Collector Nation Podcast: "Custom Over Commodity: Eric Wagenmaker on Reclaiming Memorabilia"
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Ryan Alford
Guest: Eric Wagenmaker (CEO, Reclaim Customs)
Episode Overview
This episode of Collector Nation dives into the world of custom memorabilia with Eric Wagenmaker, the creative force behind Reclaim Customs. Host Ryan Alford explores Eric’s journey from hobbyist to professional, what distinguishes handmade, one-of-one memorabilia from mass-produced items, and the personal connections formed through storytelling pieces. They discuss the evolving landscape of the collectibles hobby, the creative and technical intricacies of custom work, and share memorable anecdotes and insights for both collectors and creators.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Eric’s Origin Story & Passion for Collectibles
- Initial spark: Making relic cards for his sons led to unexpected demand and a full-time pivot.
"I made a couple of relic cards for my boys...I posted them online, immediately started getting orders and inquiries. So I'm like, well, I guess this is a thing now." — Eric [00:00]
- Personal/family roots: Grew up collecting with his dad; nostalgia and family history are strong motivators.
"I remember the first time he pulled...his shoebox out of the attic and going through his Mickey Mantles and Hank Aarons..." — Eric [04:09]
- Transition from side hustles like furniture restoration and fake brickwork to focusing solely on custom memorabilia.
"There came a point really quickly where I'm like, I can't do this other stuff. Like, I have to commit to this." — Eric [05:14]
2. Creative Process & Artistic Approach
- Artifact as inspiration: Every piece’s design centers around the unique artifact, emphasizing textures, layers, and depth.
"It's almost like...my brain sometimes...constantly moving and shifting and shaping...it all depends on the artifact, and it all works around that." — Eric [10:28]
- Notable for combining printing, foiling, and physical memorabilia into three-dimensional works.
"We're printing flat images...but sometimes we have three dimensional things popping out of them." — Eric [11:24]
- Secret sauce: Unique processes and equipment custom-engineered for their needs; closely guarded trade secrets.
"We've figured out how to get machinery and equipment to work with each other that was never meant to work with each other." — Eric [16:21]
- Collaborative creative process: Clients can be as hands-on or hands-off as desired, with a detailed order and design approval flow.
3. Custom vs. Mass-Produced Cards—Rarity and Value
- Calls out “engineered rarity” in mass-market products versus the genuine uniqueness of his creations.
"Companies...build out these different variations and rainbows...they've given you perceived rarity." — Eric [13:44]
- Each Reclaim piece is truly one-of-a-kind, even when working with the same type of relic from the same subject.
"...every piece that we do is truly one of a kind, unique." — Eric [14:28]
4. Scaling a Custom Business
- Challenges of scaling when every piece is bespoke; relies on bringing in additional designers and selective outsourcing for larger runs.
"We have to lean on manufacturing...with the one off stuff...all production...is still here in house at Reclaim." — Eric [28:06]
- Deliberates on whether to limit orders for exclusivity or keep fulfilling all demands.
"Do we do an application process for custom orders...or do we just continue to take every order that comes in?" — Eric [30:31]
5. Custom Projects & Noteworthy Clients
- Works with pro sports teams (Washington Mystics—for season ticket holder relic cards), podcasters (Sean Ryan), and is in talks with European soccer clubs.
- Navigates licensing restrictions with creative solutions (e.g., making memorabilia larger than standard card sizes for teams with exclusive card partners).
6. The Emotional Core: Storytelling and Legacy
- Most meaningful work involves family heirlooms, tributes, and sentimental artifacts—helping preserve stories and memories.
"Most meaningful to me is when we do family type stuff or heirloom type stuff or dedication tribute." — Eric [36:27]
- Emphasizes the responsibility and privilege of being part of someone's personal or family history.
7. State of the Hobby & Future
- Positive about hobby growth driven by celebrity and pop culture engagement but voices concern over corporate consolidation.
"The state of the hobby...I think it's in a good place. My big concern is ... there's so much money behind the hobby now..." — Eric [26:00]
- Unsure about the digital aspect (NFTs, digital cards)—admits a lack of personal passion or understanding, focusing on the tactile and physical.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the magic of custom work:
"What is most touching to me...is when we do family type stuff or heirloom type stuff or dedication tribute...being able to be a part of a legacy of a family..." — Eric [36:27]
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On creative inspiration:
"It's almost like that Robin Williams movie, 'What Dreams May Come.' That's my brain sometimes..." — Eric [10:31]
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On client experience and control:
"They can have as much or as little [creative control] as they want. Most of the time they just pass it over to us because they've seen our work..." — Eric [32:56]
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On perceived rarity:
"It's hard to compare to that to what we are doing because every piece is one of a kind." — Eric [14:28]
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On business scaling:
"The next step is probably ... our own manufacturing and our own facility...But I don't know. I'm not there yet." — Eric [29:18]
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On pricing:
"Minimum order is 250 bucks...like, a relic card...starts at 150. But you're either...going to need to order two or...add embellishments..." — Eric [34:11]
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On his favorite personal piece:
"I have a letter written by James Braddock one week before the Max Baer fight...He mentions the fight...That's probably the coolest piece in my collection." — Eric [43:28]
Key Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Eric’s entry into custom cards | 00:00–03:29 | | Discussing the creative process | 10:22–11:43 | | Rarity: custom vs. mass-produced | 13:39–14:28 | | Scaling Reclaim Customs | 28:06–30:31 | | Memorable custom projects & emotional impact | 36:27–39:22 | | Digital collectibles discussion | 40:03–42:28 | | Eric’s favorite personal memorabilia | 43:28–44:25 |
Resources & Follow-up
- Reclaim Customs Instagram: (portfolio and project inspiration)
- Inside the Cardistry Cave YouTube series: Behind-the-scenes on custom processes
- Collectornation.com: Episode notes, clips, and featured links
Summary Conclusion
This rich conversation between Ryan Alford and Eric Wagenmaker showcases the artistry, innovation, and soul at the heart of custom memorabilia. Eric’s journey, craftsmanship, and client-centered ethos reveal what makes truly bespoke collectibles irreplaceable—far beyond any manufactured rarity. Whether you’re a business-minded collector or a sentimental hobbyist, the episode provides both inspiration and practical insight into reclaiming the tangible magic and stories within sport and personal relics.
Listen for in-depth stories, practical advice, and to be inspired by a maker who’s helping redefine what “collectibles” can mean in the modern era.