Collectible cards have seen a resurgence over the last few years, but what does it really take to navigate the world of card breaking? In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Connor Schissler, a professional card breaker with We The Hobby, who shared his journey into this thrilling and rapidly changing industry. From the highs of opening rare packs to the lows of missed opportunities, Connor's insights provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what's happening in the card-collecting community today.
The episode kicks off with Connor discussing his unexpected transition from a wrestling background to a career in card breaking. While many young athletes dream of one day playing professionally, Connor had his sights set on becoming a stockbroker after watching "The Wolf of Wall Street" as a teen. However, life had different plans, and he soon found himself immersed in the vibrant and often unpredictable world of collectible cards.
For Connor, the timing of his plunge into card breaking couldn't have been more fortuitous. The pandemic led to an unprecedented boom in the card collecting industry as people turned to nostalgic hobbies to escape the uncertainties of their everyday lives. In late 2019, during a friend’s lacrosse trip, Connor was introduced to card breaking—a form of collective investment where enthusiasts buy into a slot for a chance to acquire prized cards without purchasing entire boxes individually. The boom turned a small Facebook group into a massive community in just months.
One of the most exciting aspects of card breaking is the thrill it provides to participants when they open packs live. Listeners will appreciate Connor explaining the allure of this market and how it resembles a casino setup. The notion that a participant could spend very little but win a highly valuable card adds an exciting element to the break. Connor reveals that it’s not about gambling in the traditional sense; rather, it's about creating a communal experience where collectors both young and old come together to celebrate their shared passion.
Entering into the investment landscape, the conversation meanders into how card collecting mirrors the stock market. Connor shares several insightful strategies for collectors that include identifying valuable rookies, understanding market trends, and recognizing when to hold or sell cards based on performance. The rising prices of select cards caught many collectors off guard, but as Connor highlights, many of these price hikes reflect a larger cultural shift towards viewing collectibles as viable investment assets.
As the episode progresses, we dive deep into the workings of We The Hobby. Connor shares the excitement of joining a rapidly growing company that’s held up not only by the love for cards but also by a commitment to creating a high-quality customer experience. The path from occasional breaks to professional streams has been a wild ride, one that he's embraced full-heartedly. Opportunities for expansion are on the horizon, with exciting developments including a new podcast and additional products being unveiled.
In conclusion, Connor Schisler’s journey reflects the industry's dynamics as well as the cultural relevance of card collecting today. It’s not just that collectible cards are back—they're evolving into an entirely new realm of interest that combines nostalgia, investment potential, and community. For listeners intrigued by the intersection of collectibles and culture, the current climate creates a perfect storm for engagement and investment alike.
Listen to our episode to dive deeper into the captivating world of card breaking and what it means to be at the forefront of this movement, and prepare for insights that could set you on a path to discovering your next prized collectible or understanding the bigger picture of collectible, card-based investments today.
