Adam Weitsman has never been one to follow the expected path. An entrepreneur, art collector, and philanthropist, his career spans industries from scrap metal recycling to contemporary art and, more recently, NFT collecting. Known for investing in people as much as in ideas, Weitsman has built a reputation for following his passion and staying true to what excites him, even when it defies convention.

A longtime supporter of the Yuga ecosystem and one of the space’s most visible and notable collectors, Weitsman has brought mainstream attention to NFTs while building strong ties within the community. We spoke with Adam about how his early love of antiques and American ceramics shaped his approach to collecting, why he was drawn to web3, and what he believes it will take for NFTs to see broader adoption in the years ahead.

‍Note: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

OpenSea: You’ve had this incredibly diverse career — scrap metal, art, restaurants, philanthropy, investing. You’ve done so much. How would you personally define what you do?

Adam Weitsman: It changes every day. I don’t really have a set plan. I just try to do what I love to do. Not every job I have I love, but I try to be passionate about things. Now that I’m older, a lot of it is about investing in people. It doesn’t really matter what the idea is. If I believe in someone, I’ll invest in them. That’s led me down a lot of different paths.

OpenSea: That’s amazing. To be able to not box yourself in feels like a huge benefit, and a luxury in a lot of ways, right?

Adam Weitsman: It definitely makes life more interesting. I never know what’s next, because I don’t really care what the person’s idea is as long as they have passion and a work ethic. I’ll try anything. It’s gone in so many different directions. It’s been a lot of fun, but a lot of work too.

OpenSea: To dive into that a little further, you grew up around both the scrap metal business and antiques. How did that shape your outlook on collecting and investing?

Adam Weitsman: I was from a really small town, and there wasn’t much to do. When I was younger, my dad used to dig things up as part of his job. One day, he accidentally found old stoneware beer bottles. I started doing research. I was kind of a nerd with no friends, just reading comic books. I’m still like that today. I researched those bottles and then got into American ceramics, especially since a lot of it was produced in upstate New York. I went on archaeological digs with school, which was fun.

I wasn’t really active in the scrap metal business until years later. My grandfather had a used parts business, and then my father went into scrap metal. I didn’t know I was going to follow that path. I had a tiny shoe-box art gallery in New York City, which I loved. But when we had a death in the family, my dad asked me to come help him. I came back thinking it would be for a weekend, and I never left. It’s been an interesting ride.

OpenSea: You’ve said you invest more in people than in specific technologies, but when you look at something like NFTs, how do you decide if it’s going to stick around?

Adam Weitsman: I take risks, but I only buy what I love. Someone posted recently that I never sell anything. It’s true. I’ve never been about value or flipping. I’m a collector at heart. I buy what gives me enjoyment. If it goes down in price, it doesn’t really matter because I’m happy owning it. I got into NFTs late, only because friends told me about them, but if something resonates with me, I go for it.

OpenSea: That’s a perfect segue. How did you discover web3 and NFTs in the first place?

Adam Weitsman: Friends were telling me about it. I didn’t understand it at first, so I just watched. Eventually, I saw a Bored Ape with an orange beanie — orange is my favorite color — and I thought it was cool. That was my first NFT and it went from there.

OpenSea: You’ve been a vocal supporter of Yuga and Bored Ape. What have they done right in the space? What’s kept you loyal?

Adam Weitsman: I trust the Yuga guys. I’ve become friends with them over tim, and I just believe in them. I like their vision and passion. I think they have some big things coming soon that will shake up the space. I’ve collected a lot around them. I also got my first CryptoPunk this year after searching for a long time. That felt like a legendary NFT to me. I also like the Faraway guys. They have a different vibe but great energy and a strong work ethic.

OpenSea: What excites you most about other emerging web3 projects?

Adam Weitsman: I just want to help good people. That’s why I invested in Faraway. They needed support, and they’d always been good to me with advice, so I wanted to help.

OpenSea: Even though NFTs are more mainstream now, I think there’s still a general lack of understanding around the full breadth of what they can be. Do you think we’ll see broader adoption soon?

Adam Weitsman: I’m kind of an outsider in the space, but people have been so positive and supportive. When I post about NFTs, I see comments from people who have never bought anything, so it’s a good crossover. I think adoption will happen as the space becomes more user-friendly. 

It’s getting there. It’s definitely easier than when I started. Once people get in, it’s addictive. The community and camaraderie are second to none. I’m going to Vegas for ApeFest instead of the usual exotic places my friends go, like St. Barts and Monaco. That makes me happy.

OpenSea: What is it about that community that makes you want to stick around?

Adam Weitsman: It’s just a lot of love and support. People share information. It can be someone 18 years old or someone 80 years old. The community is real. 

I’m at a recycling convention this week and a guy from Australia recognized me from the apes. He came up to me and said, "Hey, I have an ape and I run a shredder in Australia." I'm like, "That's crazy." We connected instantly. It was wild.

OpenSea: That’s such a great story. The anonymity of web3 means you don’t always get to know people online, so those in-person moments are extra special.

Adam Weitsman: I’ve met some really smart, private people who have opened up because I’m not in it to flip or profit. It’s been next-level education for me.

OpenSea: Outside of Yuga, does community play a role in what you buy?

Adam Weitsman: Definitely. I’m open to other communities. I’m just waiting for that one amazing piece to come along. I’ve had so many people reach out and explain their communities to me. Everyone has been so welcoming.

OpenSea: Your collection is heavy on PFPs. Are you also interested in art?

Adam Weitsman: That could change. I used to collect contemporary art. I had a little art gallery in Soho. And then I sold that collection at Christy's years ago. So this is my new art collection, and the same people that said I was crazy for buying Basquiat back in 1985 say I'm crazy for the apes. The Basquiat was $75,000 and people thought I had lost my mind. They're like “It’s just some graffiti guy.” He was still alive when I bought it. But I don’t care what anyone thinks. I just follow my passion.

OpenSea: What do you think the traditional art world’s perception of NFTs is right now? Auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s are participating.

Adam Weitsman: I’m all in on NFTs now. The conversation around them has grown. I even bid in one of Sotheby’s NFT sales.

OpenSea: Last big question: what advice would you give to new collectors?

Adam Weitsman: Look at projects that will be around for the long run. That’s why I believe in Yuga and Faraway. There will be pivoting, but those communities will last. Ultimately, buy what you love. It doesn’t matter if people think you’re crazy. If you believe in yourself, you can’t make a wrong choice.

OpenSea: I love that. Thank you so much for your time.

Adam Weitsman: Nice to meet you. Thank you so much.