This self described “small time guy” from Lindenhurst, Long Island is just hours away from making it to the big time.

…Another Long Island native taking the national stage in the world of reality television.

But success for the 25 year old entrepreneur will be measured differently than most. His success is already in the “bag” literally— with the Travel Channel premiere of a new series called “Baggage Battles”.

The show take viewers on an journey to the little known, high stakes and big bucks world of unclaimed property—and the battle to bid, buy and resell it. Meyer is one of three teams of “auction specialists” who viewers get to tag along with on the show.

Buying and selling is Meyer’s passion. “I’ve been buying and selling since I was 15 or 16… I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

If Mark looks a little familiar, you may have bumped into him at his store in West Babylon, the Nifty Thrifty. His second hand world of jewelry, records, dvds and more is becoming a first rate success.

With the new reality tv gig, the successes may keep on coming.

Of course, a few secrets might be revealed along the way.

So I asked Mark what secrets lie in people’s baggage? “Without sounding cruel, you can find out someone’s whole life by buying a bag.”

And by competitively bidding on it at auction, you can hit the jackpot.

Mark has one rule at auctions. “The more you buy, the luckier you become.”

Mark may be lucky, nifty and thrifty, but he’s no pushover. He is fiercely competitive… even with his co- stars. “I don’t really fancy one of the other guys on the show. I can’t help it”, says Mark. The drama of the auctions combined with the friction between the experts should make for great tv.

“I’m feisty, says Mark. That’s probably why they picked me.”

“Baggage Battles” will take viewer on a 12 episode adventure from Miami to Scotland, London, Los Angeles and beyond.

Mark has big hopes for the show, but says his life is already perfect.
“I’ll ride the show as long as they let us and see where it takes me.”

And by the way. If you’re wondering why anyone would leave something of value in checked luggage— Mark says he figured it out for himself –accidentally. On a recent trip to shoot an episode of the show, he mistakenly left $4000 cash in auction money in the outside pocket of his suitcase.

Lucky for him, his bag didn’t end up in auction.
Since then, Mark has one piece of advice for travelers: tag your bag.
Otherwise it could end up with Mark…