1985 INC
Filmmaker, writer, investigative journalist and business owner
Where to find 1985 INC:
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m 1985Inc! A Columbus, OH born and raised 80s/90s kid. Today, I divide my time between Columbus, Los Angeles and U.S./international travel. I’m a filmmaker, a writer, investigative journalist and a business owner. I’m also a collector of soooo many things! Nostalgia drives me and I LOVE all things 80s and 90s!!!
What inspired you to start your account?
The nostalgia community inspires me daily and it’s awesome networking with like-minded nostalgists and fellow hoarders… uh, I mean collectors!
You have a ton of cool work experiences in your past – can you tell us a little bit about them?
I’ve been a faux production artist – Destroying new things, making them look older and used.
I was a Disney Store cast member turned manager – Being magical and slinging plush!
Animals have always been a passion – Worked on farms, trained horses and I’m a registered vet tech.
Resale has been a part of my life for 20yrs – Buying and selling my way to owning a 6K sqft. warehouse and employing a resale team of six.
Documentary filmmaker and investigative journalism – Worked for a production company for 15yrs. Have co-owned a small company for about 3yrs. Travel the world covering stories and interviewing neat folks!
I write – Have several published magazine articles… as well as two TV pilots in early pre-production, with two different streaming platforms.
You have quite the collection. What are all the major things you collect?
Nickelodeon is KING when it comes to my hoard. I have most of the easy stuff, many of the “grails” and quite a few one of one’s. I also dabble in Disneyana, US coins, vintage toys, various 80s and 90s nostalgia-heavy nifties, physical media, books, non-sports trading cards, vintage Halloween decor, all things monsters, and occult related stuff!
What are some of the rarest/coolest pieces you own?
I own quite a few 80s/90s Nickelodeon screen used props, set pieces and costume items. Along with many Nickelodeon employee exclusive collectibles.
Is there something you’ve wanted to add to your collections but still find it hard to find?
I would really like more Children’s Palace store items in my collection. It was my favorite toy store when I was a kid and there’s SO little of the stuff floating around!
Name 3 tv shows you loved that you feel most people don’t know about
Fred Penner’s Place, Ghostwriter, Under the Umbrella Tree – None of these get enough love and there’s SO little to collect for them!
What about movies?
House Arrest, Leap of Faith and Rock-a-Doodle – A dramedy about kids locking their parents in a basement to fix their failing marriages, an obscure Steve Martin flick and a live action/animated work of art!
What are some rare VHS tapes you own? Although I hear you are afraid to play them since they may get stuck in the VCR? Tell us more
I own a MEGA-rare “How to Nickelodeon” VHS tape and book set. Given to companies who had interest in making Nick products… showing them what is/isn’t on brand. Aside from that, I own many uncommon titles that are still sealed – Eureekas Castle tapes, Are You Afraid of The Dark? and more! I am a bit of a VHS poser. I don’t want to see any of em get eaten by the VCR. Gives me nightmares!!!
Favorite board game growing up?
Tornado Rex is EASILY my favorite. It’s pretty obscure and hard to find today… even harder for an affordable price! It’s SO fun, though! It features a mountain shaped 3D plastic game board with a spinning top waiting in a cave (the launcher)… ready to spin down the mountain and take you out!
What year was Nickelodeon biggest for you?
I’d say Nickelodeon (and all my other favorite childhood things) were the most important around 1993-1995. I was 8-10. Those dates come up a lot in things I collect and feature on my Instagram.
What Nickelodeon star do you wish you could interview most?
I’ve met so many already and they’ve all been wonderful! Linda Ellerbee (of Nick News) would be my dream meet and interview! She is Nickelodeon royalty and she made me love news and current events, even as a kid!!!
Any cool new upcoming projects you can talk about?
I’m currently doing the final steps of post-production on a shipping mall documentary I’ve been working on for the past several months. I traveled the United States, visiting dead, dying and still successful malls! I was such a mall teen (also worked in two), so I was beyond stoked to make the film!
Favorite type of content to consume?
I like my fair share of nostalgia stuff. Memes covering things I grew up with and clips from shows/movies I love. I also like filming location visits, gravestone repairs, thrift/flea market hauls, mudlarking… you name it! My tastes change pretty quick, so I’ve consumed many different types of content over the years!
Advice to others who want to resell? I know there are a lot of not so great tips out there
Start with what you know. If you collect it, you probably know when you’ve found a good deal and can accurately price it, photograph it and describe it! Avoid things you know you won’t want to list… because you won’t end up listing them. Don’t waste your time being “taught” by all the YouTube “experts” who are actually just selling you common knowledge that you’ll easily pick up on your own! Have fun. Make bank.
What past store do you wish you could walk into more than any other?
Warner Bros. Studio Store — While Children’s Palace would be a CLOSE second… the WB store was such a cool place and it was a mall store! Fun fact: When I was hired on at Disney Store… we had to sign a non-compete agreement that specifically referenced the WB Studio Store. Ya know, because they wanted our secret sauce or something!
I heard you have a pizza hut lamp …
Hahaha! Have you been reading my journal? I DO have a Pizza Hut lamp. As well as an original Pizza Hut cocktail cabinet arcade and many many many other Pizza Hut things! Man… now I want a pepperoni pan pizza!
Any cool theme park stories?
I love Disney and Universal. Disneyland is my favorite! I once met Robin Williams at Disneyland. He was super friendly and I watched him do the Genie voice for a girl wearing a Princess Jasmine tee.
A phrase you would leave a nostalchick
Travel there before it’s too late. Buy it or you’ll regret it. Live your life like you only have one more year left!!!
