Meet Mauricio Morales | Rare Book Dealer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mauricio Morales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mauricio, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a deep passion for history. Learning about our presidents and our nation’s past fascinated me, and I spent hours immersing myself in it. At the same time, I also discovered an early love for business. Around the age of seven, I would create paper models of businesses and fill our living room with imaginary companies, from fast-food restaurants to movie rental stations. Without realizing it, I was cultivating a love for entrepreneurship and management.

As I grew up, I pursued every opportunity to develop these interests, enrolling in business classes and taking on leadership roles in high school. I always knew I would start my own business—I just didn’t know what kind.

At 13, I took my first step into entrepreneurship. My father owned a collection of limited-edition Toy Presidents, and I convinced him to let me sell them on eBay. That’s where my first business was born. I used the profits to grow my coin collection, another passion of mine.

By 2020, after graduating high school during the pandemic, I decided to take my business more seriously. I sold parts of my collection to fund its growth and started exploring different markets. Rare books stood out to me as both fascinating and underappreciated. I realized this niche had immense potential and aligned perfectly with my love for history.

Today, I specialize in selling rare and vintage books, including first editions, signed works, and historically significant documents. Building this business has been a journey of combining my lifelong passions for history and entrepreneurship, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where it’s led me.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business stands out in the rare book industry because of its wide range of offerings and personalized approach. Unlike many firms that focus solely on high-value books, I sell items across a broad price range—from $15 to books worth thousands of dollars. This makes rare and vintage books accessible to collectors at all levels.

Additionally, I specialize in rare documents and artifacts spanning all periods of history. My inventory is more like a museum, featuring unique pieces such as a cannonball from the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry, where our national anthem was born, and first editions of iconic works like The Great Gatsby.

Beyond the products, what truly sets my business apart is the way I work with clients to build and curate their personal libraries. Whether someone wants to create a library for their home or find specific historical artifacts, I collaborate with them to meet their needs and realize their vision.

This combination of variety, historical significance, and client-focused service creates a unique experience that goes beyond just selling books—it’s about connecting people with history in a meaningful and personalized way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start with Houston’s Museum District, where we could spend hours exploring the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts for world-class art collections. The Menil Collection would also be a highlight with its surrealist and contemporary art. And, of course, we couldn’t skip Space Center Houston, where we’d learn about NASA’s history and even touch a moon rock.

For a dive into Texas history, we’d visit Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas independence, and spend time at San Jacinto Battleground and Monument, where the pivotal battle for Texas independence took place. The Sam Houston Park downtown offers a collection of historic homes, giving a glimpse of 19th-century Houston.

For dining, we’d have a special dinner at Brennan’s of Houston, known for its upscale Creole cuisine. For Tex-Mex, we’d visit The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, and for BBQ, we’d head to Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland.

A visit to Buffalo Bayou Park would provide scenic walking trails and incredible downtown views. For a short day trip, we’d head to Brazos Bend State Park to hike and spot alligators. And, of course, we’d spend a day in Galveston, relaxing on the beach and exploring the Strand Historic District.

This mix of culture, history, and local flavors would give my best friend an unforgettable taste of Houston and its surrounding areas!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people in my life who inspired and supported me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

First, my parents have been a guiding force. They never pressured me to follow a specific path; instead, they gave me the freedom to create my own. Their trust and encouragement allowed me to explore my passions and build something meaningful on my own terms.

Second, my oldest brother, Javier, played a huge role. He believed in me so much that he invested in my vision. He was tough when he needed to be, constantly reminding me of the importance of hard work and pushing me to reach my full potential.

Lastly, my mentor, Tania Daniel, from Junior Achievement, has been a tremendous influence. Since my senior year of high school, she has believed in me and my potential. Her guidance in leadership and communication has been invaluable, and her unwavering support continues to inspire me to grow and improve both as a business owner and as a person.

These individuals have been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I carry their lessons and encouragement with me every day.

Website: https://www.morales-rare-books.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moralesrarebooks?igsh=dHY2amZ0MjhsaDFk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-morales-montelongo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoralesRareBooks

Other: https://www.ebay.com/str/ucollectibles