Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Johnson.
Hi Tony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was growing up in Lawrence, KS, my Mom and I went to garage sales, thrift stores, antique malls and even pawn shops in sketchy neighborhoods to find deals. While most kids waited for summer vacation just to get out of school, I was excited knowing we’d take day trips looking for antiques!
I’ve had many collections over the years. From coins and old toy cars to Hardy Boys books and a kick-butt baseball memorabilia collection, I’ve collected it all. I’ve found historic items belonging to the first dentist in the state of Kansas (who just happened to be related to John D. Rockefeller), to the personal childhood bible of one of Kansas’ first senators, which was personally signed years before Kansas was a state.
Now, 35+ years later, I love wandering all over Kansas City and beyond looking for the next bargain. Of course, a little profit is nice. But I really love the hunt, the history and never knowing what I might find next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never easy. Sometimes, you hunt for things and don’t find anything good. Then, the next day, someone knocks on your door with some great vintage jewelry, antique toys or even a piece of American history!
About 20 years ago, when I had my son, I took a break for a few years as priorities and bills changed. But I was always thinking about what I was missing out on, and when he got older, I got back into the search.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I combined my love for dachshunds with my love for antiques and collectibles. As I wander the city looking for the next deal, I thought of the perfect name for my business.
It’s a side hustle for me. My full-time career is as a marketing professional. But that means I’m able to do my own website, social media and know that I’m responsible for my own success.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Sometimes you’re first in line at an estate sale. And, like I was just a week ago, I was the only person in the house for at least 15 minutes and was able to grab many cool items dating from the early 1900s to the 1970s.
Also, using my marketing skills, I have an advantage over some other antique treasure hunters. People find me online and often call me directly when they want to sell their items. Most of the time, it’s nothing that I’d buy. But often enough, it’s a great item or even a house full of things that have been collected over generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wanderingwiener.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingwienerantiques/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WanderingWienerAntiques
- Twitter: https://x.com/wienerantiques
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDjCsS6nCV4B9rTVfThae_g
