Grace Bukowsky is used to experiencing culture shock.

The first time was being plunged into an icy winter deep freeze in Kitchener, Ontario. It was November 1991 and her parents had just moved from the sunny climes of Greece, via Poland, to start a new life in Canada.

“Greece was about 27 degrees when we left and it was very cold in Kitchener,” says Bukowsky, who last month assumed the role as general manager of Cove Links Golf Course, the adjacent marina and Rusty Anchor Pub. “There was really a big shock in temperature. So, we waited until the snow melted, about five months, and got in the car and drove across the country and came to Vancouver.”

Add the climate change to the fact the then 16-year-old didn’t speak a word of English and you have a situation where you need to adapt quickly.

She did, and now finds herself in another position where she has to learn about another culture rapidly—this time a business one.

“I knew pretty much nothing about this place before coming here,” she says with a smile. “I knew where it was, what it was, and had to come up with a strategic plan on how to enhance it.”

She comes from a background in fashion sales and marketing—most recently Holt Renfrew. But it was her previous experience helping manage her father’s business as an ornamental blacksmith that gave her the drive and accumulated know-how to succeed.

“With my parents having limited English, I really took on the business,” she says. “I talked my dad into opening a retail outlet because he didn’t think it would work because he worked more on a commercial basis. But I knew what his talent was after as a little girl seeing what he could do.”

What she could do for Cove Links is what won her the job as the tucked away facility is embarking on a makeover to raise its profile, first within the community, then to the greater public.

“Right now, it’s a little gem, but we really want it to stand out,” she says, adding changes are on the way.

“Obviously, we want to keep a little sense of suspense of what’s coming, but we are doing extensive work on our website for all the three businesses,” she says. “We are planning events which include the annual kickoff to our golf season, which is sometime in April.”

Renovations are due for the Rusty Anchor Pub starting in January. That will be followed by changes to the cocktail and food menu in the spring.

Some enhancements will be made to the marina.

“What that’s going to be, we’re not sure,” Bukowsky says. “Because it’s at full capacity and profitable, we need to be creative with how we are going to involve the community.”