Jeffrey Allan Parsons is a seasoned professional in the antiques and collectibles industry, best known for his expertise in gold, silver coins, bullion, and estate sales. Born and raised in Buffalo Hart, Illinois, Jeffrey’s journey began on a hardworking family farm, where he learned discipline and entrepreneurship from his father. At just 18, he sold his childhood coin collection for nearly $100,000, launching a career that has now spanned over 35 years. He has conducted more than 500 estate sales, owned multiple businesses—including Parsons Produce and over 150 firework stands across Illinois—and currently leads Estate Treasures Roadshow and the American Rare Coin Collectors Association.
A dedicated family man, Jeffrey splits his time between West Columbia, Texas, and Springfield, Illinois, with his wife, Bree, their five children (including two adopted daughters from Russia), and nine grandchildren. His passion extends beyond business—he is an avid golfer, fisherman, and philanthropist who believes in giving back to those in need.
In this exclusive interview, Jeffrey shares his insights on entrepreneurship, productivity, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early, around 5:30 AM. I like to get a head start before the world wakes up. First, I check the precious metals market—gold and silver fluctuate daily, and staying ahead of trends is crucial. Then, I go through estate sale inquiries, appraise new collections, and coordinate with my team on upcoming auctions and valuations. Some days, I travel to assess estates or meet with collectors.
The key to productivity is discipline and curiosity. I don’t waste time. I plan my day the night before and tackle the hardest tasks first.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’ve always believed in doing rather than overthinking. When I get an idea—whether it’s a new way to run an estate sale, a better marketing strategy, or a unique business opportunity—I test it. I’ve launched businesses in produce, fireworks, and real estate because I saw a gap in the market and acted on it. You don’t need perfection to start, but you do need momentum.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rise of alternative investments. More people are realizing that stocks and bonds aren’t the only way to build wealth. High-value collectibles—rare coins, antiques, fine art—are appreciating at unprecedented rates. The best part? They’re tangible assets. You can hold them, pass them down, and they retain historical significance.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Every morning, I write down three non-negotiable goals for the day. Not ten—just three. This keeps me focused and prevents distractions. If I accomplish those three, I know the day was productive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Patience. When I sold my first coin collection at 18, I made a fortune—but if I had held onto some of those rare pieces, their value today would be ten times what I sold them for. I’d tell my younger self: Think long-term. Compound your knowledge and wealth over time instead of chasing quick wins.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That luck has nothing to do with success. People say, “You were lucky to find that rare coin” or “You were lucky the market was up when you sold.” No—luck didn’t do the research, attend the auctions, or build relationships with dealers. Hard work and preparation create what people call luck.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I tell people to build an emergency fund in assets, not just cash. Precious metals, collectibles, even certain antiques—these hold their value even when the dollar doesn’t. If you’re just saving in a bank account, you’re losing money to inflation every year.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from my desk and do something completely unrelated—usually gardening or fishing. Being outdoors clears my head, and when I come back, I see problems from a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Honesty. This industry is full of people looking to make a quick buck, but I’ve built my reputation by always giving fair appraisals. When people know they can trust you, they come back—and they send their friends and family.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I invested in a high-end antiques shop in a bad location. It failed within a year. I realized that no matter how good your product is, if the market isn’t there, you won’t succeed. After that, I started researching location demographics and buying trends before making big investments.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile estate sale service. Instead of families having to host sales at their homes, a fully equipped van could travel to different locations, appraise, market, and sell collectibles on the spot. People love convenience, and this would revolutionize the industry.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Evernote. I use it to keep track of market trends, store historical data on rare coins, and organize estate sale inventories.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason. It’s timeless financial wisdom wrapped in storytelling. The book’s lessons on saving, investing, and patience are just as relevant today as they were when it was written.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
“The Shawshank Redemption.” The themes of perseverance, integrity, and playing the long game resonate with me. The best successes aren’t overnight—they’re the result of years of hard work.
Key learnings
- Turn passion into opportunity. Jeffrey didn’t just collect coins—he built a business around his expertise. Find what you love and make it work for you.
- Think long-term. His biggest lesson was realizing the value of patience. Whether in investments or career moves, the real wealth is built over time.
- Reputation is everything. In an industry full of quick deals, honesty and trust set Jeffrey apart. Always play the long game.