I started collecting stamps as a child as a way to spend more time with my father. Every Sunday in the early 1990s, we would visit local stamp bourses in Southern California, often sponsored by Don Carter or Ed Rosen. I have fond memories of digging through nickel stamps and quarter cards, searching for additions to our multi-volume Scott International collections. Over time, my involvement in the stamp world grew deeper. Don and Ed would often recruit my strong teenage back to help move dealers in and out of the shows, which gave me the chance to interact with seasoned collectors and dealers.

As I learned more, local dealers began to ask me to help at their tables or process inventory for their "red boxes," often paying me in stamp credit. One of the most influential figures in my early years was Sheldon Ruckens, known for his full-page sell ads in Linn’s and other stamp publications. He needed help organizing his business and offered me a one-bedroom apartment attached to his home/office as part of my pay. For a 19-year-old eager to gain independence, it was a dream opportunity. I accepted on the condition that I could continue my college education, which I had started at the age of 16.

In early 1997, Sheldon allowed me to use his computer for school assignments and to explore the internet. That’s when we discovered eBay. Within six months, I was selling so many stamps that I decided to strike out on my own. I raised my seed money by assisting Jim Dempsey, owner of A and D Stamps, at Pacific '97 (the massive show sponsored by USPS every ten years). Bunking with a couple of fellow collectors to save on hotel costs, I spent the morning hours before opening scouring the show for great deals and building connections that would shape my future. By the end of the event, I had a suitcase full of stamps and enough capital to purchase my own computer and commit to eBay full-time.

My weekly routine was simple: attend local shows, buy collections, process and list them online, and ship out weekend orders. As my reputation grew, a local dealer offered to supply me with all the material I could handle. It wasn’t long before I was selling half a million dollars' worth of stamps annually on eBay. This allowed me to open my first office and hire several college friends.

By the early 2000s, I found managing a team exhausting. Seeking a change, I accepted an offer from an auction house outside of New York. However, the “old school” work schedule—8 AM to 7 PM, six days a week— and conflict with the owner quickly led to burnout. I returned to selling on eBay, where I thrived for a few more years before a new opportunity arose. Camille at Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) convinced management to hire me, allowing me to be part of the development of modern stamp grading. Working with Mike Sherman, we worked together to create the program that became the backbone of numeric grading.

After five years at PSE, the 2008 recession forced layoffs, including most of the senior experts. Unwilling to accept a part-time offer, I returned to independent selling. Partnering with my friend Glen Clarey, we launched OC Stamp Store. Tragically, Glen passed away from throat cancer a few years later, followed by the deaths of Camille and my own father. Their losses left me grappling with deep existential grief due to both of them being so young. Glen and Camille were only in their late 40’s when they passed away, only a decade my senior.

Looking for stability, I joined Gary Posner’s international stamp division, working alongside Davitt Felder to process massive collections. Simultaneously, Tom Mills at HR Harmer recruited me part-time for their auctions. However, balancing both coasts was unsustainable, so I committed to HR Harmer full-time. Thanks to Tom’s mentorship and Gary’s generosity—selling me extensive dealer inventories, including the balance of the Brookman backup inventory—I transitioned into selling through public auctions. Over time, I became one of HR Harmer’s top consignors.

Recognizing shifts in the company’s corporate ownership, I preemptively accepted a part-time role at Kelleher Stamp Auction as a stamp describer. However, the rivalry between the two houses escalated when Kelleher used my likeness in advertisements. As tensions grew, my role at HR Harmer abruptly ended, and I shifted my focus to Kelleher. In hindsight, it was for the best—HR Harmer soon relocated to New York under new leadership, and the auction house shrank significantly.

At Kelleher, I balanced my work while liquidating my stamp inventory through eBay and public auctions. Seeking a change of pace, I negotiated a two-month-on, one-month-off work arrangement, which allowed me to travel extensively. I explored Europe, Latin America, and Asia while frequently visiting Kelleher’s Hong Kong office. This period was eye-opening, as I witnessed firsthand the dynamic energy of global business shifting towards Asia.

Then COVID-19 hit, forcing a decision. With enough savings to sustain myself, I spent the pandemic in Vietnam, embracing its youthful and vibrant culture. It was an incredible experience, but by 2025, I was ready to return to the U.S. and embark on a new chapter—launching this website to help others navigate the often confusing world of selling stamp collections.

Along the way, I have also built a strong reputation in the philatelic world. I have been an eBay seller with over 14,000 feedback (though I gave up my original eBay account when I handed it off to friends in 2000). I’ve written thousands of descriptions for more than a dozen stamp auction houses and have contributed as a pricing editor for the Scott Specialized Catalog for several years. My experience as an expertizer includes working at PSE (Professional Stamp Experts) and expertising stamps for the APS (American Philatelic Society).

From childhood Sundays at stamp shows to becoming a leading figure in the stamp trade, my journey has been one of passion, resilience, and adaptability. Now, I’m here to share my knowledge and help others find the best way to sell their collections.