About Us
With years of expertise in trade show management, learn more about the dynamic team that make the JFAX Show an unforgettable experience.
Lowell Carhart
Founder
Lowell earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University in the summer of 1993. Eight days later, he began studies at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. After earning his MBA, he joined the Vice President of Quality at NCR. By 1999, he and his new bride Mia, a USAF 2nd Lieutenant, were stationed in Japan, where he worked remotely for NCR.
Frequent weekend trips to China sparked a fossil-collecting hobby that turned into an eBay business. When NCR offered a buy-out in 2001, he left to sell fossils full-time, at one point selling four fossil dinosaur eggs a day for three straight years.
In 2006 they returned to the U.S. and Lowell began selling at American shows which he felt they lacked the professionalism of Japanese and European shows.
In 2009, he launched his own show in Denver, which became the city’s largest by2012 and is now the biggest U.S. mineral and gem show under two roofs, spanning two buildings, five floors, and nearly 100 tents. Two years later, he started the 22nd Street Show in Tucson, which became the world’s most attended gem show by its sixth year. Last year, alongside colleague Heather Grana Monahan, he debuted the Honolulu Show. Now, with veteran promoter Don Olstinske, he’s launching the Milwaukee Show, with newly retired Lt. Colonel Mia joining the team.
Quirky and socially awkward due to hearing loss, Lowell enjoys analyzing billboard traffic patterns, collecting radioactive historical artifacts (including fragments of a Mk-17 H-bomb), exploring Japanese culture, savoring Asian cuisine and bourbon, and raising three children—the eldest, Marshall, is an Air Force ROTC sophomore at JMU.
Don Olstinske
Vice President
A 30-year tradeshow veteran, Don has experience in every aspect of running successful public and trade events. With a background in the jewelry, gems, beads, and gift industries, as well as decorator and registration operations, he delivers quality shows with a friendly, customer-focused approach.
Born in Racine, WI, and a proud UW–Madison Badger, Don graduated with degrees in Journalism/Advertising and Sociology before moving to Chicago for job opportunities. Starting as a fresh-out-of-college pager salesperson (remember those?) and honing his sales skills, he
eventually transitioned into the tradeshow industry, where he has worked in sales and sales management ever since. Recently moving back to Kenosha to be closer to family and friends, he is excited for this new chapter.
Over his career, Don has produced more than 200 shows, exhibited at and visited hundreds more across the country and overseas, always scouting competition, securing leads, and finding fresh ideas to improve his events—while thriving in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
A tennis player, fisherman, gambler, and loyal friend, Don’s Wisconsin roots run deep. For over 40 summers, he’s spent time at a North Woods cabin with lifelong friends, enjoying fishing contests (mostly northern pike), poker games, casino visits, and spirited Wisconsin sports debates.