Hundreds of successful moves, zero damage claims, and a growing reputation as the Northeast's trusted pinball mover. Living proof that you can turn your passion into your profession.
Meet Rob Gentz
From HVAC technician to full-time pinball mover—following a passion for the hobby and helping fellow collectors
How It All Started
I spent 23 years working in HVAC. It was a good career—steady work, decent pay, and I was good at what I did. But something was missing. I kept thinking about the thing I really loved: pinball.
I’ve been into pinball for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I built up a collection I’m proud of, got active in the local pinball community, and spent countless hours at leagues and shows. The more I got involved, the more I saw a problem: collectors needed reliable, trustworthy people to move their machines.
I’d moved plenty of machines for myself and friends over the years. I knew how to do it right. I had the equipment. I understood what these machines meant to people because I’m a collector too. So I made a decision—I was going to turn my passion into my profession.
The Transition
Leaving a 23-year career wasn’t easy, but I knew I could do something special in the pinball world—help collectors move their most valuable possessions with the care they deserve.
“I’ve always enjoyed road trips and meeting new people, so I figured why not combine my love of pinball with travel and help out the community at the same time? The hobby needs reliable people who understand what these machines mean to collectors.”
— Rob Gentz
My Journey in Pinball
1
The Beginning
Fell in love with pinball as a kid. Started collecting machines as an adult and dove deep into the hobby—learning repair, restoration, and everything about these incredible games.
2
Building My Collection
Acquired a personal collection of machines I'm proud of. Kept them in pristine condition and learned the ins and outs of what makes a well-maintained machine.
3
Community Involvement
Became active on Pinside (username: Flash71), attended shows and tournaments, joined local leagues. Built relationships with collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts throughout the Northeast.
4
Starting to Help Others
Moved machines for friends and fellow collectors. Developed my process, acquired professional equipment (like the PinCrawler dolly), and realized I had a valuable skill to offer.
5
Haul N Oates LLC
Left my 23-year HVAC career to launch Haul N Oates LLC full-time. Started offering professional pickup, delivery, and machine finding services to the pinball community—doing what I love every day.
6
Today
What Drives Me
Passion for the Hobby
This isn't just a job—it's a way to stay connected to something I love. Every machine I move reminds me why I fell in love with pinball in the first place.
Doing It Right
No shortcuts. No rushing. Every machine gets the same careful treatment whether it's worth $200 or $20,000. That's just how I operate.
Building Trust
My reputation is everything. Every successful move, every happy customer—that's what builds the trust this business runs on.
Direct Communication
When you call, you get me—not a dispatcher. I believe in honest, straightforward communication and treating people the way I'd want to be treated.
Helping Collectors
I know the anxiety of trusting someone with your $10,000 machine. I want to be the person collectors can rely on to do the job right.
Growing the Community
The more people feel confident buying and trading machines, the stronger our community gets. I want to make it easier for people to enjoy this hobby.
Active in the Pinball Community
I’m not just someone who moves machines—I’m part of the community. I attend shows, participate in forums, know the dealers and collectors, and stay connected to what’s happening in pinball. That network is what helps me find machines for clients and why so many collectors trust me.
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Pinside Member
Active on Pinside.com as Flash71. Known in the forums for fair dealing and helpful advice to fellow collectors.
🎪
Shows & Events
Regular attendee at pinball shows, expos, and tournaments throughout the Northeast. Always meeting new people and making connections.
🏅
Local Leagues
Involved in local pinball league play. Understand the competitive side of the hobby and the machines that players love.
🔗
Dealer Network
Connected with distributors, dealers, and collectors across multiple states. This network helps me find machines for clients.
What Stays Protected in Storage
Everything that makes your machine valuable stays safe during storage
Typical Moving Company
- No pinball experience
- Treats it like any furniture
- May use incorrect equipment
- No understanding of value
- Can't assess condition
- Generic insurance policies
- No passion for the hobby
- No stake in the community
Haul N Oates (Me)
- Fellow pinball collector
- Specialized pinball handling
- Professional pinball equipment
- Understand what machines cost
- Can spot condition issues
- Active in the community
- Personal care and attention
- This is my passion, not just work
What Fellow Collectors Say
"Rob was fantastic to deal with. He communicated throughout the whole process and my pin was blanketed and mummified in shrink wrap. Rob saved me a ton of time and effort and was well worth the cost. I highly recommend him to anyone that wants their pin delivered properly."
"HIRE ROB — YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. He moved two machines in one day, troubleshot a GFCI issue, and fixed wiring—all with a smile on his face and a good sense of humor. Knowledgeable, personable, hard-working, funny, and highly experienced."
"Rob doesn't just move pinball machines, he LOVES pinball. He treats them like they were his own. His personal collection is PRISTINE. I highly recommend his service to anyone looking to move a game."
"You were on time and ready for business. You broke down my pin, blanketed it, shrink-wrapped it, and loaded it like a NASCAR pit crew. Awesome experience!"
"Rob just helped me complete a trade. Everything was top notch and went smooth as always. Highly recommend his services!"
"A very passionate and friendly guy. The game was packed excellently and drop-off was easy. Great attention to care and detail!"
Let's Work Together
Whether you need a machine moved, help finding your next pin, or coordinating a cross-country collection move, I’m here to help. I treat every job with the same passion and care I’d want for my own machines. Give me a call—I’m always happy to talk pinball.