STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY
WHAT DOES A MILD-MANNERED ACCOUNTANT DO WHEN SHE’S NOT CRUNCHING NUMBERS? SHE’S TEARING UP THE RACE TRACK, OF COURSE.
Nicole Gapes describes her childhood as ‘country nomadic’.
She said the Goulburn Valley had always pulled her and her family back to the region, like a gravitational force they were unable to escape.
Nicole is the senior administration accountant with Gagliardi Scott Real Estate.
Up until she was in her 30s, she worked on orchards before moving into tax accounting, doing her diploma in accounting and then moving into real estate.
Nicole and husband Gary live in Numurkah with their pet goanna George, and she admits her weekend life is a lot different to the one she lives during the week.
“Gary and I met racing dirt bikes in the early ’90s,” Nicole said.
“And we still race most weekends, although I race a sports sedan now — it’s safer than a motorbike and easier on the body.
“I don’t drink alcohol so it’s a fun outlet before crunching numbers Monday to Friday.”
When first getting into real estate Nicole said she questioned if she had made the right decision.
“I wasn’t sure about real estate at the start, but now I love it.
“Each day is different. I love the area, the people and the company provide many growth options in what is quite a varied role.
“I just honestly love crunching numbers and the crazy weekend activities keep me sane for the normal world.”