Sunday, September 4, 2022, Janesville Conference Center, Janesville, WI
I have to admit that I was not expecting much since I had an absolutely terrible show last time out in Janesville. I thought about dropping out but I have a personal policy that once I book a show, I never drop out unless something beyond my control comes up, like my car breaks down or there is a crazy snow storm.
Complicating matters was the New Berlin show was scheduled the same day as Janesville and I had a really nice show in New Berlin last month. So, I really wanted to set up in New Berlin. Glad I stuck to my guns and set up in Janesville!
Wow! I had an excellent show!! I was busy the entire day. A bunch of guys came around while I was still setting up. It took me a while to set up because I brought out nine display cases.
My father and son football guys started me off with dad purchasing my 1969 Topps Bart Starr. The son purchased a pile of stuff. Thanks guys!! I remember selling cards to Randy in the past but I don't remember him working me over so hard. Man, he beat me up but did buy a nice stack of stuff.
A tale of the two Terrys -- Terry Huseth purchased my 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle. Thanks Terry! Terry Hatch picked out a bunch of cards as well. Then I had several customers who said they were attending their first card show in years. Each purchased cards.
My one regular customer, who I see just about everywhere, both in Illinois and Wisconsin, purchased a pile of cards. A bunch more guys purchased cards. I can't even remember what I sold but sales came often. Man, I had a really nice day!
Another reason I booked the show after having a lousy one is that promoters John and Mike work their tails off. If the promoters put in the work, usually good things happen. I think this was their third Janesville show and there has been a nice crowd at each show. I just bit it during the second show. My first show was okay. This past show was excellent. Thank you John and Mike!
One of the things I like about hotel shows is I can usually snag some free breakfast from the breakfast buffet in the lobby. After setting up, I went to the buffet and took some sausages, a cinnamon roll and some coffee. I needed that fuel because I had a busy day.
I was also able to find some time to grab a pulled pork sandwich that was for sale in the hallway outside the show. There also was a full bar where I was able to grab some diet Cokes.
Which brings me to my young friend Adam. I love this kid! I think he was 10 when I met him and is now 12. His amazing mother drives him all over for shows. He is from my hometown of Northbrook, Illinois. He brought a friend with him this time. Adam goes to the junior high across town from where my childhood home is located. His friend goes to my junior high. Woot!
Adam is a hustler. He is good. He picked out my two most expensive cards and tried to work me over. I was not having any of it. I am keeping those cards until I get my price.
Then when I went to the bar for my second diet Coke, Adam jumped in line in front of me and told me he was going to order a beer. I responded that I did not think he would like the taste of beer. He told me he loves the taste of beer. Knowing his parents, I doubt he has ever tried a beer.
So when he got up to the bartender, he asked, in his high pitched 12-year-old kid voice, for a lemonade and a beer. The bartender responded that she was not going to give him a beer. Adam said it was for his mother. The bartender said that his mother needs to come over and order the beer herself. I was kind of shocked. Ballsy move for a kid. Entertaining to watch for an adult. That really cracked me up. Adam is such a character.
Anyway, after leaving the last Janesville show at noon, this time I stayed past the closing time of 2 p.m. and did not get on the road home until 3 p.m. There were folks at my table buying cards right up to the end.
On a sad note, I was talking with dealer Bruce Bain who told me our friend Denny from Rockford died suddenly last week. I am so sad. I only just met Denny when I started doing the Rockford show about a year ago. What a great guy! He was working on dozens of vintage sets and always spent a great deal of time and money with me at each and every Rockford show. You could not find a nicer guy anywhere around. I am so sorry. My sincerest condolences to his family. I will greatly miss Denny. Glad I had the opportunity to know him.
Let's meet up at the Rock Church show in Rockford, this coming Saturday, September 10, and talk about Denny. It is going to be weird setting up in Rockford without Denny in attendance.
I have a double-bill weekend once again. On Sunday I am setting up at the Woodfield Hyatt. I am bringing binders to both shows. Hope to see you this weekend!
My next Oak Creek show is Saturday, October 1, 2022. Dealer tables are sold out. Former Brewer Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autos cost $10 each.
I have to admit that I was not expecting much since I had an absolutely terrible show last time out in Janesville. I thought about dropping out but I have a personal policy that once I book a show, I never drop out unless something beyond my control comes up, like my car breaks down or there is a crazy snow storm.
Complicating matters was the New Berlin show was scheduled the same day as Janesville and I had a really nice show in New Berlin last month. So, I really wanted to set up in New Berlin. Glad I stuck to my guns and set up in Janesville!
Wow! I had an excellent show!! I was busy the entire day. A bunch of guys came around while I was still setting up. It took me a while to set up because I brought out nine display cases.
My father and son football guys started me off with dad purchasing my 1969 Topps Bart Starr. The son purchased a pile of stuff. Thanks guys!! I remember selling cards to Randy in the past but I don't remember him working me over so hard. Man, he beat me up but did buy a nice stack of stuff.
A tale of the two Terrys -- Terry Huseth purchased my 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle. Thanks Terry! Terry Hatch picked out a bunch of cards as well. Then I had several customers who said they were attending their first card show in years. Each purchased cards.
My one regular customer, who I see just about everywhere, both in Illinois and Wisconsin, purchased a pile of cards. A bunch more guys purchased cards. I can't even remember what I sold but sales came often. Man, I had a really nice day!
Another reason I booked the show after having a lousy one is that promoters John and Mike work their tails off. If the promoters put in the work, usually good things happen. I think this was their third Janesville show and there has been a nice crowd at each show. I just bit it during the second show. My first show was okay. This past show was excellent. Thank you John and Mike!
One of the things I like about hotel shows is I can usually snag some free breakfast from the breakfast buffet in the lobby. After setting up, I went to the buffet and took some sausages, a cinnamon roll and some coffee. I needed that fuel because I had a busy day.
I was also able to find some time to grab a pulled pork sandwich that was for sale in the hallway outside the show. There also was a full bar where I was able to grab some diet Cokes.
Which brings me to my young friend Adam. I love this kid! I think he was 10 when I met him and is now 12. His amazing mother drives him all over for shows. He is from my hometown of Northbrook, Illinois. He brought a friend with him this time. Adam goes to the junior high across town from where my childhood home is located. His friend goes to my junior high. Woot!
Adam is a hustler. He is good. He picked out my two most expensive cards and tried to work me over. I was not having any of it. I am keeping those cards until I get my price.
Then when I went to the bar for my second diet Coke, Adam jumped in line in front of me and told me he was going to order a beer. I responded that I did not think he would like the taste of beer. He told me he loves the taste of beer. Knowing his parents, I doubt he has ever tried a beer.
So when he got up to the bartender, he asked, in his high pitched 12-year-old kid voice, for a lemonade and a beer. The bartender responded that she was not going to give him a beer. Adam said it was for his mother. The bartender said that his mother needs to come over and order the beer herself. I was kind of shocked. Ballsy move for a kid. Entertaining to watch for an adult. That really cracked me up. Adam is such a character.
Anyway, after leaving the last Janesville show at noon, this time I stayed past the closing time of 2 p.m. and did not get on the road home until 3 p.m. There were folks at my table buying cards right up to the end.
On a sad note, I was talking with dealer Bruce Bain who told me our friend Denny from Rockford died suddenly last week. I am so sad. I only just met Denny when I started doing the Rockford show about a year ago. What a great guy! He was working on dozens of vintage sets and always spent a great deal of time and money with me at each and every Rockford show. You could not find a nicer guy anywhere around. I am so sorry. My sincerest condolences to his family. I will greatly miss Denny. Glad I had the opportunity to know him.
Let's meet up at the Rock Church show in Rockford, this coming Saturday, September 10, and talk about Denny. It is going to be weird setting up in Rockford without Denny in attendance.
I have a double-bill weekend once again. On Sunday I am setting up at the Woodfield Hyatt. I am bringing binders to both shows. Hope to see you this weekend!
My next Oak Creek show is Saturday, October 1, 2022. Dealer tables are sold out. Former Brewer Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autos cost $10 each.
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