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Dave Wnuck (ex CRO) Joins HLRC as Senior Numismatist
joebb21
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From HLRC:
We are pleased to announce that Dave Wnuck has joined HLRC as Senior Numismatist. He is a long-time fixture on the coin show circuit, a PNG member, and - until yesterday -- was the co-owner of Coin Rarities Online. Here is a Q & A session we had with Dave discussing this news:
Tell our readers about your background, Dave.
I started collecting coins in the 1970's when I was 12 years old. Throughout high school and engineering school I never lost my love of the hobby. After college I entered what I now affectionately call, "the real world". Even then, I would spend my nights, weekends and much of my vacation time traveling to coin shows and attending auctions.
How did you get into the coin business full time?
Well, after several years of weekends and vacation trips, my (extreeeemely understanding) wife said, "Why don't you just quit your job and do this full time?" I decided to risk it all and make my hobby into my business.
How did that go for you?
Truthfully - business was slow at first. But thanks to the support of my many friends already in the coin business - not the least of which was Harry - I was able to build a business specializing in colonials and high end type coins. Along with my eventual business partner in the venture, John Agre, we built Coin Rarities Online (CRO) into one of the biggest and most successful specialty dealers in the country. I'm quite proud of what we accomplished.
So is your Old Firm Still Going to be Around?
Very much so! I simply sold my half of that business to John. He will maintain what we built and continue to expand it's offerings. Knowing him like I do, he's chomping at the bit to put his own unique stamp on that enterprise.
The best part is - HLRC and CRO will be working closely together to serve customers, and I'll still be talking with him on a regular basis. The whole deal with John was done on a handshake, and we remain the best of friends. That's as it should be.
How did your joining HLRC come about?
As I mentioned, I've known Harry for a very long time. He was instrumental in my development as a rare coin professional.
I watched him grow his business and I learned everything I could from him. In particular, I admire his willingness to step out and pay really strong money for coins. This means that he is able to continually buy many beautiful and very rare coins.
It is a simple strategy, but one that few coin dealers emulate even today. While most dealers dither and try to find ways to buy good coins "on the cheap", Harry takes the opposite approach.
And boy, does his approach ever work. I watched as his business grew bigger, through both bad economic times and good. So much so that he developed a need for a second numismatist to share the load and to continue to build his business.
That HLRC has grown the way it has is a real tribute to the staff at HLRC. These folks were hand picked by Harry and are the best in the coin business. They work very hard, and yet they perform their duties a smile and with grace.
But it was clear that Harry could use a hand on the numismatic side of things. True to form, Harry approached me with one of his trademark great offers, right from the get-go. What he proposed to me was quite simply - a numismatic dream job
What do you mean by "Numismatic Dream Job"?
Simply this:
ñ I would get to help customers build great collections.
ñ I would be able to buy whatever cool coins and collections come our way and those that I can "dig up", thanks to the virtually unlimited HLRC checkbook.
ñ I would still get to travel to all the shows and auctions around the country.
What I would leave behind is the day-to-day back office work of helping run a coin business.
To put in terms even we coin dealers can understand, Harry offered me the chance to skip the Brussels sprouts and go right for the dessert. I'd have to be crazy to turn down this opportunity. And I don't consider myself to be crazy.
My response? "Heck, yeah! How soon can I start?"
So - when DO you start?
Today! July 30, 2012 to be precise. But the fun really begins next week at the ANA show in Philadelphia. I've seen first-hand that HLRC has boxes of fresh coins, and is in desperate need to buy more.
I am so grateful to Harry for giving me this opportunity. I realize how fortunate I am to make a living at something most folks do as a hobby. It is a profession I have dreamt about since I was that 12 year old boy buying my first large cent for $5.
How can folks get in touch with you?
You can contact me through the mail, the HLRC 800 number (800-869-1869) or via my email address:
Dave@HLRC.com
We are pleased to announce that Dave Wnuck has joined HLRC as Senior Numismatist. He is a long-time fixture on the coin show circuit, a PNG member, and - until yesterday -- was the co-owner of Coin Rarities Online. Here is a Q & A session we had with Dave discussing this news:
Tell our readers about your background, Dave.
I started collecting coins in the 1970's when I was 12 years old. Throughout high school and engineering school I never lost my love of the hobby. After college I entered what I now affectionately call, "the real world". Even then, I would spend my nights, weekends and much of my vacation time traveling to coin shows and attending auctions.
How did you get into the coin business full time?
Well, after several years of weekends and vacation trips, my (extreeeemely understanding) wife said, "Why don't you just quit your job and do this full time?" I decided to risk it all and make my hobby into my business.
How did that go for you?
Truthfully - business was slow at first. But thanks to the support of my many friends already in the coin business - not the least of which was Harry - I was able to build a business specializing in colonials and high end type coins. Along with my eventual business partner in the venture, John Agre, we built Coin Rarities Online (CRO) into one of the biggest and most successful specialty dealers in the country. I'm quite proud of what we accomplished.
So is your Old Firm Still Going to be Around?
Very much so! I simply sold my half of that business to John. He will maintain what we built and continue to expand it's offerings. Knowing him like I do, he's chomping at the bit to put his own unique stamp on that enterprise.
The best part is - HLRC and CRO will be working closely together to serve customers, and I'll still be talking with him on a regular basis. The whole deal with John was done on a handshake, and we remain the best of friends. That's as it should be.
How did your joining HLRC come about?
As I mentioned, I've known Harry for a very long time. He was instrumental in my development as a rare coin professional.
I watched him grow his business and I learned everything I could from him. In particular, I admire his willingness to step out and pay really strong money for coins. This means that he is able to continually buy many beautiful and very rare coins.
It is a simple strategy, but one that few coin dealers emulate even today. While most dealers dither and try to find ways to buy good coins "on the cheap", Harry takes the opposite approach.
And boy, does his approach ever work. I watched as his business grew bigger, through both bad economic times and good. So much so that he developed a need for a second numismatist to share the load and to continue to build his business.
That HLRC has grown the way it has is a real tribute to the staff at HLRC. These folks were hand picked by Harry and are the best in the coin business. They work very hard, and yet they perform their duties a smile and with grace.
But it was clear that Harry could use a hand on the numismatic side of things. True to form, Harry approached me with one of his trademark great offers, right from the get-go. What he proposed to me was quite simply - a numismatic dream job
What do you mean by "Numismatic Dream Job"?
Simply this:
ñ I would get to help customers build great collections.
ñ I would be able to buy whatever cool coins and collections come our way and those that I can "dig up", thanks to the virtually unlimited HLRC checkbook.
ñ I would still get to travel to all the shows and auctions around the country.
What I would leave behind is the day-to-day back office work of helping run a coin business.
To put in terms even we coin dealers can understand, Harry offered me the chance to skip the Brussels sprouts and go right for the dessert. I'd have to be crazy to turn down this opportunity. And I don't consider myself to be crazy.
My response? "Heck, yeah! How soon can I start?"
So - when DO you start?
Today! July 30, 2012 to be precise. But the fun really begins next week at the ANA show in Philadelphia. I've seen first-hand that HLRC has boxes of fresh coins, and is in desperate need to buy more.
I am so grateful to Harry for giving me this opportunity. I realize how fortunate I am to make a living at something most folks do as a hobby. It is a profession I have dreamt about since I was that 12 year old boy buying my first large cent for $5.
How can folks get in touch with you?
You can contact me through the mail, the HLRC 800 number (800-869-1869) or via my email address:
Dave@HLRC.com
may the fonz be with you...always...
0
Comments
Going from building your own business to working for someone else.
I hope for Dave's sake he has an ironclad contract that compensates him well.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I even told them not to bother shipping to me and I would just pick it up at ANA.
Maybe the savings in postage gave them the extra $$ to hire Dave?
8 Reales Madness Collection
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I find that unusual...
Going from building your own business to working for someone else.
As someone who has done it, I don't really. When I sold out from my business after 7 years (not coin related, but maybe the 7-year-itch has some truth
It helped that I was heavily pursued by a local company that wanted me to join them when they realized what was happening, and were willing to pay reasonably and offer the right kind of environment for that opportunity. My kids were still young, and overall it provided me a better lifestyle, even at less money. Family and time was more important than my business, and since I couldn't figure out how to manage both at that time, it was definately the right move, and one I have not regretted. That was twelve years ago, and now they just won't let me go.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>Ouch
Sounds like a win for you Realone as now there will be someone at HLRC that will return your call!
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I wonder if Dave will be forced to change his football allegiance. Harry is a big Steelers fan.
I'd call that dambing with faint praise. Any team but the Steelers, please.
"Sounds like a win for you Realone as now there will be someone at HLRC that will return your call!"
Not to worry, RYK will have that problem fixed soon.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Whatever the case, good luck, Dave!
jom
Best of luck, Dave. It was good working with you at CRO.
I'm sure we'll do business at HLEC as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>I thought this was a forum for coin collectors, not a forum to advertise for coin dealers. >>
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The Site offers a wealth of information and services relating to coins, stamps, sports cards, autographs, music and other collectibles, the collectibles market and the grading of collectibles. On the Site you may read articles written by collectibles experts, subscribe to our publications, and share your ideas and buy and sell collectibles on our message boards, among many other things.
<< <i>Is this a reason for me to buy from Harry Laibstain? Sorry, but I will not jump on this bandwagon. I thought this was a forum for coin collectors, not a forum to advertise for coin dealers. >>
The movement and overall business of of coin dealers who are in the business to sell coins to coin collectors is of interest to coin collectors who buy and collect coins.
<< <i>Is this a reason for me to buy from Harry Laibstain? Sorry, but I will not jump on this bandwagon. I thought this was a forum for coin collectors, not a forum to advertise for coin dealers. >>
Grumpy a bit today? Some folks like to deal with certain dealers, or already deal with others, and like to know where folks go that they are dealing with. Not everyone can know everything on their own, which you obviously do. Some like to come here to read about US Coins and things that affect us in this circle of numismatics.
I can 100% state it does affect me.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
As good as desserts are, a diet with no roughage should make for an interesting diet. May I suggest some metamucil.
<< <i>It sure doesn't take much to get you guys going.
So, is your purpose "to get us going" or do you believe in contributing anything about US Coins?
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>
<< <i>It sure doesn't take much to get you guys going.
So, is your purpose "to get us going" or do you believe in contributing anything about US Coins?
The avatar seems appropriate. That's all I will say about that.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
See you all at Philly!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
95% of the nice type material I see at coin shops do not fit into the standards of the high end companies but the latter are doing an excellent job of maintaining enthusiasm for PQ coins.
I was very excited until I read the Steelers comment...now where is that "burn in he!!" emoticon.
Working for your self can be overrated...I remember looking out at a sea of faces, wondering how I was going to pay them all...now it's SEP.
It will be interesting to see who changes...I see good stuff at HLRC, I also see stuff that would not have passed the CRO quality check. Hmmm!!!
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
The best people in this industry are: ethical people; highly knowedgeable ones who are willing to share it or point customers in the right direction as they look to collect responsibly; those who are good citizens in the towns in which they live.