Universal Stamp & Coin, 304 Broad St, New Britain, CT 06053, US

Richard Ellis, the owner of the Cambridge-Essex Stamp Company, has been in business for 65 years, and in that time has amassed some of the largest collections of autographs, coins and stamps in the world. Walking into Mr. Ellis' store, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by the incredible selection of collectibles, trinkets, antiques and artifacts. Mr. Ellis, a world champion swimmer, still competes and beats swimmers half his age on a regular basis, just one of many fascinating details of his life.