Who Are We?

I Me Mine was founded by Blake Barnett, who has owned and operated Barnett Fine Minerals since 2011. Barnett Fine Minerals is a full-time mineral dealership, supplying mineral specimens from around the world to collectors and institutions. You can find them in Tucson during the annual gem and mineral shows, where they set up at Mineral City, the largest mineral-specific show in the world.

In 2023, he purchased the piece of land that would become I Me Mine with the intention of building a home. After discovering crystals on the property, he promptly abandoned the build and began mining. In 2025, he was able to acquire the surrounding 77.6 acres - the I Me Mine of today sits on 80 acres of beautiful forest. Mining only occurs on about 3 of those acres, so the future potential of the property is vast. We look forward to sharing our adventures with you for years to come!

Meet The Team

  • Blake Barnett - Mine Owner

    Blake got his start in 2010 buying and selling minerals online. He grew the business into what eventually became Barnett Fine Minerals - he is a vendor at Mineral City in Tucson and has participated in many of the largest shows in the world. He purchased a piece of land in 2023 that would become I Me Mine and promptly began mining. He has plenty of experience in the field, particularly prospecting for minerals in the Texas Hill Country - where he was mentored by the legendary Texas field collector Shawn Maddox - many of his finds from Texas found their way into major collections, including the Perot Museum in Dallas.

  • Tommy Pulda - Lead Miner

    Sheriff Tommy is our lead miner and machine operator - he has decades of experience mining and collecting minerals and fossils. More recently, he has taught himself the art of mineral and fossil preparation and has become a highly sought after preparator and restorer of dinosaurs. He is a regular vendor at the annual Denver Coliseum show (booth P3 & P4) where he offers his fossils and mineral specimens. Tommy has mines of his own in Nevada and Colorado, and is often called upon by mine owners to help with development. Book a guided dig and get the chance to dig with Sheriff Tommy yourself!

  • Karissa Yates - General Manager

    Karissa is our general manager - handling everything from social media & sales to office logistics & marketing. She hosts our live streams on the I Me Mine Facebook page, coordinates your personal shopping experiences & carefully oversees packing and shipping. A lifelong resident of the area, Karissa developed a love for crystals at a young age. Her years in traditional retail sales taught her innovative marketing techniques and strategies that she now applies to our content creation. Catch her on a live stream, answering your messages, or at an occasional dig.

  • Jacob Gohn - Base Maker/Mine Manager

    Jacob is our master base carver and mine manager. He got his start in the industry by cutting gemstones under Larry Woods and his older brother, Shawn Maddox. He started working with Barnett Fine Minerals in 2016 making custom bases and helping out at gem shows. Over the years he has become known as one of the best in the industry. His base work is sought out by professionals and collectors alike. While he still maintains his role as our master carver, he has also transitioned into our mine manager - he runs primitive digs and helps maintain the property.