This Is One Intelligent Group Overall; Who Are We?

wondercoin

When we are not pontificating or arguing about coins, what are we doing, or what were we doing? What are we all trained in? It might be nice to network a bit?

I'll start. I have mentioned before that I was trained as a corporate attorney. I spent roughly 10+ years representing trade creditors in (complex) Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and large collection matters. I am assisting a large company right now with issues involving K-Mart. However, I have personally grown tired of chasing "deadbeat debtors" around fighting for them to pay their debts.

What does everyone else do when they are not devoting time to their hobby, or what did others do before becoming coin dealers? Don't be shy Wondercoin.

gary

Own and manage a 500 member hunt club,also deal in vintage shotguns as well as raise and train hunting dogs. Petro-Eng degree.........gary

dldallen

Retired USAF enlisted Logistics Superintendent. Currently a DoD civilian employee at the US Embassy in Brazil working as the IT Security and Admin Officer. Dave

tggr

I am a supervisor 1 with maintance for the State of Florida DOT.

Ray

mansco

I'm currently deputy director for my state's investment board ( we're responsible for about pension fund assets and the state treasury...the governor is the chairman of the board and he used to be a pro wrestler...).

Most of my background is in the area of finance (MBA - Univ. of Chicago) and I'm also a licensed attorney (don't practice JD - William Mitchell College of Law). I got a BA in American History at Carleton College (and I enjoy the History of the business and legal aspects of Major League Baseball).

In the 80's and 90's, I was heavily involved in baseball cards and sports memorabilia as a dealer and show promoter.

I collect for te fun of it, but at some point I'll sell everything. Would love to make a profit, just don't want to take a loss. I find that the chase is more fun than having items you have to keep under lock and key outside your home.

I'd love to hear from anyone with similar connections!

Luvdawgs

My husband and I have owned a small real estate title examining company since 1986. There are 5 of us. We chase around our own "deadbeat debtors" quite often! I have a B.A. in economics and my husband has a B.S. in Psychology that we never use, at least not in earning our living

I love collecting coins and keeping them. I couldn't bear to part with them. My husband collected as a child and he helps me with the hobby now. I am even working on a Walking Liberty and Washington quarter collection for him! I don't get as much time to spend on the hobby as I would like because the business hours are too long, but it does enable me to pay for my purchases!

Susan

braddick

Great idea Mitch!
-Gratuate of BYU (1981) and was in Radio (on air and management) from 1980 to 1990. Worked at stations all the way from Salt Lake City to Boston, Mass. to my current home, outside of San Diego. Switched (180 degrees!) into Law Enforcment and have been a Deputy Sheriff out of San Diego county since then. Current assignment places me in Encinitas in the Traffic division- accident investigations.
(Our new Patrol cars have MDT's- computers that can access the internet).

MoneyLA

When I'm not collecting coins, sending money to two kids in college, and dealing with ex-wives, I'm a journalist now in Los Angeles. Braddick, have we ever crossed paths in the business? cheers, alan mendelson

Flash

I was retired from the Navy (Engineering Department, USS Roark FF1053) due to a disability. Afterwards I worked as a chemical technician in the San Diego shipyards. Due to the generosity of the Veteran's Administration, I then earned a degree in accounting from San Diego State University. I am currently the Business Manager for a car dealership.

Edited to add that I am happily divorced with two children.. an adopted son, aged 25 and a daughter, aged 21. My other hobbies include collecting Coca-Cola paraphernalia, scuba diving, and personal finance.

CarlWohlforth

I used to be software engineer here in the Silicon Valley. Now I manage a portfollio of real estate and stocks. If I get sucked back into a startup I won't have so much time around here anymore but could afford to buy more coins...

solid

Great thread, Mitch!

My wife and I own a business providing information systems to retail pharmacies. We have developed a proprietary software system that performs all of the record-keeping, insurance-processing, label-printing, cash register operation and a hundred other things that pharmacies need to handle with a computer system.

Ken Claypool
SOLID Datasystems, Inc.

robbnsc

I am a retired VP of Operations, who travelled the world as Technical Director for for manufacturing in (11) plants, worldwide. Presently, I am back working to finish sending my 2 youngest children to Cornell. My work now is as a Manager of Equipment Development for a major medical device firm in Santa Rosa, CA. I have a MBA and am a CMfgE and have been collecting coins for 40 years.

Presently, I have two sets in the PCGS registry. They are a 96% completed Kennedy Proof set (PR69DCAM) and a completed Ike Proof set. I was working on a 20th Century Type set (complete) and a Type Gold set (85% complete). Oh, and I almost forgot, I am putting together an MS66/67 Pre-1964, Roosevelt Silver-dime set (50% complete) in my spare time. Plus, I have a MS64 Peace Dollar set (complete) .

Typetone

Good idea Mitch

I graduated from the University of Chicago with an MBA in 1981. Have worked in the finance/investments area since then. I currently work for an institutional equity money management company in Anchorage, Alaska. I know that Alaska is an unusual place to practice money management. Our company founder was born in Alaska, and loves the place. He decided that with modern communications, Alaska is as good a place as any for money management. We currently manage about $4 billion in equities, mostly for corporate and state pension plans. I run what we call a market neutral product. In market neutral you buy and short sell an equal dollar amount of equities on both sides. We make money when our buys do better than our shorts, without being exposed to the market's direction. For example, in a down market, we will make money if our shorts fall faster than our longs. I also work on our long only accounts for our two major Alaska state government clients.

My collecting interests are varied and include mint state IKEs, proof Franklins, mint state and proof Walkers, proof Mercury dimes, mint state liberty nickels, modern proof type, and basic classic type.

pmh1nic

I'm the technical sales manager for a company that manufactures electronic components. Basically I'm the laison between the sales and engineer departments whose function is to translate the complex issues regarding the products we manufacture into the simplest possible terms so that buyers and sales people who don't have a technical background can effectively buy/sell the product.

Besides coins my other passions are flying (licensed private pilot with an instrument rating) and martial arts training. Unfortunately the events of September 11th has led to my involvement as a self-defense instructor with a start-up company that was set up to train airline flight crews and corporate personnel in anti-terrorist tactics. I love doing it I just hate the fact that there is a necessity to do it.

merz2

Well,I must say.I'm just a blue collar Truck Driver.I have been other things in my life though.Jack of all trades,Master of none,so to speak.
I too was in the military(USMC 1972-1976).
My love of the hobby since 1980 is why I'm here with the rest of you.

itsnotjustme

Good thread Mitch.

I'm an Air Force officer and Comm-Computers-Information is my specialty area. Graduated with a BS Computer & Systems Eng, Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute in 1986, and MCIS, University of Denver in 1991. In my work I've written software for a satellite ground station, managed the acquistion and maintenance of another satellite ground station, worked shift in a Joint Staff command center, overseen network operations & software development projects, and done a staff tour managing Air Force training for Comm-Electronics, Comm-Computer, and information management troops.

I've been stationed in CO, FL, VA, TX, and soon I'll be moving on to Squadron Command in MS.

Editted to add...

I have a wife & three kids, ages 10, 7, 1. The 7 year old is a cancer survivor. He has survived 4 years and 2 months after being given a less than 10-30% chance of 5-year survival, and is doing well. He had over 20 each platelet and red blood cell transfusions during his treatment, thus my blood donor advocacy.

sonofagunk

I am a slghtly overeducated (4 degrees, working on the 5th) computer geek working as a voice recognition systems in NYC. Just trying to find a good way to split my money between the hobby and real life expenses (like an apartment)

PTVETTER

I am a SFC in the Army. Currently stationed in Pittsburgh as an AGR Recruiter. I used to race cars (currently own a 1973 SCCA B production corvette)
I do about 30+ coin shows a year.

God Bless the USA

cosmicdebris

My day job used to be toolmaker along with programming and running CNC machines. I am currently and ACE Program Pilot. Which is a Corperate Program to reduce cost in our products. After this week I start a new Job as a Process Engineer ( My first actual white collar job ). I also dabble in web pages and computer graphics, 2D and 3D which I went to school for and have a degree in.

semicycler

Engineering Manager - I manage a product development group for a semiconductor equipment manufacturer. We make multi-million dollar equipment sold to the Intels, AMDs, IBMs, Motorolas, and the like which they in turn use to make their computer chips. My group is in charge of all the robotics, automation, electronics, and embedded systems. I attended an Ivy League school, am a member of Mensa, and specialize in firmware programming. I'm also quite shy, hate talking about myself, have a fear of talking on the phone, and dispise commuting so much that I always move to within five miles of my job. Coin collecting and the Internet mate together perfectly for me - I seek perfection and completion in my coin sets (that's the engineer speaking) and I can buy/sell/trade without ever physically meeting you because of the Internet (that's the shy person speaking). Also happily married, have one 18-month old son, and plan on having another child in the near future. Wow! That was hard for me to put in writing!! It will even be harder to resist editing!

Monstavet

As the name would indicate...veterinarian, specializing in feline internal medicine and surgery. My other hobby is my family of pets.

Mark

I am a Professor of Economics at the University of Florida. I have a BA in Chemistry from California State University at Hayward, a BA in Economics from the same school, and earned my PhD from the University of Rochester.

Mark

pop1

Hi. I graduated with a BS Bus. Admin.('79), worked in commercial real estate at the time, then went into large residential apt. complex sales and investments.
Then ('81) I started computerized ticket distribution in the NW.
At the same time I started renting single family residenses to students.
I started ('83) the first independent cellular telephone sales business here, now tops in the great NW.
I now dabble in NASCAR, (RaceDayAd.com) providing a means for potential corporate sponsors to contact and contract owners/drivers.
But mainly, real estate and other investments fill in my time.
I have a 15 year old boy and a two year old girl.
Oh, and the other 23 hours a day I am (happily) here with you guys.

PS. I tend to forget the fun stuff, like mail order rag sales, and my time as a music and comedy entertainment promoter. Someday I'll tell you the one about Gallagher. What a trip.

dragon

I am an experienced, talented stockbroker at a large firm in downtown Chicago who is always looking for new clients, both large and small.

Dragon

REDHORSE

Good Idea.
Communication Specialist/Technician, presently working as a site engineer
at a data center here in Las Vegas, Nevada. Three kids, one gone, one
keeps coming back, and the young one can't wait to go. I like PCGS
coins and Budweiser beer.

REDHORSE

howie08

I'll have to join merz 2 here ; I'm blue collar also. I'm a plant operator at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station outside Phoenix , Az. I've worked there 22 years and have 7 years left to retirement , as long as my " kids " are on there own by then.

clevegreg

Good idea Mitch

Born in Cleveland Ohio area. Served in USAF 1976-2003.

bigt

Master Plumber, self employed

Brudd

Great Subject !

Like Don (merz2) I am also a Commercial Driver but I do have my degree in business administration but couldn't stand the white collar politics. I started collecting as soon as I had my first job (a paper route) and havn't stopped since, my wife says I should "Start selling to support my habit" Anyone with input here would be appreciated.

Later,
Ed

ritchiewan

Ok to follow a theme, I was kicked out of college at a very young age. They forgot to tell me I had to acually attend classes.(what a beginning) I joined the Army as an MP and somehow did fairly well. I had additional duties as ADP NCO (computer guy). I got out after 5 years or so of AFS and began framing houses but the other half wanted a steady check so I went to my personal passion, computers and was a support consultant for 6 years when I found my current position. For the last 3 years, I have been the Technical Operations Manager for a commercial printing company with plants in KC, Denver, Raleigh and Toronto so I travel some. I collect Morgans as they are big, heavy and beautiful to look at. I spend 3-5 hours a day drinking coffee at Waffle House nearby and have for some 23 years when I am in town.

Edited to add: I enjoy Barbeque and compete in and assist in planning about 15 contests per year around the Midwest.

Ritchie

FisherCat

Small business owner. Machine shop with all CNC machines. 90 percent of my business is for the semiconductor manufacturing business which ends up at the IBM's and Intel's of the world. The balance of the business is aerospace components. Divorced so I have plenty of time for Coins, Nascar Racing, Having a Bud and, Traveling with my new fifth wheel camper.

braddick

I always knew you guys were smart.
Steve: Which Gallagher brother?

Dabigkahuna

Hi,
I am a Sagitarious. I like quiet evenings and walks by the beach. My favorite band is ABBA. I just couldn't resist that.
I did most of my under graduate work in a little community college in the High Sierras called Columbia. I still have my gold minning claim there. I finished my BA at the Univerity of Redlands also in California. After that I was working at a Dude Ranch in Santa Barbara where we had the opportunity to supply the Secret Service with horses for when ever President Reagan was at his ranch there. Since then I have worked as a NASDAQ trader in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.


Larry
Dabigkahuna

dpoole

Psychologist in private practice in Austin, since 1972. Originally from D.C., but came here to grad school and stayed on. Great town! I do mostly evaluations, and testify in court a lot. Married for 25+ years to Donna, a great gal, and have a son (out in the world), and a daughter (in her LAST year of college. Hooray!).

Collected circulation coins in Whitmans as a kid. Kept up with the annual Mint issues over the years, then got back into it big time two years ago.

This is great fun, Mitch! I've read every post here. I've really enjoyed the personal friendships I've made through this hobby and on the Board.

Oh, yeah. I'm learning to play the bagpipes, too. (You folks oughta be glad you're no closer than cyberspace).

Keyrock

Pretty cool Idea.

I'm a Penn State Grad - Microbiology and I was crazy to stay on for another degree in Genetics. (cant beat 9 years of football and drinking can you?) I am in the biotechnology field and I was a cofounder of a company called Principia Pharmaceuticals. We were gobbled up by Human Genome Sciences, became unemployed and now I work for another start up which operates (in theory) like Enron (we outsource everything and we don't do any of the hands on work). Hopefully our accounting is better then Enrons......

Rich

PhillyJoe

I'm an insurance adjuster. Graduated from Villanova with a degree in Accounting. Married w/three girls. Go to at least one NASCAR race each year, Richmond is my favorite track. Share a condo with friends in Hilton Head each year. Caught the coin "bug" when the World's Money Fair was in Phila in 2000. Soooo many coins, not enough time. Only been to the Mint twice although my office was only two blocks away. Got internet at work a year ago - Yeessss! Collect Kennedy proofs after "shotgun" collecting for the first year.

perfectstrike

I've a double BS in computer science and electrical engineering, 1978. I did college work in the development of computer graphics systems and computer controller devices. After college, I worked as part of a team that produced early factory shop floor computer control systems. I participated in a very sucessful 1980 .COM startup that I didn't have the skill to recognize as a big thing. I moved on to early CAD systems development and computer networking in the early 1980's. I've been doing technical software support for the last 15 years. For the last 10+ years I've also been a youth bowling and coach instructor, traveling the southeast US coaching bowlers and teaching coaches. If the right college coaching opportunity comes along, I'll be shifting careers again.

David

66Tbird

Well, I used to be a draftsman/aircraft-designer, then a consultant for a classic car restorationist,, but my disablity caught up with me and now I'm a homebound/quad. Pretty nurses and bed-baths are a nice perk. I spend a portion of my day as a mentor for others thrust out of the norm and into their new lifes. Basicaly I'm on the computer all day, here, there, and the computer forums.

tompkins

Been in the computer business since I graduated from Caltech in 1971 (well, 1973, really; but everyone else who started with me graduated in '71). Spent twelve years designing and implementing software systems at the Jet Propulsion lab---the groups I was in built the systems that brought back the data and pictures from the JPL interplanetary spacecraft in the 70's and early 80's --- the Mars mariners projects; Viking Lander; a Mariner Venus orbiter; and finally Voyager and Galileo (Jupiter/Saturn)---really a neat place to work, but 40 miles one way each day on L.A. freeways finally got to be too much. Since then been doing the same kind of work---designing large computer systems working for a development unit of a large multinational financial services company---spend lots of time on airplanes travelling to help our Asian, South American, and European businesses (and, oh yes, occasionally the U.S. based businesses) develop better ways to distriubute financial services to our many, many millions of customers.

(Believe me, especially some of the younger people on this forum, travelling to exotic far-away places on business isn't all it's cracked up to be---for example, I'll spend about 16 hours this Saturday/Sunday getting to Brazil for a six hour meeting at 9:00AM Monday and then turn around and fly home at midnight Monday night---can't stay and enjoy, because we have to have the resulting business proposal done within a couple days.)

this is a neat idea, Mitch.

Pete

cjmbuffalo

A 1974 graduate of Fine Arts from Metro State College in Denver. After four years in the US Navy started by own advertising agency. Sold it some years later and worked for Vail Associates (Harry Bass Jr) opened the Beaver Creek Ski area as Vice President of Marketing. Move on to a major hospitality company handling marketing for a variety of hotels around the United States. Today own a hospitality development company specializing in small lodges at high end daily fee and private golf clubs.

Picked up coins after my father passed away and have two registry Ike sets going, I enjoy the hunt and finding those gems that go unnoticed at small local shows.

Today I wish the banks would get their act together and start loading money again or this economy is never going to get moving.

Cocoinut

It's interesting to read all of the varied careers that the board members have (had).

I grew up in the Cleveland, OH area, and graduated in 1972 with a BBA, major in Accounting. Colorado beckoned me in 1978, and I've lived in the same house near Denver since 1979. I spent most of my working life up through 1992 in banking, except for a four year break from 1979 through 1983, when I worked for a coin dealer. That was during the gold and silver boom/bust, which was an exciting time to be in the coin and precious metals business. It gave me a chance to see a lot of choice and rare coins, and to really appreciate quality.

Twenty years after graduating from college, I got around to taking the CPA exam, and passed it. From 1992-1996 I worked for the government agency that sold the assets of failed savings and loans, with a stint in Washington, D.C. My current job title is "Systems Accountant", with little true accounting and a lot of computer systems work. I enjoy it, but month-ends require me to work some long hours, and next month we'll implement a major nationwide software conversion, a project I've been involved with for the past year and a half.

My house was paid off years ago, and I've thought about retiring soon, but it's nice to have those paychecks coming in so I can buy coins.


Jim

Edited for spelling error.

Fairlaneman

Present occupation Diesel Truck Mechanic for the last 13 years. Before that was a Full Time Baby Sitter as I was the Warehouse Foreman and Truck Dispatcher for a couple of different Home Improvement Wholesalers here in Oregon and Washington. Spent 3+ Years in Viet Nam as a Enlisted man. Married for the last 27 years to my Lovely Wife Karen. Two grown boys who just keep coming back to the Roost. Passions: 60's Fords (Of Which I Built My 64 Fairlane ) and of course Mercury Dimes. Have Collected off and on since the early 80's. Very Much enjoy the Forumns and Most People since joining. Take Care: Ken

Strat

Student (B.A. in English)
Teacher
Retail Store Manager (computer software)
Student Again (working on M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition.)
Computer Guy
LAN Technician
Student once again (working on MCSE)

Pretty much, a computer guy with an English background!

tradedollarnut

Graduated from the University of Washington in 1985 - BS in Engineering with a Nuclear Engineering Emphasis. Commissioned in the Navy - nuclear subs. Now I own my own electrical and fiber communications contracting firm in Washington state. We do work throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mostly large commercial and industrial.

I have a wife, daughter (4) and a son due in March. Two dogs, a cat and two hobbies that I just love! (I finally shot in the 60's three times last year - that's my other hobby).

fantasiize

I graduated with a BS in Management Information Systems in 1985. At one point, I knew about 12 languages (10 on computers, 2 spoken/written). I have been with (C&P of MD, Bell Atlantic minus NYNEX, Bell Atlantic with NYNEX and now Verizon) for about 15 years. At this point, I do not do much hands on "stuff" but work through other folks (which means I generally walk in meetings with my team, look around and ponder ... "my success depends on YOU folks ???"). Don't forget, Dilbert was created by a phone company person.

I actually do love my current job as I am in the OSS area (technical services) of building the Network (network and systems) to support long distance voice and data for the first local phone company to do so.

Regarding coins, my dad got me into collecting with those DAMN Morgan dollars back in 1969. I was hooked and interested in a variety of US coins (mostly silver) for the next 12 years. I took a break from coin collecting from 1982 until 1994 for "life's experiences" and I have been back the past 7+ years with a fury (not to mention more affordability of the coins that I really want). I am mostly concentrating on clad & silver US coinage, especially the Ike series.

wayneherndon

I have two BBAs from Texas A&M (Management and Accounting). I passed the CPA exam but rather than practice accounting, went to Harvard Law School. I also passed the bar exam and am a licensed attorney. I did practice law (litigation-primarily products liability defense) for several years. I then went into the airline industry. I've worked for two of the majors where I negotiated several airport development deals ranging in size from several hundred million dollars to over two billion dollars. I left the airline industry post-9/11 and am now self employed primarily buying and selling coins but also doing some consulting (I love putting deals together).

quattrocoins

Nice thread, Mitch. It's neat to get to know each other a little better.

I'm another of the blue collar persuasion - a construction electrician that has helped wire powerhouses, prisons, cleanrooms, and ceo offices. It's a good trade to keep me both physically and mentally in shape! I was an electrical engineer major when I took a semester off and was drafted in 1967. Spent a year in Viet Nam (Infantry - 1st Air Calvery) and was lucky to make it home in one piece.
Just celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary and 54th birthday last week, and hope to be celebrating a few more!

I've been collecting coins since I bought a 1917 type 1 Standing Liberty quarter in 1980. Been buying them, whenever I can afford one, ever since. I enjoy many different coins but, like most of us, can't afford all that I would like. I enjoy the company of other collectors, and the learnin' I'm gettin', here on the boards.
As the message title stated, "This Is One Intelligent Group Overall"!

Regards,

Don

braddick

dpoole: I KNEW it!

Toningintheblood

Grew up in Elgin, Illinois....Home of the Elgin Watch and the Elgin Streetsweeper! Got a BS in 1972 from So. Illinois University in Radio/TV/Jounrnalism. The past 30 years have been in direct sales in the speciality chemicals industry selling to food, transportation and industrial accounts. Being on the street everyday, I have been able to network and visit alot of neighborhood coin shops. Collected since childhood, but heaviest in the late 70's-early 80's, then again in 1993 to start a college fund for my two kids, the last one graduates in May from Notre Dame, and the oldest works at PCGS! Been married to my high school sweetheart for over 30 years, and enjoying the balmy Calif. sunshine having escaped the Chicagoland winters back in 1985. Hoping to devote more time to coins in the future!

quarterjack

Managed to secure a high school diploma before being asked to leave. Last 20 yrs. i've been in chemical processing, both batch& closed loop, High Temp&high pressure,Speciality Products. Married to a wonderful woman 20yrs.& have 11&13 yr. old sons. Trying to get my own coin business off the ground,(Sands Coin Services) strictly with my own collection and some purchases i've made over the past few years.Have had the privilage of doing business buying& selling with some of this boards members.I choose not to participate in The registry because i don't fell it would be right for me to do so, as all of my inventory is up for grabs. NOT that i would stand a chance of having the best of anything. Also it's about a 50-50 split between Pcgs&Ngc on my inventory. Mitch, i'd guess you'ed have to say i'm a Wondercoin wantta' be! As a matter of fact i will be setting up at the Penn Ohio coin expo(Strongsville oh.) Feb 8-10 if any one from here gets the opprotunity to attend and would greatly like to meet you in person.BTW, this will be my very first show as a dealer!(and possibly my last if things don't go well)lease wish me luck as this has always been my dream . I have throughly enjoyed the time i've spent posting on these boards and have gained more knowledge also!GREAT GROUP

Dave

Higashiyama

This is fun!

I'm a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and have worked for the same actuarial consulting firm for the past 14 years, 10 of them here in Japan.

My interesting in coin collecting goes back to little kid days (1963 to be precise) when my grandfather gave me a small hoard of well circulated Barber halves. He owned a sporting goods store in Maine, and had pulled them from the cash register over the years.