Over the years I have developed a good business relationship with a number of customers here that have lasted over the years. Have always been greatful for their continued business May not hear from them often now but they do show up from time to time
Offline though I have a few customers that started out that way but have also become friends
One gentleman I met 42 years ago. He was at first my acting landlord at the University I attended. Lost touch with him 4 years later when we moved from the University property we lived in but about 5 years later he became one of my Customers I had at a store I had. He had begun to collect Post Cards and became one of my best customers. Over a 10 year period I helped him develop one of the best Collections in the area he collected. He has been a Antique Collector since he was a teenager and has and had one heck of a collection in a number of different categories
After he retired he decided to sell parts of his collection. I was the first person he thought of to sell his smalls to. Some of these items were amazing and very difficult to find Told me right off it was not really for the money he wanted these items to go to someone he knew that appreciated them. He knew I would be reselling them and felt I was the best choice. I was very Honored
Used to go over to his place once or twice a week to look at items Each session would last 4 to 6 hours. Would deal with him for 15 or 20 minutes at a time buying then spend time visiting and shooting the Bull. It was a difficult time for him selling these Some of these items he had owned 50 years or more so our dealings were always low key and I never pushed. I Just was thrilled with what I got from him
My friend is now 93 years old still buys and has an amazing collection just reduced. He has always had an eye for quality items
Another Customer I used to deal with a lot about 20 years ago then lost touch with him. When I began doing the 2 major shows I now do he was attending them and once again has become a great customer
It is always a joy to see him. while I appreciate his business that's not the most important thing. I get to see and interact with him and that's what is important. An advanced collector his collection is amazing and talking to him I learn so much
He is genuinely a very nice person. He's the type of person people get drawn to. They may not know who he is but get drawn to him when they see and listen to him. At shows if a large number of folk gather in an area of it 9 times out of 10 he is the reason. People leave smiling getting to meet or listen to him. This is just him he doesn't try to attract people It's just in his nature. This man is now in his mid 80's and is still very active
I hope I can be like them even if it's just a little when I grow up
