Star Wars fans and collectors are legion, but among them “The Force” is undoubtedly strongest with Steve Sansweet, who spent more than 27 years as a reporter and bureau chief with The Wall Street Journal.
Steve is, as certified by Guinness World Records, the owner of the world’s largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia, and President and CEO of Rancho Obi-Wan, an independent non-profit museum in Petaluma, California that houses part of his cache. (He loans his collection to the museum but continues to own it privately.)
As Steve explains to host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, he began collecting in 1976 as a passion, and in November 2011 “retired” to open and operate the museum. Although Steve doesn’t say so directly, Dean estimates his Star Wars collectibles are worth many millions of dollars, far more than if he had invested his available funds on Wall Street.
Dean’s interview with Steve is an edited excerpt from his extended conversation with the Star Wars memorabilia Jedi that will be available later this year as part of Dean’s “News Luminaries” project, honoring journalists who have had – or are having – exemplary careers. Beginning on Thursday, March 12th, and each week thereafter, Dean will post an oral history with a prominent 21st century journalist.
Stay tuned to Monday Morning Radio for more details on the journalism honors program.
You may also enjoy these past editions of Monday Morning Radio, featuring other successful entrepreneurs and professionals who’ve launched their own amazing non-profit projects:
Photo: Steve Sansweet, Rancho Obi-Wan
Posted: February 10, 2020
Monday Morning Run Time: 43:38
