If there's one reason I never want to leave Toronto's nightlife scene, it's because of the amazing people I get to meet. No matter what people think of nightlife, at some point during the year, everyone goes out. Where else can a kid who bounced around foster homes in Jane St and Parkdale grow up to be rubbing elbows with Supreme court justices, Silicon Valley titans, Hollywood A-listers and CEOs from all industries?
One of the most overlooked parts of all of this however are us. The dreamers and hustlers who serve your drinks, cook your food, clear your table and make sure everyone has a safe night.
Everyone has a story to tell and one gentleman I've had the pleasure of working with, is Barry. A brawny 6'5 nightlife veteran, he's the director of security for John Doe Group (EFS, The Addisons, OMAW) and he's telling his stories...to children.
B.D. Donaldson - Author, Where Do They Go? Pt 1
Q. So you used to play football and are a bouncer. How on earth did becoming a children's author come about?
A. It's always something I wanted to do. For years I've had an idea of writing a book but always put it off. Was always too busy. 2 years ago I made a new years resolution that I would get a book done.
Q. Tell me about Where Do They Go? Pt 1
A. Where Do They Go? is a 3 part children's book series that unravels the mystery of missing socks. The focus is on two young children who keep getting in trouble for losing their socks. Originally it was going to be one long book, but I decided to have 3 parts.
Q. What was your inspiration?
A. Not having any children of my own yet, It was my niece and nephew. They just happen to be the main stars of the book as well. I don't see them as much as I wanted because we live in different cities but I am really proud of them.
Q. What changes are you hoping to make in society by telling this story?
A. I wanted my first kids book to help bridge the gap between children and adults. The topic of missing socks is one that adults can relate too very well. At the same time I wanted to ensure that kids could understand. I wanted to make the connection between parents and kids on a relative subject that both could understand. Parents would enjoy reading to their kids. I've had many parents tell me so far that they loved the topic and enjoyed reading it to their children.
Q. Anymore books on the horizon? Is this your chosen genre ongoing?
A. The plan is to finish Part 2 and Part 3 this year. I am currently working on 2 and it is almost done. I think I found a calling with Children literature. I've always prided myself on being very creative. Children books give me a fantastic outlet to let loose that that creativity.
Q. What do you have to say to people that think bouncers are big knuckleheads with no depth?
A. I've been in this business since 2003 and I've seen a lot over the years. As bouncers people have this notion that we can't chew gum and walk at the same time. For the most part LOL, they couldn't be more wrong.
I've worked with countless security who've become cops, lawyers, teachers, hold government jobs, trainers and the list goes on. They are judging a book by a cover. We are a stereotype. Being a bouncer is a part time job for me but I take it very seriously, sometimes people confuse that notion with we are being fake-cops or such.
In reality people have no idea of the mess we go thru and put up with to keep people safe. On top of that they have no idea that the man/woman they are insulting could be more educated or make more money than they do.
Rather than get in a discussion with each person who questions your brain power or throws money at you as in you're worthless (because of a decision you made that they don't like) you just let them talk.
They don't need to know I graduated from an Ivy League University, Have an MBA and make more money than them. In my case...the concept of don't judge a book by it's cover relates very well .
B.D Donaldson currently resides in Toronto, Canada. He graduated in 2011 with an MBA from Ryerson University. He is also a graduate of Colgate University in New York.
Where Do They Go? Pt 1 is an Amazon Best Seller with 4.5 / 5 star rating and a 5 star rating on Readers Favorite. It's also available on Barnes and Nobles and other websites as well.