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 by 2012 and is now the biggest U.S. mineral and gem show under two roofs. Two years later, he started the 22nd Street Show in Tucson, which became the world’s most attended gem show by its sixth year. Then, with Don Olstinske and Heather Grana Monahan, he debuted the Milwaukee Show in 2025, the Chicago JFAX Show in 2026 and the Tucson Starr Pass Show in 2027.
Socially awkward due to hearing loss, Lowell enjoys analyzing billboard traffic patterns, collecting radioactive historical artifacts (including fragments of an exploded 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
VP Operations
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.
Heather Grana Monahan
Sales and Customer Relations Director
Heather has been deeply integrated in the gem, mineral and fossil trade show industry for over a decade and a half, focusing on closing the gap between administrative and exhibitor support. Through her dedication to personalized and professional customer advocacy, Heather works to foster the strong client relationships she feels are partnerships paramount to successful events.
​
Heather's history of major show organization includes involvement in the development and growth of three of the largest US gem shows - The Denver Show, The 22nd Street Show in Tucson, and the NJ Show. She has now turned her commitment to building fresh event opportunities for exhibitors in Tucson (Starr Pass Show), Milwaukee, and here in Chicago, as well as other freelance locations.
Born and raised in rural northern NJ, Heather graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Psychology, with further post-graduate studies in marketing and business administration. She now calls northern Vermont home, where she can be found in the off-season enjoying the area's pristine outdoors - hiking, kayaking, and snowmobiling with her husband and their four children. Blessed with an addiction for adventure, Heather loves traveling, overlanding, and spending time treasure hunting with gracious friends within her fossil and mineral world.