Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Sorensen.
Hi Seth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“It started with a Central Utah kid, a case of ADHD, and a massive dream. I have always been captivated by history, and I knew early on that if I had such a deep passion for the past, others out there must feel the same way.
That belief launched my first major venture: writing The Utah Story, a comprehensive history of the state ranging from prehistoric times to the modern day. Around the same time, I decided to turn my lifelong obsession with fossils into a business. What began as an online webstore, Fossil Shack LLC, has since exploded into a global enterprise. Today, we own private quarries and provide museum-quality specimens to everyone from the kid down the street to A-list celebrities, professional athletes, and world leaders.
Now recognized as ‘The World’s Most Trusted Name in Fossils,’ I have continued to expand my reach by partnering to create American fossil, specializing in paleotourism, writing three additional books, and founding a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the ultimate goal of building a world-class science museum right here in Utah.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but smooth. People see the ‘World’s Most Trusted Name’ and the high-profile clients now, but they don’t see the years of survival mode behind it. There were long stretches where I was working 12 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week, just to keep the business afloat. Building something from the ground up required a level of sacrifice and grit that most people never see. It was a constant grind to turn that dream into a reality.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Fossil Shack, we specialize in the complete lifecycle of paleontological specimens. What truly sets us apart is that we are one of the very few companies in the world with the in-house capability to take a dinosaur from the moment it is discovered in the ground all the way to a finished museum display. We handle the excavation, the meticulous laboratory preparation to remove the matrix, the repair and restoration, and finally, the custom steelwork and mounting.
However, what I am most proud of is that I haven’t forgotten the kid I once was, that Central Utah boy with a dream. While we build dinosaurs for the world’s elite, we remain deeply committed to education and accessibility. We provide fossils for schools, host community classes, and ensure that our inventory always includes affordable fossils and minerals for every budget. Whether it’s a complete dinosaur or a child’s first shark tooth, we want to share the wonder of history with everyone.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people know me for digging up the past, but they might be surprised to learn that I am also a published author with a bit of a dark side. I’ve written four books, including The Utah Story and History’s Aquarium, which stick close to my historical roots. I also wrote Head Full of Rocks, a humorous autobiography about my adventures in paleontology.
However, my newest book, Poetry and Jaunts from the Broken Soul, takes a sharp turn away from science. It is a collection of poems and short stories inspired by the styles of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. On top of my writing, I am deeply involved in local civics, having served on the City Councils for both Spanish Fork and Salem. I think people are often surprised that the ‘Fossil Guy’ is also a politician and a poet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.FossilShack.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fossilshack/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fossilshack/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-sorensen-1b5b2a11/
- Other: https://www.AmericanFossil.com
