About Us
Lowell Carhart, Founder
Lowell earned his undergraduate degree part-time in Computer Science from Rutgers University in the summer of 1993. Eight days later he quit his Kmart job and began studies at Darden Business School at the University of Virginia. Upon graduation with his shiny new MBA, he went to work for the Vice President of Quality at NCR. By 1999 he and his new bride Mia, a USAF 2nd Lieutenant, were stationed in Japan and he worked remotely for NCR. Many weekend trips to China presented opportunities to acquire fossils and sell them on eBay during his free time. When a generous buy-out offer was made by NCR during their 2001 downsizing he seized the opportunity to leave NCR and start his own fossil business. At one point Lowell was selling four fossil dinosaur eggs a day on eBay, every day, for 3 years.
By 2005 they were back in the USA and he started selling at US shows. In contrast to professionally run Japanese and European shows, he felt that American shows were lacking. So, he started his own show in Denver in 2009. The Denver Show grew each year due to massive advertising investments until becoming Denver’s largest by its 4th year in 2012. A decade ago, it became America’s single largest mineral and gem show under two roofs because it occupies two large buildings and 5 floors + almost 100 tents.
Two years after launching Denver Lowell started the 22nd Street Show in Tucson. By its 6th year the 22nd Street Show was the most attended gem show on Earth. Last year, along with his colleague Heather Grana Monahan they launched the Honolulu Show. And now, Lowell is launching the Milwaukee Show with Don Olstinske who has been doing this for 30 years. The difference is that his wife Mia is now a newly retired Lt. Colonel and will be assisting the team.
Quirky and socially awkward because of bad hearing, Lowell loves to analyze traffic patterns to select the "perfect" billboards, collects radioactive historical items (including pieces of an exploded Mk-17 H-bomb), is a Japanophile, an Asian foodie, bourbon lover, and the proud father of three younglings, the eldest of whom is Marshall who is an Air Force ROTC freshman at JMU.
Don Olstinke, Vice President, Sales & Operations
A 30-year tradeshow veteran, Don has experience in all aspects of running successful shows, both public and trade events. Experience in the jewelry, gems, beads and gift industry as well as decorator and registration operations, you can expect a quality show participation in a friendly and dedicated customer experience manner.
Born in Racine, WI and a proud UW Wisconsin Badger fan, who graduated at UW Wisconsin-Madison with a Journalism/Advertising and Sociology degree, job opportunities took him to Chicago, IL. Starting out as a fresh out of college sales person selling pagers (remember when they existed) and honing sales skills early on, luck and opportunities segued into trade shows jobs, and has worked in sales and sales management in that arena ever since. Recently moving back to Kenosha, Wisconsin to be closer to family and friends, this new opportunity brings us to present.
This job history has mostly been involved in the trade-show industry and around it. Producing over 200 shows, visiting and exhibiting in hundreds of shows all over the country and overseas, to scope out the competition and secure new leads and business and more importantly new ideas that can improve the shows he worked on, all the while enjoying an industry that is always changing and always growing.
A tennis player, fisherman, gambler and loyal friend - all have been a part of this Wisconsin heritage. For over 40 years summer has included trips to an upper Wisconsin North Woods cabin with the same group of friends since high school, brings to mind work hard, play hard. Catching fish contests (northern mostly), casino visits and poker competitions, Wisconsin sports teams discussions and more, all have led to a well-rounded and fun life so far.
Midwest has been home and his in-depth knowledge of Milwaukee, Chicago and all Midwest markets can assure you of a successful event at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2025.