Andy Neilson and Many Other Wonderful Things (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

You know I usually hate these kinds of threads and when I see others post them I tend to roll my eyes a little bit (sorry to anyone I may offend) because I know that Andy tends to get a little uneasy with adulation.

However, I would be remiss if I didn't say something. This weekend I talked to him some but I got more of a chance to observe him talking to people who don't collect K & C or toy soldiers (like Louis' friend Michelle) and collectors at Larry's restaurant and the Secaucus Show. One of the benefits of the Symposium is you get to talk to him or observe him in action more than you could at Chicago where literally hundreds of people are trying to get his attention.

When you talk to Andy it's as if you are the only person that matters to him. Andy has a great personal touch with people all kinds of people. He spent a long time talking to Michelle and you could see how they were both absorbed in talking about the ideas for her novels. Although I'm sure he's heard all the request that we collectors throw at him, at dinner that night I saw him graciously answer every request and idea as it was the first time he'd ever heard that idea. Now, you can say that's his job to do so and maybe you'd be right but I was impressed. I also saw him talking to collectors next day at the show by George's and Matt's stand and engaging them in conversation as to what they'd like, what they collect and what they'd like to see. Again, it was the one-on-one two way conversation that impressed me. He wanted to know what they thought about what K & C was doing.

Now, onto the wonderful things. This is going to sound sappy but when I was around the show yesterday and looking at what George and Matt had, I was struck by the diversity of what K & C makes. This is not exactly earth shattering news here folks but for some reason it hit home: from WW II to The Real West to US Marines/Streets of Hong Kong to Ancient Egypt to Napoleonics and so forth, his company is making a variety of product that brings many of us a lot of enjoyment. I'm not naive enough to realize this is not profit making business for K & C or that maybe they could do this or that or make that better, but the breadth is amazing in a way and he makes many and wonderful things, always a dilemma

 

[Louis Badolato]

The best thing about being involved in this hobby is the people. Andy is one of my favorite people, and I have been his friend for more than 12 years. He is at his best when he is mingling with people, face to face.

 

[nysoldiers]

I totally agree with your observations. Andy is an artist and consumate sales person. Of course he has the benefit of loving what he does for a living (I'm a little envious of this I admit) and being the best at it.
He has certainly re-invigoratated and re-invented the toy soldier market.
We all have our favorite series and get selfish in our demands but you are right to point out that the diversity of his products is truly amazing.

I was reluctant at first to switch from my glossy collection to matte but in a short time K&C won me over. The same goes for switching from 54mm to 60mm figure sizes. I still appreciate the glossies but feel more comfortable with the matte style and more robust size.

There is so much great product around that I wish I could go back in time and start collecting from scratch!

 

[Warrior]

Well said Brad, well said.

I had the chance to meet with Andy the week prior to the Symposium in a very informal setting and we had a great meeting and conversation. Two hours seemed like two minutes, it was nice to just relax and talk shop outside of a hectic show enviroment as is usually the case (OTSN).

Bottom line is this terrific hobby with all the other companies and their offerings would not be where it is today were it not for Andy and K & C.

End of story.

I remember the first time I saw his original Arnhem series in matte finish and I thought how great they were (and still do) and was told "Those will never sell, collectors are into glossy figures, not matte finish."

Wow was that dealer wrong.

Kudos to Andy and the great team and terrific products he has with K & C.

 

[wwiibuff]

Thanks for the post Brad.

I've never met Andy before, but just from reading things about him, seems like a down to Earth, great guy with a passion for what he does... toy soldiers. I'm glad he started K&C because it certainly is a great company with superb products.

 

[Rob]

I've always found Andy a friendly,helpful enthusiastic guy and its a pleasure to see him at the December shows in London.He always seems happy to answer the questions I have for him and he is always interested to hear what I'm buying on the day.Its so good and still unusual to have such access to the man at the top of our favourite company,in the old days I couldn't imagine Mr Airfix or Mr Dragon Models giving me the time of day,never mind sharing the odd secret!.

See you in December Andy!

Rob

 

[Combat]

I'm in the minority here among those who have regular access to toy soldier shops. So I get to see all the new stuff and wide range of KC releases whenever I venture over there. Brad is right about the amount and variety of KC products. Really astounding when you see it assembled in one location. That is one area where KC has been undisputed king - releasing new product each month as promised. I also like a lot of the newer lines that have been kicked around here for ages - Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarines, Cossacks...

 

[marco55]

Whether you buy or even like KC products you have to admit they ARE the leader of this hobby.They are the Elvis of the matte age!
Mark

 

[Iron Brigade]

The best thing about being involved in this hobby is the people. Andy is one of my favorite people, and I have been his friend for more than 12 years. He is at his best when he is mingling with people, face to face.

Dear Louis:
I have seen Andy Neilson at the Old Toy Soldier Show near Chicago since the mid 1990's and since 2002 I have exchanged a number of E-mails with him as well. He is indeed very nice to deal with and is a splendid salesman for K&C & the toy soldier hobby overall.
Gary / "Iron Brigade" 3/9/2010

 

[Major Major]

Andy, Gordon and all the K&C peeps are very nice and approachable folks, always have the time for a quick chinwag... (Makes it that much easier for me to part with my hard earned cash...