For the past twenty years, Joel Magee has been traveling around the U.S., buying, selling, and collecting vintage toys. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience appraising collectibles, earning him the title of America's Toy Scout. Over the years, Joel has become particularly fond of collecting Barbies, Hot Wheels cars, Star Wars action figures, comic books, and Pez dispensers. He prides himself on being a creative and personable businessman, accepting features on local news stations across the nation. Joel is known for appearing on the MeTV show Collector's Call, as well as the 2026 documentary film Stolen Kingdom.
As a child in Sioux City, Iowa, Joel spent the harsh winters inside, playing with some of his favorite toys. These fond memories prompted him to begin collecting toys in the 1980s. The very first items he began collecting were vintage lunch boxes. Joel views toys as a representation of happiness and comfort. Many of the toy owners he encounters have deep connections with their toys and sometimes have difficulty parting with them. Joel often views himself as a counselor and mediator so that the owners can make the best decisions possible.
