About FossilEra

Founded in 2013 in Monroe, Washington, FossilEra has grown to become the world’s leading retailer of authentic fossil and mineral specimens. Over the past twelve years, we’ve shipped more than 215,000 orders to over 110,000 customers across 100+ countries, earning the trust of both dedicated collectors and gift seekers searching for something truly unique. We take pride in offering one of the most diverse online catalogs in the industry—filled with high-quality, responsibly sourced specimens at accessible prices, backed by thousands of verified five-star customer reviews.

Authenticity and transparency are the foundation of our business. With over a decade of hands-on experience collecting, excavating, and preparing fossils, our team is highly skilled at identifying misrepresented, fake, or undisclosed restored material. Every specimen we offer is guaranteed to be legally collected and eligible for global sale, and unlike many dealers, we clearly disclose any restoration work so customers always know exactly what they’re purchasing. FossilEra upholds a strict accuracy standard for all listings and stands behind every purchase with our Authenticity Guarantee. We are proud members of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS).

In 2024, FossilEra expanded beyond retail with the launch of FossilEra Adventures, marked by the acquisition of the historic Fossil Safari Quarry, near Kemmerer Wyoming—now reimagined as a destination for fossil discovery, education, and exploration through our Fossil Lake Safari experience.

Founder/CEO - Matt Heaton

FossilEra was founded and is run by me, Matt Heaton. I’ve been a dedicated collector and fossil preparator for over 20 years, with a particular passion for trilobites—ancient arthropods I still spend most of my vacation days searching for in remote places around the world. There’s nothing quite like splitting open rock in the middle of nowhere and finding a creature that hasn’t seen daylight in hundreds of millions of years.

Before FossilEra, I built and ran several technology startups. Eventually, I made the decision to turn my lifelong fascination with fossils into something bigger: a business rooted in authenticity, science, and responsible collecting. Today, FossilEra offers a mix of specimens I’ve collected myself, material sourced through trusted digging partners, and curated wholesale fossils, minerals, and meteorites from established, ethical suppliers. Read The Story Behind FossilEra

Every piece we sell comes with a commitment to transparency, legality, and accuracy. FossilEra exists to connect people with real natural history—whether you're a seasoned collector or discovering the wonder of fossils for the very first time.

Customer Experience Manager - Shawn Rodgers

Shawn grew up in a family fueled by rocks and fossils, shaping his curiosity from the moment he could hold a Thunderegg and help polish stones. His family became one of the largest U.S. importers of Brazilian agate, traveling nationwide for rock, gem, and fossil shows—where his fascination for natural history only deepened. Today, he carries that same passion forward, inspiring the next generation at home and helping fossil and mineral enthusiasts around the world do the same.

At FossilEra, Shawn is dedicated to making every customer experience seamless and memorable. If there’s anything we can do to support your journey as a collector, learner, or gift giver, our team is always here to help.

Fossil & Mineral Entry Supervisor - Robert Pummell

Robert has been interested in rocks since he was a kid. Whether it be looking through gravel piles, picking tumbled rocks out of bins at tourist shops, or being gifted rocks/crystals for birthdays and holidays, he has always been attracted to their natural beauty. Robert's love for rocks made it easy to transition into his current role at FossilEra, which is to accurately describe each specimen (fossils and minerals) in the listings that you see. He has been with FossilEra since 2016 and has taken multiple chemistry and geology courses. In addition to specimen entry and research, he fills in when necessary in other departments including packaging, photography, and shipping.

Robert's goal is to provide accurate information about our specimens for our customers, as well as to spread his love and interest in minerals and fossils onto others.

HR Manager & Specimen Entry - Becky Shaffer

Becky has been excited about earth's natural beauty for as long as she can remember. As a kid, she would photograph anything outdoors from animals to leaves to amazing landscapes on her hiking adventures and camping trips. She has been able to bring that awe for earth's wonders with her as she works with fossils & crystals at FossilEra. She loves to be outside and has recently taken up kayaking in addition to her continuing treks through the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

She joined the FossilEra team as a photographer and evolved over the years into her current role as HR Manager, as well as taking on various marketing & social media tasks. She fills in when necessary in other departments including packaging & shipping. She recently began to work in specimen entry as well, helping to round out her understanding of fossils, minerals, and meteorites. There's never a dull moment at FossilEra and it's great for her to be able to jump in wherever she's needed. Becky's ultimate goal is to help foster a positive & safe environment for the team at FossilEra.

Photography Supervisor - Jeff Dils

Jeff picked up his first camera at age 8, documenting adventures through the woods of Southern Oregon with his loyal dog by his side. Drawn to the quiet magic of forests, rivers, and the rugged coastline, he quickly became captivated by capturing nature’s raw beauty—whether it was sunlight threading through trees, waves moving over hidden stones, or the motion of water along remote beaches. At 12, while exploring tidal pools, he uncovered his first fossil, sparking a lifelong fascination with the stories preserved in natural landscapes.

His lens has since carried him across the globe, where he’s photographed cultures, terrain, and natural wonders on multiple continents. Today, Jeff leads FossilEra’s specimen photography as Imaging Supervisor, guiding how every fossil, mineral, and meteorite is documented for the website while maintaining the highest visual standards. He oversees imaging operations, mentors the photography team, and ensures each specimen is captured with clarity, accuracy, and artistry.

Warehouse & Packaging Supervisor - Maggie Quintus

Maggie Quintus grew up surrounded by the evergreen forests and rugged shorelines of Western Washington, where her curiosity for the natural world took root early. She inherited a love for fossils and minerals from her parents, who encouraged exploration and collecting on weekend adventures. One of her most memorable childhood moments was discovering her first fossil on a beach in Oregon—an experience that sparked a lifelong fascination and fueled her dream of becoming a paleontologist. That early passion for ancient life and Earth’s hidden treasures never faded, shaping both her personal journey and career.

Today, Maggie serves as FossilEra’s Warehouse Manager, where she oversees the packing and shipping of authentic fossil and mineral specimens with exceptional care and precision. She leads the team responsible for safely preparing thousands of orders, ensuring every piece arrives protected and ready to be appreciated. True to her roots, Maggie is now passing her passion for fossils and minerals down to her sons, inspiring a new generation of collectors through shared discoveries and hands-on learning.