JAN
"Excellence is the culmination of thousands of details executed perfectly." ― Will Guidara
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With a background and passion for Supply Chain and Operations, I oversee the day-to-day store ops behind the scenes. While I'm typically behind my desk, it's often hard to help but check out what's going on in the store and catch up with our regulars.
I've been collecting Pokémon for close to 20 years on & off, I most enjoy completing my binders and visualizing gaps to fill out. My favourite cards are among EX's from the XY generation, and Delta Species from the EX generation.
While we don't do much sports at the shop (yet!), I also collect basketball and dabble in some other sports cards as well. Lastly, cars are a big passion of mine, I love Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and of course, Supra's.
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Favourite Pokemon: Charizard, Dragonite, and . . . DRAGONS!
Favourite TCG: Altered, just getting into Riftbound
Favourite Hobby: A rotation of strategy games (tcg, board games, mmorpg, etc.)
MATTHEW
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ― A.A.Milne
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As the Event Organizer and Store Manager, my job is to make sure we provide you with the best experience possible at Top Shelf! It’s also my responsibility to make sure things such as new products are getting brought into our store to and directly to you! Not to mention helping out the rest of our team in any way I can.
I first started my journey with Yu-Gi-Oh in high school, and since then have gone on to play a bunch of other TCGs like Magic, Pokemon, Gundam CG, and One Piece (my current obsession). I’m also a huge fan of tabletop RPGs for the past 10 years now - some of my favourites are D&D and the Warhammer 40k RPG.
Something you might not know about me is I’m also an aspiring Actor/Voice Actor who went to Humber College for 2 years in Acting for Film and Television. My latest and most recent booking was for a Theatre Play at Waterdown Village Theatre called “20th Century Blues”
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Favourite Pokemon: Tyranitar, Bidoof
Favourite TCG: One Piece CG
Favourite Hobby: Role-Playing Games & Story Writing
RICARDO
"De pie o muerto, Nunca de rodillas” ― General Omar Torrijo Herrera
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I work on all the visuals you see around the store, online and on socials.
You'll find me peeking out of my upstairs lair every now and then to help with events and talk to our awesome community. I am also the one that has painted all the Trophies you guys have received at our events!
I’ve been into TMNT and Godzilla since childhood, those who have met me at the store and looked at my arm know what my jam is. Aside from that I have been building Gundam and Miniatures for over 15 years.
While I'm not into TCG games, I love my miniatures and rolling dice, mainly through Warhmmer, but also playing boardgames.
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Favourite Pokemon: Charizard
Favourite Hobby: Board Games, Table Top Wargames, Painting, Gaming
JULIAN
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." ― Master Oogway
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With a background in education and a fervent love for tabletop games like Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Flesh and Blood, and Warhammer 40k, I find myself at the store often, contributing to events and guiding newcomers through the intricacies of TCGs. My role allows me to foster a sense of togetherness and contribute to the growth of our vibrant community.
My journey with Magic: The Gathering spans over sixteen years, a testament to the depth of my passion. It all began with a friend's introduction, leading me to frequent pre-releases and drafts at the local game store. My fondness for the Green color in MTG, known for its formidable creatures, is a reflection of my deep connection with the game.
My recent venture into Warhammer 40k has been a journey of discovery and passion. It all started with a visit to Top Shelf, where I was immediately drawn to the welcoming community. The generosity in teaching me the art of painting and allowing me to use their resources for free was a Testament to their inclusivity. Their guidance has kindled a love for painting and creating my own miniatures for the tabletop.
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Favourite Pokemon: Blastoise
Favourite TCG: Magic: The Gathering
Favourite Hobby: Board games, Wargames such as Warhammer 40k, and Hiking
TARIQ
"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated." ― Maya Angelou
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You'll find me hosting and judging a number of competitive events, from Yugioh Mondays to the occasional Pokemon and Bandai TCG tournaments.
I've been a competitive card game player for the past 4 years, playing a variety of card games as well as attending high level events. I started off with YGO which is still my main TCG, however, I've played a number of other games at events such as Altered, One Piece, Pokemon, and Riftbound. I don't do much collecting as I find more enjoyment in playing the games, so the few binders I have are dedicated to Staples and Cores.
I've worked here at Top Shelf since we opened and was the first to be Sponsored by the store to attend a high level Yugioh event.
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Favourite Pokemon: Victini, Absol
Favourite TCG: Yu-Gi-Oh!
Favourite Hobby: Going X-3 and dropping
JUAN
"Don’t just court your losses! What is gone is gone! But think about it, you still have some things left don’t you?” ― Echiro Oda
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I'm responsible for a lot of the social media content you see, such as the Spotlight Series, the Top Cut Pod and some of the recap videos of our major events! When I am not editing you will probably catch me running events such as Gundam and One Piece locals!
Although I only started playing TCGs last year, I have fallen in love with the hobby! I started out collecting Pokemon but that quickly turned into falling in love with the game! Now I have tried every TCG we have at Top Shelf and have picked up some new games such as One Piece and Gundam! I also finally started building my first Gundam model kit!
Before TCGs I played competitive soccer. I have played in Ontario’s League 1 (a semi-pro/amateur league) and also spent 9 months playing soccer or should I say futbol in Colombia!
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Favourite Pokemon: Snorlax
Favourite TCG: Pokemon
Favourite Hobby: Going on runs and playing guitar
ENZO
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”― Plato
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I’m a jack of all trades here at Top Shelf. Working in the warehouse hands on with product and shipments, in front of the computer making our listings and ensuring our website is in tip top shape, and most importantly in the store front of speaking with and helping customers; I’m a part of the team that's got what it takes to deliver the top notch service we offer.
My first experience in the hobby space was when I was a kid back when my older brother played Yu Gi Oh in the early 2000s, the game was always too complex for me, and as time went on by the age of 7 I had my hands on Pokemon cards. Since then I’ve picked up many other hobbies, my favourite of which include playing Pokemon TCG, League of Legends, and building Gundam model kits!
I am a huge metal head! I love Mastodon, Gojira, Loathe, and Deftones, all of whom I've seen perform live several times.
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Favourite Pokemon: Spiritomb
Favourite TCG: Pokemon
Favourite Hobby: Grinding League Of Legends
LUCAS
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do" ― Kobe Bryant
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You’ll find me working at the front of the store, helping customers with whatever they need when they come in. I also run/judge the majority of our Pokemon events. Make sure to stop by on Thursdays to say hi!
Growing up I played a lot of Call of Duty and some Pokemon TCG as well. After graduating university, I got more serious about playing Pokemon and started to travel to regional tournaments. I have not done too well yet, but I am really enjoying competing.
I am a high school math and chemistry teacher here in Oakville. I played basketball my whole life, and have started coaching at my school. It's very busy, but I am loving every minute of it.
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Favourite Pokemon: Umbreon and Darkrai
Favourite TCG: Pokemon
Favourite Hobby: Video Games and TCGs