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Four Points Sheraton Drama Ends, New Home Found For Fat Daddy's Card Show

4/25/2019

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When we last discussed the show I promote in Milwaukee, the blog featured my November show at the Four Points Sheraton -- an amazing show. Huge turn out.

The December show, pictured above, was not quite as large but still large enough where I had to reserve two rooms. The December show was my last one at the Four Points Sheraton. I decided to provide free doughnuts one last time, even though the fascists that run the Four Points Sheraton expressly forbade them. What were they going to do? They did nothing and the show went on without a hitch.

I was feeling a little melancholy that day. The show had gone on just about every month at the hotel for more than four years. It started out with a bang thanks to Mark Smith's assistance but started to fizzle out when Mark dropped out. The aforementioned doughnuts saved the show!

At the August 2015 show, very few customers showed up. I decided to give away doughnuts at the September show, also marking the first anniversary of the show. That show was a grand success and the show has grown from about five dealers at that fateful August show to 30-plus currently.

It has been well documented that the Marriott corporate folks, who own the Four Points, no longer wanted to host my show. Our major disagreement was that they wanted to be able to cancel my show when they could replace with an event that spent thousands of dollars on catering. I disagreed. 

The Four Points seemed to get a new manager every month. I thought maybe we had smoothed things over after Stefanie, the worst of the worst managers, left the hotel. I figured maybe I could book the hotel for 2019. However, the last manager I spoke to, told me that they no longer were booking events in advance -- yeah right!

I recently learned from a former employee that when Marriott came in at the end of 2017, they cleaned house by firing employees that had worked at the former Clarion hotel for 15 to 20 years. We're talking housekeepers that worked hard for low pay for years and they were kicked to the curb. The Marriott Corp. is about as foul of a company as they come.

Still, I was sad at that December show. I worked real hard at building a successful show, even though the Marriott Corp. tried their hardest to destroy my event. Perhaps it is a karma thing, but after essentially getting kicked out of the Four Points Sheraton, I landed on my feet at the Salvation Army Community Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I am happy to report that the show is stronger than ever!

At the end of 2019, I booked just about a year's worth of monthly shows for 2019 at the Sal, skipping January, July and August. My main man at the Sal, Mark Lewis, has been tremendous. I've gone from having to deal with adversaries at the Four Points to getting a teammate in Mark at the Sal. 

Unlike the Four Points Sheraton, where management was asking what could I do for them, Mark has been asking what he can do for me. Did I say he has been tremendous? First off, he has been providing an awesome concession stand which is a win win for everybody. Hungry card show goers have food and all the money benefits the Salvation Army. 

Mark and I have worked together trying to figure out the best way to set up the room and the adjoining hallway. I think we finally figured it out at the April show and now have roomy aisles and room for the dealers behind their tables. I heard your complaints!
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So the first show at the Sal, blurry picture above, was in February and it was absolutely amazing. Thirty-plus dealers signed up and we placed 50-plus tables in the main room and in the hallway. I may have had my largest crowd in attendance to date. This was absolutely phenomenal. What I found most rewarding was seeing how happy everyone was, both dealers and customers. Everyone seemed giddy. I received so many compliments and I am so thankful for all the kind words. The show has come a long way and it has been a real battle. There were many times when I was ready to throw in the towel, but as I told Mark Lewis, I'm staying at the Sal forever. 
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Pictured above is dealer Larry Larsen, left, helping customers at the February Salvation Army show.
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The March show was not quite a large as the February show, which was easiest my largest to date. But the March show was still excellent. I had an amazing day selling cards and an equally as amazing day buying cards. 

I was able to take a handful of notes. Mark purchased some 1960 Topps football, a regular customer purchased some 1960 and 1961 Topps baseball. A new customer purchased some 1969 Topps baseball. Gary F. purchased some 1961 Topps baseball. A regular customer purchased some 1959s and a 1941 Double Play Arky Vaughan.

John purchased some 1981 Topps football. Kevin found the final cards he needed to complete his 1969 Topps baseball set. A regular purchased some 1934 Diamond Stars. Eric purchased my 1961 NU Scoops Mickey Mantle while a new customer purchased some 1969 Topps baseball.​
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Dealers Harry and Matt Lambrecht, pictured above left, had a busy day at the March Salvation Army show.

Continuing with my sales, Kevin purchased some 1950 Bowman baseball. Another regular purchased some 1969 Topps baseball. A random customer wearing a Chicago Blackhawks hat, purchased some 1960 Topps baseball. Tim purchased my 1961 Golden Press Babe Ruth.

Barry purchased some 1969 Topps. Bill purchased some 1965 Topps football. A new customer purchased a whole pile of cards from the 1950s. A regular customer purchased some 1982 Topps football. A new customer purchased my 1964 Bill Mazeroski.

Then I went on a buying spree and purchased a near set of 1975-76 Topps basketball, a near set of 1970-71 Topps basketball, a pile of 1973 and 1963 football along with a 1956 Topps Gil Hodges.
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Pictured above is another photo from the March Salvation Army show.

​The April show may have been my largest show with 30-plus dealers and 50-plus tables. Unfortunately, attendance was down. If you missed the April show, you really missed a great show with all those dealers and a huge variety of sports memorabilia. Needless to say, I bought a ton of stuff!

I was too busy to take notes but did jot down a few of my purchases. I bought a collection that walked in the door featuring six or seven boxes of baseball cards from 1961 through 1977. I also picked up some 1948 basketball and some 1963 Fleer baseball.

Some dealers reported phenomenal sales while other were disappointed.
To boost attendance for the May 4th show, I've spent a little more on advertising. I am currently picking up all sorts of wax to giveaway, including some 2019 Topps baseball and some 2015 Topps football. I have had a steady flow of dealers sign up, including John Arcand, who has a television show on the Big Ten Network where he travels the country, views Big Ten-related memorabilia collections, values them then makes an offer and often comes home with the collections. I've known John for years and you'd be hard pressed to find a better guy in this hobby. John used to own a card shop on the Northwest Side of Chicago and he regularly gave me tremendous deals on vintage cards at the shop. I am so thankful and happy that John and his wife Debbie are setting up at my show. Definitely check out their tables because they have items you won't see anywhere else.

Also, in the exciting news category, I will have three Super Bowl Packers signing autographs at the June 1st show. Midwest Sports Buffet LLC is bringing in Diyral Briggs, Gary Brown and Calvin Jones from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Autographs cost $20, all items, $10 each inscription, $8 JSA authentication, or you may purchase a VIP package for $59  that includes a custom jersey, 1 autograph on the jersey, inscription, stand up photo-op & JSA authentication -- only 10 available for each player. Photos, Jerseys & Mini helmets will be available for purchase.

So things are happening! All that trouble with the Four Points Sheraton is now in the rearview mirror. Great things are in store for my show at the Salvation Army Community Center. I've got lots of ideas and will have all sorts of fun surprises as the year progresses.

I hope to see everyone at the May 4th show at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI. Thank you for your continued support. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you guys. Let's rock it again on May 4th!​
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Where Have All The Orland Vintage Collectors Gone?

4/15/2019

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Well, my last blog about the Orland Park show was in October. There have been about five shows I've attended since October and of course, I failed to take notes, so I don't have a whole lot to offer.

Some of my overall observations about the Orland show...

Each show appears much the same for me. I get to hang out with my pals Larry, Will, Joe, and Paul. I also see a lot of other friendly faces. There is now a concession stand which has me excited. 

On the down side, my sales have gone down. While attendance is steady at this show, for some reason my sales have taken a nose dive. I think one of the problems is that less and less collectors attend this show. It seems like most customers coming to my table want wholesale deals so they can resell my cards. I can't make money with these customers, I need collectors. Not just any collectors, I need some guys working on vintage sets and ready to spend a little dough. Where did all the Orland collector go?

I still get a handful of regular collectors who I really appreciate. You guys know who you are and a big thank you for your support! Overall, it seems like the amount of Orland vintage collectors has shrunk.

I don't even know what to bring out any more. I brought all of my display cases at the March show and sales were minimal. I didn't bring out my 1950's binders in March, I'll have those this month.

Buying, on the other hand, remains strong at Orland. I've bought quite a few cards these past five months at Orland and will probably continue to do so. 

As far as the thief goes, I told him in January to stay away from my table. So far, so good.

The next Orland show is Saturday, April 27, 2019. I hope to see a return of the hordes of vintage collectors. My baseball binders are pretty well stocked. I need to work on the others. Let me know if you are looking for anything special.
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Gonzaga Hall Show Report

4/1/2019

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Today, I would like to report on the recent Gonzaga Hall shows. 

The January show was held the 13th which ended a long show layoff for me. I usually don't go more than a week or so without doing a show but since I did not schedule a January show at the Salvation Army, I had no show to attend for about five weeks. I cannot remember the last time I went more than two weeks without a show, let alone five. So I was rearing to go on January 13.

I woke up that morning at the crack of dawn as usual. I loaded up my car and was on the road to Gonzaga around 7 a.m. After about a half hour or so of driving, the electrical in my car started to go wacko. The car was shutting off and on the the steering was locking up. My electric steering light came on. I got a little freaked out and pulled off the road somewhere north of Kenosha. I texted dealer Gary George to tell promoter Keith that I was having car trouble and would not make the show. I also emailed Keith.

I got back on the highway and drove home. I went over to the Firestone by my house because I knew they were the only place open on Sunday. A mechanic checked out my car and could not find anything wrong. The wacky electrical stuff did not happen while he was futzing around in there. He sent me on my way. Of course, as I drove away, the wacky electrical stuff started again. I eventually had the battery replaced and now it is driving just fine. I am so sorry I did not make the January show. I hated to miss the show!!

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The February show was held on the 10th. I was smart enough to drive my wife's car this time around.

Before every show, I try to change up my display. I always bring out some new items and I rotate many items in and out between shows. The result is my tables are always different for each and every show I attend. For the February Gonzaga show I decided to bring out all of my display cases, which is now up to 10. I cannot remember the last show I brought out all 10 display cases. After setting everything up, I learned I could go up to 11 or 12 display cases because I was unable to put out all of my cards that I had ready for the cases. I probably have more cards priced and ready for my display cases currently than I have ever had before. One of these days I would like to be able to put all of the cards out. In the meantime, this show featured my largest display-case set up in a long time. 

Chuck from Fon Du Lac greeted me early on. Last I saw Chuck, he was working on a 1964 Topps baseball set which he had since completed. On this fine morning, Chuck was working on a 1960 Topps baseball set. He was happy to see that I had a full binder of 1960 Topps and he proceeded to spend the next hour or so pulling cards. He also brought me his box of doubles, which I purchased.

Jason found some cards in my recently reloaded 1967 Topps baseball binder. A regular customer purchased some 1955 Bowman baseball. Another regular was eager to see my newly reloaded non-sports binder where he pulled a bunch of cards. Then there are my hockey regulars who found a bunch of hockey cards from the 1970s on my tables.

A few months ago I brought out my graded cards. I only bring them out every so often just to change things up. The graded cards don't sell very well for me at shows. They seem to sell much better on eBay, so I just don't bring them out that often. Anyway, the last time I brought them out, Larry spotted a 1964 Topps Nellie Fox, which I think was a PSA 8. He had been asking me to bring the Fox out again and of course, I could never remember to do so! I finally remembered to bring out the Fox and Larry was happy to purchase it.

Along with many familiar customers, I always see new customers at my tables at each and every show which is a great indicator that the hobby is alive and well. This show was no exception. A new customer purchased some 1949 Bowman baseball. Another new customer purchased some 1954 Bowman baseball. I had a brand new customer purchase some 1974 Topps football. Another new customer purchased some 1951 Bowman baseball.

A regular customer purchased some 1968 Topps baseball. Then there is this guy, whose name escapes me, I've known him for years. He used to set up regularly at the Gonzaga show with his brother and they owned a card shop in Milwaukee. He is kind of a character and we always have a conversation that borders on the bizarre. Anyway, he purchased a T206 from me at this show.

A regular customer purchased some 1953 Johnston Cookies. For those unfamiliar with the Johnston Cookies, these were cards issued in the 1950's in Wisconsin and depict the old Milwaukee Braves. I am a huge fan of these cards. They're really cool looking and are a neat piece of history.

Back to my sales, a regular customer purchased some 1955 Topps baseball. Another regular customer purchased some 1971 Kellogg's baseball.

On the buying front, I had been working on a purchase of a large collection for months. We finally came to an agreement right before the show. The seller offered to bring the cards to the show but I thought it would be easier if I just stopped off at his house after the show. Unfortunately, it was February in Milwaukee and I had a harrowing drive to the south suburbs in the snow.

The seller's driveway was a slippery mess and I almost fell on my tail a few times loading the cards into my car. While loading, I realized that picking up the cards after the show was a bad idea because I had very little room in my car. The seller had bins of binders. I had to remove the binders from the bins and stick them in all sorts of nooks and crannies in my car. Luckily, I was able to get all the cards in there, about 50,000 cards in total.

The collection had cards from the 1960s through the 1990s, some publications and a handful of autographs. I did not want the 1980s and 1990s stuff but the seller wanted to get rid of it all. Actually, I think his wife wanted him to get rid of it all. I have gone through all of the vintage and there was some nice stuff in there. A ton of 1968 and 1969 Topps baseball including stars. There was a complete set of 1970-71 Topps basketball and a bunch of football from the late 1960's and early 1970's.  A real good haul. I will probably bring the 1980s and 1990s stuff out to the flea market this summer.

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I was back at Gonzaga on March 10, 2019. This was the day where we had to set our clocks an hour ahead for daylight savings time. Losing that hour of sleep absolutely killed me. I woke up late and didn't get to Gonzaga until around 8:30. I didn't finish setting up until 10 a.m. I did not get a chance to take any notes because I was trying to help customers and set up at the same time. 

I know I had a decent day selling cards. I had an absolutely phenomenal day buying cards. The week prior, at my show at the Salvation Army, I set up a deal to buy another collection. This time around, 5,000 cards and they were all vintage and the seller's childhood collection. The seller brought in the collection but I did not have a chance to look at them and pretty much paid him sight unseen. I've been burned before when I fail to review the cards before purchase. This time, I was pleasantly surprised and had a great time going through all the cards after the show.

There were near complete, complete sets, and tons of doubles of baseball from 1970 through 1973; football from 1969 through 1974; basketball from 1970-71 to 1973-74; and hockey from 1971-72 to 1973-74 Topps. There were also a bunch of inserts. I went through all the cards and pulled out a huge stack of stars and hall of famers. Fun stuff.

I also bought a bunch of other stuff at the show including a box of baseball cards from 1959 through 1970. All commons but really nice shape and with high numbers. I picked up some 1961 NU Sports, some more 1973 football, and some ABA programs. An amazing haul. My bank account is significantly lighter but my inventory is just silly. Wow, that was incredibly fun!!!
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At the February show, someone showed me the cards, pictured above. For the life of me, I cannot remember who it was. Anyway, I remember taking the photo because the cards are incredibly cool.
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Pictured above are a handful of cards from the February deal. 
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Pictured above are a handful of cards from the March deal.

The next Gonzaga show is Sunday, April 14, 2019. In the meantime, my next show at the Salvation Army, 8853 S. Howell, Oak Creek, WI, is just a few days away on Saturday, April 6, 2019. I'll have a ton of new stuff out at the show. Also, 27 dealers have signed up so far. As a result, I'll have 50-plus tables at the show Saturday. Be sure to come hungry and try some food at the concession stand. All concession sales benefit the Salvation Army. As usual, two free packs of cards for everyone who attends. I've picked up all sorts of wax to give away. No admission!! See you Saturday!!!
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    Tony Gordon

    Vintage Sports Cards Addict

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