Page 18 - December 2018 Thoroughbred Highlight

Overlooking the owner boxes at Woodbine Racetrack, Sheldon Nicholson is an ambitious young man who ensures that everyone is where they need to be.
While his “hyper intensive” full-time position as an audio-visual technician at the world’s foremost audit, tax and advisory rm KPMG is his main source of income, it is his weekend post that provides the feels that fuel his vision of success.
To afford tuition for the Business courses he was taking at Humber College, Sheldon began working along side his Uncle at Freeman Audio Visual Co. in Mississauga. The shipping/receiving position evolved into full time work as the then 25 year-old took on event set-up and working with the company’s clients at their events.
Along with his evolving technical abilities Sheldon gained notice for his customer relations skills and was asked to work for the company at their biggest client, KPMG in the heart of the nancial district in Toronto.
Every Monday to Friday Sheldon rides the subway into the city after ghting rush traf c to the Yorkdale Station from his rural home in the Oak Ridges Moraine.
At KPMG he is part of a four person team responsible for the audio visual set-ups of the 40 plus meeting rooms on the 38th to 48th oors of the Bay Adelaide Centre for more than 1500 KPMG clients.
A year ago when AVI-SPL took over the AV contract at KPMG, Sheldon was asked
Sheldon Nicholson an Usher at Woodbine Racetrack
to join the new rm and continue working at KPMG. Proclaimed as the world’s largest
AV integrator AVI-SPL is headquartered in Toronto and could provide Sheldon with an opportunity to advance and use his education as a project or business manager within the company.
In 2013 Sheldon’s father, Huey Nicholson, a 30 plus year employee at Woodbine, mentioned to his son that the box usher position was available at the track. With tuition fees mounting Sheldon jumped at the opportunity to supplement his income.
In sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of his weekday employment, Sheldon’s position at Woodbine Racetrack on the weekends is relaxing and where he says he is happiest.
“I feel like there are two sides to every week.” Noted the affable 29 year old, “I am
less stressed and more relaxed at Woodbine. I can be myself and can let my hair down.”
During the Saturday and Sunday cards
of racing at Woodbine you will nd the unassuming Sheldon seated at the top entrance to the outdoor owner boxes
located on the 2nd oor grandstand. He is responsible for ensuring that everyone is in their correct seats, assisting special corporate clients and respectfully ushering out those who may have unknowingly wandered into the reserved box seats.
“I keep my eye on everything and make sure that everyone gets to where they need to be.” Sheldon speaks with noted pride, “I have met a lot of people over the years and can recognize and know everyone associated with each of the boxes.”
Not only does his vantage point allow him to do his job well it also provides the perfect spot to watch the exciting horse races at the track.
“I have been a part of six Queen’s Plates which is hands down my favourite time of year.” emphasized Sheldon. “I know that
I am de nitely 100% getting into owning racehorses as soon as I am in a position where I can get into it, I will. I have a bird’s eye view and am learning on the job. There are so many facets to the industry which I am just starting to discover.”
Sheldon has nished at the track for the season is looking forward to returning to the post where he is happiest in April 2019.
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Thoroughbred Highlight, December 2018, Page 18
Weekend Job at Woodbine fuels Dreams of Ownership
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Chris Enjoys his 29th Birthday at Woodbine
In celebration of their son Christopher’s 29th birthday on November 25 the Mollica family spent the day at Woodbine Racetrack.
Now married for 36 years
Susan had met Roberto Mollica
at Gardiner Farms in Caledon where they both were working. Roberto was an exercise rider and recalls getting on the back of Bold Ruckus in the mornings.
While the couple began working on the Thoroughbred side of
the racing industry it is the standardbred horses that have brought joy to the family especially as Christopher’s cerebral palsy progressed.
Roberto eventually became a Standardbred trainer and the
family bought Eight of Hearts
for Christopher from the auction at Flamboro. Christopher is no longer able to sit on a chair, hold a pencil or verbally communicate however he can drive his horse at their farm thanks to a special driving cart with a ramp built by Roberto.
According to Susan, Christopher loves horses and has been going to the races since he was a boy and while his condition affected his motor skills his mind is sharp and he can read and understand everything about horses and racing....it’s his passion.
With Eight of Hearts Christopher competes off the farm at Standardbred Showcase shows against able bodied participants.
Photo right:Christopher and his Dad Roberto at a Standardbred Showcase Event in their custom built bike with Eight of Hearts
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