In the world of collecting, few names carry as much weight — or shell power — as Dave, a.k.a. The TMNT Collector. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the holder of the largest collection of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles memorabilia, Dave’s lifelong passion has evolved into something much greater than a hobby — it’s a cultural landmark for TMNT fans around the world.
A Lifetime in the Making
Dave began collecting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys, books, and memorabilia back in the 1980s, when the heroes in a half shell first burst onto the scene. What started as childhood admiration quickly grew into a mission — to preserve every piece of Turtle history possible.
Today, his legendary “Turtle Lair” houses over 5,000 individual pieces, including some of the rarest and hardest-to-find figures and oddities in existence. From vintage action figures and signed artwork to one-of-a-kind prototypes and international exclusives, Dave’s collection represents decades of passion, nostalgia, and dedication.
From Collector to Community Leader
Beyond the walls of his lair, Dave has become a beacon for the global collector community. His popular Instagram Live show, SHO’N’TELL, brings together fans, collectors, artists, toy photographers, and customizers from across the world. The show celebrates creativity and connection, giving fans a chance to share their stories, collections, and memories while also featuring celebrity guests from the many eras of TMNT shows, movies, and comics.
Through SHO’N’TELL, Dave doesn’t just talk about toys — he builds bridges between generations of fans who grew up on the same heroes that inspired him decades ago.
Taking the Show on the Road
Dave’s influence doesn’t stop online. He now travels across North America, bringing pieces of his massive collection to life through SHO’N’TELL: LIVE ON LOCATION — a traveling showcase that spotlights the best of the toy and collector world. From small-town conventions to major industry events, Dave covers it all — interviewing vendors, cosplayers, artists, and guests, and sharing their stories with fans everywhere.
Each appearance turns into an opportunity for others to relive their childhood memories, learn about the TMNT legacy, and meet the man behind the world’s largest Turtle collection.
The Legacy Continues
For Dave, collecting has never been about quantity — it’s about community, creativity, and connection. His journey stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. The TMNT franchise has always been about teamwork and family — and through his work, The TMNT Collector embodies that same spirit every day.
To explore his incredible collection or tune into his latest interviews, visit www.thetmntcollector.com or follow him on Instagram @thetmntcollector.