Name: Andy Goodman
Occupation: Automobile Consultant
How many of you can say you like what you do for a living? Now how many of you can say you do what you like for a living? With 16 years of automotive experience Andy Goodman has taken his love for automobiles and turned it into a career. His passion for vehicles of all makes and models has not only spawned successful business’ but has also resulted in a collection of full size and die cast vehicles that is sure to impress even the most avid collector.
JadaToys: What got you into cars? Andy Goodman: I was about 16 when I had my second part time job, though first in the auto industry as a stock boy at a store called Aid Auto Stores on Long Island NY. I was bit by the bug hard; I was surrounded by all kinds of automobile accessories, having just received my first car (a hand me down 1981 Ford Mustang) it was inevitable that many parts in the store would end up on my ride.
JadaToys: How did you get started collecting die cast? Andy Goodman: About 10 years ago I was given a Hot Wheels Ford Mustang by my wife (then girlfriend) as a goof. She knew I wanted a new 1:1 scale version but at the time just could not afford it, realizing how detailed and cool the little things were I was drawn to find other cool collectible cars. One day while walking through Toys R Us checking out the Hot Wheels, I found my first Jada; an orange Silverado. Being into customizing I admired the colors, graphics and rims. Upon getting my first Jada vehicle home I realized their were 11 other cars in the series…..well you know what I did the next day hunted down the other 11 to complete the set.
Jadatoys: When seeking out your die cast, are you a web hunter or a store jumper? Andy Goodman: Starting out I could spend hours going from store to store looking for product but these days my career and family limits my free time to hunt plus by buying the sets through hobby suppliers I am assured not to miss any releases. I do miss the thrill of the hunt, but am blessed enough to be successful and able to continue to collect. So it is an even trade off I feel. I do hunt on eBay though, spending many a late nights on the computer searching which does lead me to a unique piece here and there to add to my collection.
JadaToys: Do you have a preference in scale or line when collecting Jada? Andy Goodman:I collect mostly 1:64 and 1:24 but I do pick up the 1:18 scales that I like. I relate to Jada’s import lines the best because I am heavy into the import scene but I like all the other lines as well.
JadaToys: Any Jada pieces you consider favorites? Andy Goodman: The Chrome Japanese blister card Hummer has to be one of my favorites, due to its rarity, though I just got my hands a few original tow trucks which I must say are the pinnacle of my collection right now.
JadaToys: You sent me some pictures of the inside of a die cast shop. Why did you… wait.. IS THAT YOUR HOBBY ROOM?!??! Andy Goodman: Yep, before moving into my new home I hired a contractor to line all the walls of my 400 sq. ft basement with pegboard. That is where I display my Jada collection though I also have a 20x20 storage unit filled with my Hot Wheels and other collectibles.
JadaToys: What other hobbies are you into? Andy Goodman:One of my other hobbies is radio-controlled vehicles. The Yokomo Drift cars are a lot of fun. I also collect Hot Wheels and M2 Diecast, 1:1 scale cars and don’t laugh but Garbage Pail Kids trading cards as well.
JadaToys: What other 1:1 cars do you own? Andy Goodman: My daily driver is a 2007 Toyota Camry SE. Being a Ford guy, I own 2 Mustangs, a 1993 and a 2007. I have an Acura CL, A Pontiac Grand Prix and the only 1997 Mitsubishi FTO in the United States.
JadaToys: Wow. You are really into cars. Andy Goodman:I am the founder of the NCCA (National Custom Car Association) that manages over 50 judged events every year including Hot Import Nights, NightShift, Import Wars, Motorama Association, Wheel Concepts and Clear Channel. I also write for several industry publications and journals and co-authored The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Customizing Your Ride.
JadaToys: What would you like to see Jada do in the future? Andy Goodman: My Mustang and replicas of top show cars.
JadaToys: Lastly, Anything else you would like to add? Andy Goodman: Yes one comment, remember that collecting is a hobby, you will not get what you want over night, in a year or even in a decade, just remember to reach for your goals and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something. If you work hard enough for it, it will come, as persistence will prevail!
