Reprinted from the Woodbury Bulletin, Minnesota
Stan and Jeri Friedman were interviewed by David Anderson from the Woodbury Bulletin
An M&M fanatic Man's love of candy leads to a room full of collectibles
Trick-or-treaters walking in the 2400 block of Prairie Oak Trail shouldn't be surprised to receive M&M's
from Stan Friedman.
The 63-year-old Woodbury resident is an M&M fanatic and has the room to prove it. Friedman is the vice
president of the International M&M Collector Club, and has more than 1,000 items.
"Just going into that room makes you feel better," he said. "It's so cheerful and bright."
Friedman began collecting M&M items 12 years ago after his wife, Jeri, suggested he start collecting something.
But why M&M's?
"It was simply a matter of timing," he said. "I've always liked M&M's, and I like the characters. The ease
of eating them is what makes them special. You can eat a little at a time or eat them all. They always taste
good."
His first item was a watch he sent in for during a promotion called the M&M Birthday Club. "It was probably
aimed at children, but plenty of adults participated," Friedman said.
Initially, Friedman had some trouble finding others who collected M&M items. Once the club was formed,
it continued to grow.
Today, the club has more than 300 members worldwide, who work together to search for specific items. Friends
have found several items for Friedman, such as a matchbook. Prospective members can learn more by calling
Friedman at 264-0915 or check out the club's Web site at www.mnmclub.com.
M&M collectibles are made in several countries, including China, Thailand, England, and Spain. Friedman's
M&M collectibles include fabric patterns, figurines, tins, ice cream containers, an original company
invoice, candy machines, cameras, and watches.
"You never know where you'll find stuff," he said. "The club is special because it helps bring people
together."
Some of Friedman's favorite items include politically oriented items. Each U.S. President since the 1960's
has had special M&M packages made for the White House. He has M&M boxes from presidents Reagan, Bush, and
Clinton.
Friedman said the candy's original slogan was "the candy that makes you smile." That changed to "the milk
chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hands" in the 1950s when sales dropped. Friedman said the
company started marketing to mothers instead of children because moms had the money.
Then the Internet changed the collecting world forever. Friedman said about 1500 M&M items are sold on the
Net every day. Collectibles range from a few dollars to hundreds. The number of available items continues
to decline as more collectors joint the hunt.
"Beginners should start looking at flea markets or garage sales," he said. "Remember to be selective while
shopping on the Internet because items can get real expensive. It's easy to pay too much on the Net."
Friedman said collectors shouldn't look at an item's potential resale value. He added people should only
collect items they enjoy.
"Don't get into competition for some items," he said. "There's a number of people with deep pockets who
are willing to spend anything for a specific item."
The most difficult collectible is an M&M tube from the 1940s. Soldiers fighting in World War II were given
the candy in a cardboard tube. However, most of the tubes were discarded, so few exist.
Brown is the most popular color, but there are few brown M&M items. Therefore, those collectibles are more
valuable. Friedman doesn't have a favorite color, but said the crispy M&M's, in the blue package, are his
favorite choice.
"My advice for beginners is don't try to collect everything," he said. "If you narrow down, it will keep
you from going broke.
Friedman, who is writing a book on M&M advertising, said he will continue to collect M&M items, and added his house might not be large enough.
"I've enjoyed the fun of the hunt," he said. "Now the question is where else can
I put things?"
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