Hi Y'all,
35 years ago I got a job working for my mentor, Jay Zaveri from Zeolites India. He set me up in the condemned Desert Inn lobby, having to tell every mystified person who walked through the door, " The hotel was just condemned, and all dealers are scrambling for a new location to exhibit." As I sat amongst the cockroaches, unpacking Zeolites, the beauty of what I was seeing had me hooked immediately.
I was officially a "Gem Show Puppy." At that Tucson show, I was exposed to the world wide community of dealers and collectors. There, I was asked if I could work international shows, and of course I jumped, eager to travel abroad and be a part of this eclectic community. That started a lifelong career in the mineral business, and I can officially say I was the LAST vendor at the Desert Inn.
The Mineral journey took me to Japan, where I met one of my future bosses Rob Selecki from Ausrox Minerals, and dove into the Australian side of minerals. And no, he won't cut his hair.
Over the years I have been honored to view many private mineral collections, and work with many museums worldwide. I have done extensive field mineral collecting, and been to many famous mines in my career. I was even able to hold a piece of the moon!
My mineral adventures then led me to Jim and Mary, where I have done everything from minor fossil prep, to designing and making high end jewelry for the Hermitage Auction. This year at Nexus, one project was to set up a Mineral Lego Case for Dario Del Frate, designer of the Lego mineral collection. Who knows what amazing project I will be working on next?
This job is about bringing the mineral community together, to share our knowledge and passion for minerals. I am so proud to see the realization of a dream for Mary and Jim, and so proud to be on the Nexus team.