"I collect vintage advertising representing businesses across America.

"I bought my first—a Double Cola sign—for $10 in 1994. The collection expanded to neon signs, oil cans, road maps, ice cream containers, original advertising illustration art and more.

"Every item has a story—what it was used for, the business it was used at or the memories that are represented.

"What keeps me going is you just never know what you're going to find next. Just when you think you have it all, a new piece will show up.

"I sell extra stuff [collectible items] at shows across the country, toting my aluminum folding table (Costco!), in flip-top bins (Costco!) and go through tons of Scotch packing tape (Costco!). I drive thousands of miles each year, fueled by Costco gas and snacks from Costco!"

—Nathan Lippe, Hanover Park, Illinois