Gerald Selby: The Man Who Cracked Cereal Codes and Lottery Loopholes

Gerald Selby, a man with a penchant for puzzles, worked at Kellogg’s factory in Battle Creek, Michigan. His job involved developing packaging for cereals and analyzing competitor products. One day, he noticed that General Mills’ cereal boxes had a code that indicated the date, shift, and factory of production. Intrigued, Selby decoded the information, allowing him to determine exactly when and where the cereals were produced.

Selby’s curiosity extended beyond his job. He and his son Doug sorted coins packaged in 'rolls,' finding rare and valuable coins. This hobby earned them approximately $6,000. Selby’s analytical mind and determination led him to discover a loophole in the state lottery system after retiring and moving to the small town of Evart, Michigan.

After retiring from Kellogg’s, Selby opened a small store called Corner Store in Evart. The town, with its 1,903 residents, was an ideal place for Selby and his wife Marjorie. The store, located on Main Street, benefited from the stable client base provided by the local factories. Selby’s analytical approach to business ensured the store’s success, much like his earlier puzzles.