Dan Gauron Biography

 

Hi Folks,

I feel much honored to have been asked by Lou Hall (our newly elected NIA President) to carry out the remainder of his vacated term as the Western Region VP.  For those who don’t know me, I’m Dan Gauron,  I live with my wife “Wendy”, son “Matthew” and my daughter “Danielle” in beautiful Colorado Springs, Co (proud home State to the 2nd, 10th, 24th and 33rd NIA Conventions).   I first became interested in, and started collecting insulators back in 2004 as a result of finding a barrel full of insulators at a DAV Thrift store here. After going online to try and find out just what it was that I’d bought for my whopping $20.00, I discovered that not only were their many folks out there collecting these things, but that something called a “2004 Western Regional” Insulator Show was to take place in just two days. Well, my son and I packed up a few of our pieces and headed up to Denver to witness “what would become” one of the most awesome shows “even to this day” I’ve seen. I’m sure if I knew then, what I’ve learned since about the hobby and the great folks that go along with it, I would have grabbed a room & spent the weekend there. I’m still amazed that those little pieces of glass found inside that barrel could have such a large following and network of activities, enthusiasts, historians and enduring camaraderie that it does.  Though there are many varying personalities, different collecting levels, reasons for, and approaches’ to collecting; I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t thoroughly enjoy getting together whether it be, one on one, a tailgater/swap, show or online to speak with other like minded folks about the things we collect.

This brings me to the NIA and its role in our collecting community. Without getting too deep into it… to me the NIA is here to represent, defend and pursue what’s in the best interest of its members and the hobby through member input and according to our by-laws.  Those who attended the National in Boxboro got a sneak  preview of a few of the new  & exciting changes that are about to, or already have taken place within the NIA that will benefit all NIA  members and our hobby.  Just a few of these changes are our newly approved as a qualified 501c3 Charitable Organization status, a newly formed scholarship fund, a NIA National Show advisor, a newly formed advisory committee dedicated to getting our hobby out there to folks via the internet, MySpace and other highly used forums and liability insurance for NIA board members. These a but a few of the changes coming down the pike, designed to help attract the new collector, maybe get the closet collector to be a bit more openly active and to give the seasoned collector an incentive to remain active and possibly contribute their time, knowledge or talent back to the hobby.  I’m really excited about working with the board and collectors alike to help keep the NIA our hobby’s voice. So, to truly represent those in the western region, I ask that any of you with questions, concerns, advice or comments to give me a call or shoot an email and I’ll see to it that others on the board also hear your voice. I’m planning on making it to quite a few shows over the next year, so please feel free to grab my attention (or arm) and let me know about that new find, an interesting hunt, a transaction gone good or bad, a cool tailgater, insight on a hobby issue or just let me know what’s on your mind.   

Thanks, and good collecting to you all

Daniel Gauron

NIA Western Region VP