Payne A., Front Counter Sales
We talk about it all the time, so if you have not heard it by now, SilverTowne is a family business. Starting from a cigar box under a lunch counter to now a multi-million dollar business, the company has grown tremendously in its 70+ years. Founded by the late Leon Hendrickson in 1949, generations of the family have now been a part of one of the largest and most respected dealers of rare coins, modern coins, and precious metals across the country. More recently, the fourth generation decided to join our ranks early last year and has found his place within his family’s legacy. Great-grandson to Leon and son of third generation numismatist and television host for The Coin Vault, Andy Abel, Payne has carved himself a spot into the everyday workings of this family owned and operated business.
Beginning Job Title: “I started on February 5th, 2021, in the shipping department part-time. I worked three days a week doing that for a while.”
Current Job Title: “I moved up front to our sales counter in the middle of summer last year. That is when I also went full-time.”
Favorite Part of His Job: “I like looking at the coins and the collections that people bring in every day. I also have developed a rapport with the regular customers that come in every week or so.”
Thoughts On the Business From a Young Age: “When I was young I knew that I just liked coming in and seeing my family and everything else. I liked it but I was not really thinking about working here I guess. When I got into my teens, I didn’t really have a desire to come here and work just because I had other interests. Finally, when I got to high school, that’s when I got interested in broadcasting and so that is what I went to college for. I worked here (SilverTowne Mint) during the summer after high school and decided I really enjoyed it. I found that it was what I wanted to do so after my first year of college I came here and started working in shipping and now in the retail space. I always had just thought that people came in and we sold them old coins or vice versa. I never realized when I was younger how much bullion and other things were involved in the business.”
Biggest Surprise Since Becoming More Involved: “Seeing how much money is brought in and out and through here on a daily basis. The amount of people investing and buying and selling was an eye opener for sure. When I was young I just thought it was about coins but the bullion and investment aspect of the business is a lot of what we do as well. There is a lot of bullion and you do not really realize that from the outside looking in.”
Thoughts On His Future In the Business: “If I were to move up in any other area of the business I would be open to it. I really like what I’m doing now but I’m open to anything. I would be interested in doing the TV show (The Coin Vault) with my dad but it isn’t like my end goal or anything.”
What He Looks Forward To: “I look forward to helping make the business grow in any way I can. I like telling people who do not know much about SilverTowne all about it and letting them experience it for the first time. Although I will say that I do find it intriguing and interesting not knowing what is going to happen. Again, I’m open to anything that comes my way. More than anything, I find it satisfying to help find new ways to help further business along and make money.”
Favorite Period/Genre of Music: “I like country and rock/heavy metal. Bands like Metallica and Korn. I would say that I like music from the 1990s and 2000s more than anything. Some modern music is okay but I usually listen to older stuff.”
Outside Of Work Activities: “I watch a lot of college football and Major League Baseball. When I’m not here, I follow a lot of sports.”
