Preamble

Jeff was our first interview to kick off the site. You will find our 20 questions we asked him over the instant messenger along with each of his responses below. This was a fun session as he is fairly new on our radar and it was nice to sit down and get to know him. He gave some great insight through the eyes of a collector and we hope to see him continue to be active in the hobby helping new members grow and contributing his experiences along the road. We certainly hope to see him back for round 2 one day in the future. (pictures coming soon as Jeff has a chance to send them)

Name: Jeff McMeekin
Residence: Fort Wayne Indiana
Occupation: Customer Service Representative
Married: To Ginny for 2 years 6 months. No kids
Hobbies: Collects challenge coins, military items, law enforcement items.

1. What’s your background as a collector?

I was a badge collector for 14 years and a friend of mine is a detective and handed me a challenge coin. The last 14 years was law enforcement items such as badges, patches and any other items. I had everything from my home town to Los Angeles and other US Major cities.

2. What is your main collecting hobby?

Hmmm...Police badges, followed very closely by challenge coins.

3. What was it that enticed you into challenge coins?

The detail in each one. The uniqueness. The fact that they are far more affordable than badges. For example a average police badge is about $50 dollars. With that amount you can get at least five coins for that price.

4. On average how much do you spend monthly or quarterly on coins?

At least $280 dollars a month.

5. What do you see yourself involved with in the hobby over it’s course?

Talking to others in the hobby or those who are curious of the coins. To help the hobby grow.

6. Have you built a network with other collectors?

Yes I have. Dewey Ricker, FJG, Steve Matsa, Jesse and you, to name a couple.

7. Is there anyone in particular you would say is helping you learn about the hobby?

I would have to say Jesse. I learned more from his forum on Ebay than anything else. Till I saw it, I did not know hardly anything about it. I was really shocked that it even existed.

8. What would say sticks out in the hobby to motivate you to continue to grow as a collector?

The variety. There is something new. Its never the same old same old coin, new ideas, new concepts.

9. Are you a social type collector or more of a hermit?

Social

10. What is it about the coins that you like specifically?

Each one tells a story, what it represents.

11. Do you plan on setting a goal of what you would like your collection to be?

As diverse as it can be. As large of a collection it can be. I have three shelves full right now along with a display case that holds 88 coins alone and I got six more coins on the way now.

12. Do you have intentions on being more than a collector?

Yes. Eventually I would like to open my own store on Ebay. Up until this year I always bought and collect. I have sold a few things and have learned quite a bit along the way.

13. Where are you from?

Fort Wayne, Indiana

14. What would you like to see improved in the hobby?

It wouldl be nice at some point to have a trade show or convention like other hobbys.

15. Do you have a certain thing you are currently trying to learn about coins?

How they are made.

16. Do you share your passion with friends and family?

Yes, I do several co workers know I collect and I have a few displayed on my desk. I get alot of inquiries and compliments on them.

17. How do you display your current collection?

We have a spare room in our house, office type if you will. I have the shelves and the display case on one side and on the shelves I have clear stands that they sit on.

18. How do you see value in coins?

To me, its not what they are made out of. Its the quality, and detail that goes in them

19. I met you on the eBay board, have you explored other places on the net? If so where?

I have googled challenge coins, I have seen lists of manufacturers and other websites and I try to visit as many as I can. NWTMINT, its something about their bronze finished coins, that is the main one I have visited. Fort America, your site and the challenge coin collecting in KY.

20. Lastly, do you think interviewing collectors like this will help bring interest to the hobby?

Yes. It is always beneficial to get to know others in the hobby. There is so much that we can learn from each other.

Conclusion

Jeff was a great first interview to get us off the starting blocks. His information you can find him with is:

Nickname: Meeker
AOL Handle:
Yahoo:
MSN:

Contact pending Jeff's submission