally settled in.

Living in town never felt like typical city life. It's a small town within a big city. The dream is to have a house by the water and fall asleep to the waves, a dream shared by many.

The ocean, the diverse outdoor areas, they all captivate me. Exploring could take multiple lifetimes, uncovering hidden gems in plain sight. The variety of people, the open-mindedness, the mix of cultures, especially compared to where I grew up in Alberta, is refreshing.

I don't know what's not to love about it out here. It's full of explorers and dreamers. It's easy to love. Every day, waking up feels like paradise, even if in the worst weather imaginable, this is amazing. I can't see myself living anywhere else really.

Despite the high cost of living, I can't see myself elsewhere. It's the price to pay for this joy, a sort of "joy tax."

Q: What are some fun facts about you or things that interest you?

I grew up on a farm, a hidden aspect of my life that most people didn't know about. It was a quintessential old McDonald's style, surrounded by cows and that rural charm. Until I turned 17, I rejected it, but now I look back and yearn for it.

The farm has a rich history, a 100-year heritage that spans three generations. When my dad retires in the next few years, I plan to reconnect with it. While I'll still live here, there's a short window of three months in Alberta for meaningful farming activities.

During the summers, I'll head back and take charge. Maybe I'll even kickstart an organic farming venture, selling produce either locally or bridging the gap with my current location. The aim is to weave these two parts of my life together.

It would be fulfilling to eventually take over the farm, injecting new and exciting energy into it. Currently, my dad handles the farm alongside his full-time oil field work. He manages hay bales and custom grazing services for others who bring in their cattle.

I strive to maintain a child's perspective, embracing novelty in everything I do. This approach infuses a sense of newness into every experience, keeping that youthful outlook intact.