Renaissance Man

Ryan McFarlane is first in our Gent profile series.

Age: 25, Height 5″11

Profession: Derrickhand for a Oil Well Servicing Company in Alberta

Originally from Ottawa, now based in Alberta for about 4 years. This gent is a fitness fanatic, world traveller, stock market and real estate investor, fashion afacioado and part-time Power Engineering student. We had a chance to interview this busy former model to discuss how he unwinds between his hectic work schedule.

How are you finding the people of Alberta versus the people of Ontario?

I was born and brought up in the city of Ottawa which is a beautiful city.  Alberta, I think is filled with more career opportunities and has a thriving oil and resource industry. The average person can come here and find an entry level job that’s going to pay very well.  From the standpoint of comparing Calgary to Ottawa; Calgary is more multicultural and energetic whereas Ottawa has more culture and is sophisticated.  Calgary feels like a new city and Alberta an emerging province. Its relaxed here in Alberta and more affordable.

What is your current daily workout routine?

I try to work out 4 to 5 times a week which can sometimes be challenging because of my gruelling work schedule which takes me out of town days at a time.
I hydrate and eat quick carbs such as water with toast or have pasta 60 mins before my training which consists of 20 minutes of running and 5 mins of high incline fast walking for cardio.  I then do 90 mins of weight training.  I focus on one body part per session.  To cool down I do abs and stretching for 15 minutes.

What do you prepare for a dinner party?

I enjoy having friends over for dinner or a barbecue in the summer.  I tend to serve steak with black pepper and a dash of salt, grilled asparagus and pasta.

Where do you like to shop?

I don’t shop as much as I used to due to my limited time so I’m more selective about what I buy.  I just came back from New York, where I bought a shirt from London based designer, Charles Tyrhitt.  I like the tailor look and feel of his clothes; they measures you first and then suggests what fit works best with your body type and size.

I mostly shop online at Nike, Nordstroms, and Simons.

I used to go to Zara Men because of their presentation launch at Bayshore Shopping centre back in Ottawa.

Who are you currently listening to?

There’s a lot of talented Canadian artists doing their thing at the moment.  I am listening to Toronto artist 6lack,  Tory Lane, Kehlani, Drake, and American artist Travis Scott.

What Cologne do you wear?

I have two favourites.  Salvatori Ferragamo’s In Canto for everyday and Paco Rabane for special occasions.

What’s the most romantic thing you have every done for your girlfriend?

She lives back in Ottawa, so every day for a year, I sent her a new song to let her know I was thinking of her.

Your favourite vacation spot and why?

Madrid, Spain. It was so easy to relax and unwind there. The Spaniards really appreciate their parks which are all immaculately groomed. The parks are like an oasis within the city. We saw how elegant, elderly women dressed in their best blazers to take their daily strolls or to have coffee in one of the park’s cafe’s.

I also enjoyed seeing the more traditional side of Spain, exploring the different districts.  They had Wifi on all the buses which was cool. The metro system also made it easy for us to navigate and explore the different neighbourhoods.  As a treat, we splurged on cheese and yogurts at the grocery stores.

Your wish list for future vacations?

First is Tokyo, Japan, for the love of cars. Growing up and being influenced by the Fast and Furious movie series. I want to get a first hand look at drifting which is huge in Tokyo.  They customize their own cars to participate in these competitions. So far,  I have only seen it on YouTube videos.

Second is Sydney, Australia;  for the Great Barrier Reef; surfing and the outback wild life.

Third has to be Rio de Jeniero, Brazil;  for the carnival, rich culture, festivities, and colourful streets.

Favourite Quote?

“Ostinato Rigore” by Leonardo diVinci

This means constant rigour. To me, that’s about continually trying something over and over again.;  going after your goals and not giving up.