Mike Cotter
Director of Operations
Mike brings a unique set of experiences and expertise, a firm grasp of the collectible book industry and his passion for the past to Yeoman’s. He has always been fascinated by books and history, and his dream had always been to open his own rare bookstore. But like the pioneers and patriots he idolizes, Mike would have to blaze his own path to make it happen.
Mike grew up in the world that was the 1980's. His friends were concerned with MTV, NASA and the promise of technology. While this seemed amazing as well, it was the past that captivated Mike's attention as a youngster and then as a teenager in the 80's. The discovery of the Titanic by Ballard in 1985 and the earlier find of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha seemed much more exciting. It is safe to say that Mike caught the collecting 'Bug' at a very early age.
One day while attempting to reproduce an antique treasure map, young Mike punctured the can of gold spray paint he borrowed from his father’s shed, only to cover the brand new grill, the riding lawnmower, the side of the house, the deck, and the dog in a coat of gold sheen. As he grew older, he found collecting rare documents much more successful—and safer—than recreating them. Thus began his hobby of collecting rare books of historical significance.
After college, Mike went the practical route and entered the world of business. He spent years in retail before recognizing that the money he was making was not as rewarding as the collecting hobbies he was undertaking on nights and weekends. After a decade, he packed his bags and set out on becoming a rare book and antique dealer. He spent the next ten years gaining experience in the bookselling, publishing, and book marketing industries, traveling the world both in person and via television in search of his American dream.
Mike’s dream finally came to fruition when he formed a partnership with his lifelong friend Keith Wallace to open Yeoman’s in the Fork in 2009. Together, the two have managed to build a solid name in the industry and assemble a faithful following of fellow collectors. Preceded by two solid years of online business and countless hours of preparation, this dream of an open store is sure to be one of the greatest achievements of their lives.
Today, Mike wakes up every morning feeling like the Indiana Jones of the rare book world. Whatever it takes to help you find your literary holy grail, he and the rest of Yeoman’s are here to help.
Contact Mike at mikecotter@yeomansinthefork.com.
