Saturday, April 5, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI
Medical update: Still battling severe high blood pressure. Went to a cardiologist recently who placed me on more meds. I'm on so many meds! Needless to say, not feeling all that great lately.
The best way to describe how am feeling is imagine being stuck in a pile of sludge and struggling to move -- that's how I feel. So it was tough to prepare for the April 5 Oak Creek show. Luckily, I did not have to add anyone from the waiting list this month. While I always want to add folks off the waiting list, it is soooo time consuming. I usually have to contact five different guys before I can get one to commit to the show. Often, I have to go back and forth with guys just adding to the time.
In March, I added 10 guys from the waiting list which is always a problem for the following month when the regular dealer who skipped March want to come back for April along with the 10 new guys. I can't fit everyone in!!!
So instead of telling guys they could not set up, I placed dealers in every nook and cranny in the building. I created a new row in the Game Room. We ended up with 196 tables and 135 dealers, the most I have ever had in Oak Creek.
I hope to have a lot fewer dealers at the May 3 show and remove some of the spots I created that really did not work out and I want to eliminate that extra row in the Game Room. I also ended up putting a dealer up on the stage in the Chapel with me and Tom and he did not seem happy. He eventually moved to a spot on the main floor where the registered dealer, who paid, did not show up. He did really well on the floor where he ended up selling out and leaving early. I love when guys sell out because then I know for sure they had a great day.
Speaking of leaving early, several dealers packed up and left at 11:30 a.m. when the show goes until 4 p.m. I might start kicking out dealers who leave early. I am sure I have plenty of dealers on the waiting list who are willing to stay later.
Back to the dealer who paid then did not show up. For some reason, dealers think that if they pay, it is okay that they don't show up. Hard no! That dealer won't be coming back. I can't have any empty space when I have close to 200 guys on my waiting list. I had one other no-show in Fellowship Hall. That dealer won't be returning as well.
I really wish I could pull some guys from the waiting list in May but I was so overbooked for this April show, that I probably won't be adding anyone again from the waiting list. I am more focused on eliminating some bad spots and that extra row in the Game Room.
I also need to eliminate a few dealers because they are just a problem. I'm sorry, there is no reason for dealers to complain about anything. For the size of this show and the amount of people I bring in, my table fee is the best deal in the country. I know that most guys make great money here, If you don't like the show for any reason, don't set up. I'm happy to add new dealers from the waiting list. But don't bitch at me -- and especially, don't bitch at Lisa.
I had one dealer bitch at Lisa for the second month in a row because he does not like being set up next to Pokémon dealers. I would move him, if I could, but I am overbooked every month. There is no place to move but out the door.
Plus, it is 2025, and Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. As a result, you might be set up next to a Pokémon dealer. As you know, I set up at shows every single weekend and I am often located next to a Pokémon dealer. I could care less. I don't care what my neighbors sell. Also, I really like most of the Pokémon dealers. The majority, like the sports card dealers, are awesome folks and really pleasant. No need to hate on them.
If I was to have one complaint about Pokémon dealers, it is their customers. Since Pokémon is so popular, the Pokémon tables are extremely busy. Often when I am next to a Pokémon dealer, their table is so crowded that their customers end up standing in front of my tables, blocking them from folks that might be interested in my cards and hurting my sales.
I am pretty patient with them though. Where I draw the line is when the Pokémon customers place their folders on top of my binders. It is hard enough to sell cards when they stand in front of my tables. I certainly can't sell any cards when they cover my binders -- that is when I tell them to move along.
Anway, I would rather rant about another problem dealer in Oak Creek. I am not sure what he sells. It might be Pokémon. So, this dealer skipped the last two months and blew a gasket Saturday when he learned he lost his old spot. In my book, he still had a good spot and he was busy all day long and even stayed late. Yet he had to bitch at Lisa over and over. I went to talk to him and tried to explain the situation that when you skip this show, it is next man up, you don't own your spot. You set up where I place you. End of story.
So I am really pissed off at a couple of these guys. Lisa is just there to help her sickly husband. Don't bitch at her! I really want to kick these guys out. I have to think about it.
There are always a handful of bad apples at every show. I try not to let them get to me because most of the dealers are awesome and I really appreciate them. I also love our customers in Oak Creek. We did not break another record but 1,410 attendance is pretty damn good in my book. I'll take it every month!!!
Most dealers reported excellent sales. Some reported record sales. My sales were better than last month but buying was down. I did have an opportunity to purchase a shoe box full of 1952 Topps baseball but I just did not have the funds. I am spending so much money on the MegaShow that I am spread a little thin right now and had to pass on the deal. Of course, Tommy Larson purchased them. Tommy is the man!
I did purchase a couple of cool items including a 1957 Milwaukee Braves pennant and a 1968 Detroit Tigers World Series pennant. I don't think I am going to be selling these pennants. I will probably frame them and put them up in the card bunker.
Overall, I think it was a pretty good day. Just wish I felt better. One of these days!
No rest for the weary! My favorite show of the year is next week -- the Strongsville vintage show. It may not be my best show for sales but I absolutely love the fact that 99 percent of the dealers sell vintage sports cards and memorabilia. As you know, I have an addiction to vintage sports cards. Nothing feeds my addiction better than being in a room filled with vintage sports cards.
I am setting up in Strongsville again with my pal Tony Schaefer. We'll have the same spot as last year near the front of the show. I am hoping we get the same neighbors as last year who were all very enjoyable.
A recent twist on this show is the influx of vloggers. Right before COVID, I first observed vloggers attending this show. Just a couple at first. Now there are dozens and they have rented the ballroom at the Best Western, next door to the show, and are holding a party on Saturday night. A bunch of us attended the party last year and had a terrific time. I can't wait to throw a few back with some of my favorite vloggers like Sammy Thunder, Chris from Missouri, Orlando and Jason, to name of few. Should be fun!
Then things get crazier with the MegaShow happening on the Saturday after Strongsville on April 19 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 Ryan Road, Franklin, WI. I am up to 340 tables sold. I have rented 400 tables but just may need some more! The way I figure it, I can fit 512 tables into the Sports Complex.
I am blown away by the response. I have dealers coming in from as far away as Boston! Both dealers and customers are coming in from all of the country!! This should be an exciting show with loads of dealers that have never set up in Wisconsin and loads of customers that have never been to a show in Wisconsin. This is going to be awesome!!
Hope I can get through it!! Wish I was about 20 years younger!
Anyway, next report comes from Strongsville!
Now for some photos from Saturday's show in Oak Creek:
Medical update: Still battling severe high blood pressure. Went to a cardiologist recently who placed me on more meds. I'm on so many meds! Needless to say, not feeling all that great lately.
The best way to describe how am feeling is imagine being stuck in a pile of sludge and struggling to move -- that's how I feel. So it was tough to prepare for the April 5 Oak Creek show. Luckily, I did not have to add anyone from the waiting list this month. While I always want to add folks off the waiting list, it is soooo time consuming. I usually have to contact five different guys before I can get one to commit to the show. Often, I have to go back and forth with guys just adding to the time.
In March, I added 10 guys from the waiting list which is always a problem for the following month when the regular dealer who skipped March want to come back for April along with the 10 new guys. I can't fit everyone in!!!
So instead of telling guys they could not set up, I placed dealers in every nook and cranny in the building. I created a new row in the Game Room. We ended up with 196 tables and 135 dealers, the most I have ever had in Oak Creek.
I hope to have a lot fewer dealers at the May 3 show and remove some of the spots I created that really did not work out and I want to eliminate that extra row in the Game Room. I also ended up putting a dealer up on the stage in the Chapel with me and Tom and he did not seem happy. He eventually moved to a spot on the main floor where the registered dealer, who paid, did not show up. He did really well on the floor where he ended up selling out and leaving early. I love when guys sell out because then I know for sure they had a great day.
Speaking of leaving early, several dealers packed up and left at 11:30 a.m. when the show goes until 4 p.m. I might start kicking out dealers who leave early. I am sure I have plenty of dealers on the waiting list who are willing to stay later.
Back to the dealer who paid then did not show up. For some reason, dealers think that if they pay, it is okay that they don't show up. Hard no! That dealer won't be coming back. I can't have any empty space when I have close to 200 guys on my waiting list. I had one other no-show in Fellowship Hall. That dealer won't be returning as well.
I really wish I could pull some guys from the waiting list in May but I was so overbooked for this April show, that I probably won't be adding anyone again from the waiting list. I am more focused on eliminating some bad spots and that extra row in the Game Room.
I also need to eliminate a few dealers because they are just a problem. I'm sorry, there is no reason for dealers to complain about anything. For the size of this show and the amount of people I bring in, my table fee is the best deal in the country. I know that most guys make great money here, If you don't like the show for any reason, don't set up. I'm happy to add new dealers from the waiting list. But don't bitch at me -- and especially, don't bitch at Lisa.
I had one dealer bitch at Lisa for the second month in a row because he does not like being set up next to Pokémon dealers. I would move him, if I could, but I am overbooked every month. There is no place to move but out the door.
Plus, it is 2025, and Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. As a result, you might be set up next to a Pokémon dealer. As you know, I set up at shows every single weekend and I am often located next to a Pokémon dealer. I could care less. I don't care what my neighbors sell. Also, I really like most of the Pokémon dealers. The majority, like the sports card dealers, are awesome folks and really pleasant. No need to hate on them.
If I was to have one complaint about Pokémon dealers, it is their customers. Since Pokémon is so popular, the Pokémon tables are extremely busy. Often when I am next to a Pokémon dealer, their table is so crowded that their customers end up standing in front of my tables, blocking them from folks that might be interested in my cards and hurting my sales.
I am pretty patient with them though. Where I draw the line is when the Pokémon customers place their folders on top of my binders. It is hard enough to sell cards when they stand in front of my tables. I certainly can't sell any cards when they cover my binders -- that is when I tell them to move along.
Anway, I would rather rant about another problem dealer in Oak Creek. I am not sure what he sells. It might be Pokémon. So, this dealer skipped the last two months and blew a gasket Saturday when he learned he lost his old spot. In my book, he still had a good spot and he was busy all day long and even stayed late. Yet he had to bitch at Lisa over and over. I went to talk to him and tried to explain the situation that when you skip this show, it is next man up, you don't own your spot. You set up where I place you. End of story.
So I am really pissed off at a couple of these guys. Lisa is just there to help her sickly husband. Don't bitch at her! I really want to kick these guys out. I have to think about it.
There are always a handful of bad apples at every show. I try not to let them get to me because most of the dealers are awesome and I really appreciate them. I also love our customers in Oak Creek. We did not break another record but 1,410 attendance is pretty damn good in my book. I'll take it every month!!!
Most dealers reported excellent sales. Some reported record sales. My sales were better than last month but buying was down. I did have an opportunity to purchase a shoe box full of 1952 Topps baseball but I just did not have the funds. I am spending so much money on the MegaShow that I am spread a little thin right now and had to pass on the deal. Of course, Tommy Larson purchased them. Tommy is the man!
I did purchase a couple of cool items including a 1957 Milwaukee Braves pennant and a 1968 Detroit Tigers World Series pennant. I don't think I am going to be selling these pennants. I will probably frame them and put them up in the card bunker.
Overall, I think it was a pretty good day. Just wish I felt better. One of these days!
No rest for the weary! My favorite show of the year is next week -- the Strongsville vintage show. It may not be my best show for sales but I absolutely love the fact that 99 percent of the dealers sell vintage sports cards and memorabilia. As you know, I have an addiction to vintage sports cards. Nothing feeds my addiction better than being in a room filled with vintage sports cards.
I am setting up in Strongsville again with my pal Tony Schaefer. We'll have the same spot as last year near the front of the show. I am hoping we get the same neighbors as last year who were all very enjoyable.
A recent twist on this show is the influx of vloggers. Right before COVID, I first observed vloggers attending this show. Just a couple at first. Now there are dozens and they have rented the ballroom at the Best Western, next door to the show, and are holding a party on Saturday night. A bunch of us attended the party last year and had a terrific time. I can't wait to throw a few back with some of my favorite vloggers like Sammy Thunder, Chris from Missouri, Orlando and Jason, to name of few. Should be fun!
Then things get crazier with the MegaShow happening on the Saturday after Strongsville on April 19 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 Ryan Road, Franklin, WI. I am up to 340 tables sold. I have rented 400 tables but just may need some more! The way I figure it, I can fit 512 tables into the Sports Complex.
I am blown away by the response. I have dealers coming in from as far away as Boston! Both dealers and customers are coming in from all of the country!! This should be an exciting show with loads of dealers that have never set up in Wisconsin and loads of customers that have never been to a show in Wisconsin. This is going to be awesome!!
Hope I can get through it!! Wish I was about 20 years younger!
Anyway, next report comes from Strongsville!
Now for some photos from Saturday's show in Oak Creek:
So this guy has brought in this Babe Ruth photo the last couple of months and is trying to learn the value. Apparently, his grandfather attended an Elks Lodge event in the 1920s and everyone received the Ruth photo. I recommended he contact Troy from Mears who might be familiar with it.
Lastly, I would like to plug a couple of shows that I won't be attending because of conflicts but the promoters are awesome and I highly recommend these shows. First is the Roma Lodge show in Racine, Wisconsin, run by the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association and the super awesome Keith Kilps. The Roma show is Sunday, April 13, and has the best breakfast buffet in the country!! Second one is the Woodstock show run by my pal Curtis Payne, an awesome Cubs fan and great promoter. The Woodstock show is set for April 19 at Woodstock North High School in Woodstock, IL.
Lastly, I would like to plug a couple of shows that I won't be attending because of conflicts but the promoters are awesome and I highly recommend these shows. First is the Roma Lodge show in Racine, Wisconsin, run by the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association and the super awesome Keith Kilps. The Roma show is Sunday, April 13, and has the best breakfast buffet in the country!! Second one is the Woodstock show run by my pal Curtis Payne, an awesome Cubs fan and great promoter. The Woodstock show is set for April 19 at Woodstock North High School in Woodstock, IL.
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