Part-time Rower, Part-time Chocolate Maker

Many of us have dreams. For some, those dreams include the Olympics.

Will Newell is a world class rower who trains much of his time at the Oklahoma City High Performance Center in the Devon Boathouse and Olympic Qualifier.  He pointed out that  many countries around the world provide their athletes with provisions that are much higher compared to United States athletes.  That means the U.S. athletes have to find a way to make a living.

The Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation sponsors athletes and helps them find jobs and housing while training as Olympic athletes.  Newell and his fellow athlete Robin Prendes are currently members of a four lightweight crew.  They have earned their way to the 2012 Olympics and are currently working part-time for Devon Energy.

Another rower from the team, Nick LaCava, has a rather unique way of making money. He is a chocolate maker, and has been dubbed by his colleagues as the Willy Wonka of rowing.  He graduated in the year 2009 from the University of Columbia and has been rowing for the US National team ever since.  He and two of his close friends invested their money for an online chocolate company called Chocomize.

Nick stated that it has been an outlet for him that complements his rowing profession. His company receives orders from numerous buyers and clients who wish to customize their own chocolate bars.  Customers have the chance to choose from a selection of more than 100 ingredients and put them in their very own customized chocolates.

The peak time of their business is usually during Christmas and Valentine’s day, but you can order year round.  You get the power to design your very own chocolate bars.

Joanna Maligaya
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