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Collector Nation
From Sports Media to Netflix: How Alex Giaimo Went From Watching the Hobby to Living It
00:48:47
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- [00:00]
A
When you're a reporter or host or anything, and especially if you work in sports, a lot of people think it's so glamorous, but it's. It's such a grind. I can't explain to you the pepper grind that I've been through, the number one line I get from men. Oh, you actually know your shit. Yeah, bro, I do. I've worked in sports my entire life.
- [00:19]
B
Welcome to the Collector Nation podcast here on the Collector Nation Network. Whether you're chasing grails or calling bluffs, we take you inside the hobby. Here's your host, Ryan Alford. What's up, guys? Welcome to Collector Nation here on the Collector Nation Podcast Network. We appreciate. We know you got options. We know there aren't many better than this one, though. Well, let's be honest. Come on. Especially when we got guests like this. We're going. You know, I could call her many things. We debated this before the episode, actually. You know, badass, cool as hell, voice of the hobby. We're just gonna call her Alex Jaimo.
- [01:08]
A
Yes.
- [01:09]
B
Yes. I got your name. I love it.
- [01:11]
A
I'm slow clap. Okay. Very excited.
- [01:14]
B
Yes. You got it right.
- [01:15]
A
I know. Do you have Italians in South Carolina?
- [01:17]
B
Yeah, of course we do, but it's just not quite as, you know, whatever you call it. Fluent Italian. I'm non affluent Italian, you know, like southern guy trying to pronounce deep Italian names. They're probably. That could probably be like an audiobook or something fun.
- [01:36]
A
A fun little fact. My last name is gi, so it's I AI. So it's three vowels in a row, which is a diphthong, and that only exists, really in Italian last name. So if you're ever on Jeopardy, that's what it's called when you have three vowels in a row. And it very rarely happens. So I, you know, well done. Kudos to you.
- [01:56]
B
I only took, you know, my wonderful producer Bella typing it out in phonics for me, you know, like. But I did get it. I got through it. But what's up, Alex? Where are we in Jersey? New York. Where are we today?
- [02:12]
A
We're about an hour south of Manhattan, so in Jersey, you know, sweet Bruce Springsteen, country babe. So it's awesome just hanging out, but I'm not enjoying the snow. It's. It's brutal right now here.
- [02:24]
B
So it's just freezing cold here. We're in that upstate part of South Carolina.
- [02:28]
A
It's literally negative. It's like 15 degrees actually today here.
- [02:32]
B
You know, I think when people hear South Carolina, they go, oh, yeah, it's warm and nice. I mean, we get four seasons here. You know, it's like 25 degrees this morning. You don't come to five. But I'm born and raised, so we're used to it. But we'll be like 60 next week, though. 70.
- [02:50]
A
Exactly.
- [02:50]
B
It runs up quick. So. MLB correspondent, news journalist. I met you at the national, doing things in around the hobby, and of course, the king of collectibles, the golden touch. I know you're narrating, doing different things through that. I mean, you got your hands in a lot.
- [03:07]
A
Yeah, I mean, I started doing this. I mean, I've been a collector my whole life. And I went to Syracuse University for sports journalism and traditional sports reporting was my thing for 10 years. Then Covid happened. You know, I haven't told you this in real life. Covid happened, and I was like, at the bottom of the barrel, like a lot of people were. And I said to myself, how do I work harder, not smarter? Because when you, when you're a, you know, a reporter or host or anything, and especially if you work in sports, like, it's. A lot of people think it's so glamorous, but it's. It's such a grind. I can't explain to you the pepper grind that I've been through. And it, like, the pepper doesn't hit you like the way you want it to hit you. It's like, not a high.
- [03:52]
B
It's like salt at all times. Really?
- [03:57]
A
Like snorting salt.
- [03:58]
B
Yeah.
- [03:59]
A
And I, I, I worked in Iowa. I covered a Big Ten Iowa Hawkeyes. Football, basketball.
- [04:05]
B
Oh, that's not sexy. Covering those Iowa Hawkeyes.
- [04:08]
A
Actually, what was sexy was not that this Jersey girl left the short to go to Iowa, but the Hawkeyes had the best season of their entire existence. When I was there, they went 10 and undefeated. And we went to the Rose bowl, the Big Ten championship game. Christian McCaffrey, I don't know if you year when he was on Stanford, he scored like, five touchdowns. I mean, he ran for like, five touchdowns. It was embarrassing, but it was, it was such an experience, and it was great. And then I worked for the New York Jets, Ryan and, And it's. It was also great. But the jets are the jets. And there was a lot of drama in the locker room, outside the locker room. All of that I also went through. It's been a, it's been a grind. But, yeah, so then the COVID happened, and, like, everyone lost their jobs that worked in live sports at the time, was working for the New York Mets just on their jumbotron. It was honestly a job that I took, like, a downgrade for because I was, like, a jumbotron girl. They told me I was going to talk, like, actual baseball, but I essentially was just promoting Dunkin Donuts gift cards, like, every freaking night of my life. But Covid hit, and then sports ended, and it was shut down. And obviously I was unemployed. And I was like, I am so done, because I busted my ass. Like, I was my whole life. And I'm like, f this. I literally. We mentioned UFC earlier, before our pod started. I literally. What's aw hired. Like, they wanted to hire me. And honestly, I probably shouldn't have taken that job because those. Those women make so much funny. And I'm an actress now essentially, as well. But I said to myself, how do I work smarter, not harder. And I fell in love with my father's vintage. I moved in, moved in with my grandmother during COVID because I was in a relationship in Manhattan, and then everything shut down, and then it ended. My relationship ended. So I had nowhere to go. So I moved in. My grandma went down into her basement, and she had all these amazing collectibles that I just fell in love with. Like, and I went on ebay, and I learned ebay, and I started selling on eBay in 2020, like, the Pez dispensers, Barbie dolls, Lego old Lego Batman sets. Like, I made thousands and thousands of dollars. And, like, I enjoyed it. But most of all, I enjoyed my. My father's vintage baseball card collection that I fell in love with, which is awesome. Which is currently at PSA right now, getting graded. And I'm off the record. I guess it's not off the record if I'm on the air with you, but I'm working on a little video series with PSA about the grading process. Because a huge part of what I want to do in the space and what I have been doing is educate, Educating people. Not within the hobby. Like, everyone. You guys know what you're doing, but outside of the hobby. And I think that ultimately grows the hobby. It's good for everyone involved. And this series is about, you know, the whole grading process, because I can't tell you how many people DM me, and they're like, oh, I have this collection. Do you want to come see it? I'm like, first of all, no.
- [07:01]
B
But they're like, no offense, but absolutely not.
- [07:05]
A
But they're like, what do I do? How do my friends and family. How do I. How does the process begin? Where do I go, what do. Blah, blah, blah. And I'm gonna, you know, educate. We as team are going to educate and. And have, hopefully have people learn to, you know, grow their personal collections. So that's exciting.
- [07:26]
B
I don't want the episode to be about this, but I think it's interesting. You know, Nick, you made a good comment like an attractive woman that's in media. Oh, just be so easy. You know, I think that. And I know the business because I have a lot of friends and have met a lot of people like yourself. And that's just a misconception. Right.
- [07:47]
A
Thank you. Yes.
- [07:49]
B
You guys have to bust your ass and, you know, like, those heels dig into the turf, you know, like, I'm just saying, like, there's sort of this expectation to look glamorous, and you're still having to cover and walk a million miles with, you know, your camera guy or sometimes doing it yourself. It is not glamorous being in media.
- [08:08]
A
You're right. I mean, sometimes doing it yourself. Like, when I worked in Iowa, my first job, I was literally a one. They say one man, Ben, but I was a woman. Band held. And I have arthritis now. In my hand because of it held the camera, which is like £20, and the microphone in this hand in my left. You know, my left hand.
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B
My.
- [08:25]
A
The camera in my right hand filmed a live film, myself live all throughout Illinois and Iowa with a live backpack in the middle of a field. Like, all of that. Then I edit. I shoot the video. I edited the video. It's. It's a lot to get to where I am now. Like, I was making $27,000 a year, like, when I started, and I'm not young anymore, by the way, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm 36 years old, and I. And I will, you know, toot my own horn that this was like, before the Me Too movement when I got started, before any of that. So I. I would like to say, like, yeah, like. Like women like me sort of paved the path for women now today. And obviously, women older than me did that for me, but it's easier. It's an easier path now for. It's not easy at all. But, Ryan, Asia grind and yeah, like, every day for women in general. Got it. Got to look good at the same time and sound good. It's a lot of stress and pressure and, yeah, I would love to do what you're doing right now. Throw on a freaking hat, throw on a hoodie, and just focus on the content.
- [09:32]
B
Just focus on the content.
- [09:35]
A
But at the same time I like, there are, there are moments where it's an amazing thing because I feel like, you know, being a young, strong minded woman with a voice is such an important thing right now. And I think when you make it in sports as a woman, it's like.
- [09:53]
B
It'S, it's cool now you've made it. I mean, I think. I don't know if there's again, I was in New York and around the sports media, even though I wasn't in the hobby at the time. And I've seen how hard it is, you know, in general, but much less sort of the stigmas and everything to come and like what you have to sort of. There's like this bar you have to reach of credibility. You know, it's like one thing to be pretty, it's one thing to talk decent, it's another to sort of have the smarts and the wits to navigate it all.
- [10:22]
A
Exactly. And it's like I pride myself on being, I've gotten this compliment a lot from men. You know, I want to sit at a bar and have a beer with you.
- [10:32]
B
Yeah.
- [10:33]
A
And it's like, yeah, that's the ultimate goal. I never wanted to be reporter Barbie. Like, I just want to shoot the shit with men or women. I don't care who you are and talk sports. But being a woman and looking a certain way sometimes, like obviously you are judged. Like you're. Oh, you only got there because of your face. Like, no, like I actually know. And this is the number one line I get from men my entire life and career. Oh, so you, you actually know your shit? Yeah, yeah, well, I do. I've worked in sports my entire life. I went to the number One Gerald school in the world. I know my, I have two brothers, I'm an athlete. So. Yeah. But anyway, I love it.
- [11:12]
B
So you like the cards you got into? You know, you go in grandma's basement, it's a treasure trove of all, you know, like gold and silver collectibles everywhere, figuratively speaking. And so you get into it like, so you take a liking to it. And now, you know, you've parlayed that because of credibility and knowledge and again, being more than a face on the screen. I mean, what do you think about sort of the state of the hobby and media? I mean, and I would lump. And I want to talk specifically obviously about what you're doing with King of Collectibles. So you can tie that into it. But like maybe connect those dots like what you're seeing, you know, Experiencing at the shows, being a voice at a lot of these events and things. Just paint some picture for us.
- [11:59]
A
I think that. I'm not sure, like, when you got back into the hobby, but when I started, like 2021 ish, it was two years.
- [12:05]
B
It's only been two years. Like just under two years. And a year of that was just ripping. Just ripping packs with my kids. Like, that was a year of it. Only been a year in the business, really. Yeah.
- [12:15]
A
The adrenaline high addiction is real. I get it.
- [12:17]
B
I was like, yeah. 80 grand later.
- [12:19]
A
God, I wish I had that money to frivolously throw away.
- [12:24]
B
Dude, you should have seen the landfill in our neighborh. But I'm just kidding.
- [12:28]
A
But bro, those are memories you're making with your kids at the same time that you can't ever, you know, like, you can't put a price on that. So that's.
- [12:35]
B
I've told that a million times. I said I spent. I don't know. I don't know how I know it's more than 50 grand. I'll just say that.
- [12:40]
A
So that's your. Don't tell your wife.
- [12:42]
B
But yeah, she knows. She watched it all go down and. But it was priceless from. Because the kids wanted to hang out with dad and we did, and it was together. I wouldn't. I'd pay 4x.
- [12:52]
A
So wait, what do you guys rent? Like, what's your sport?
- [12:55]
B
It was mainly football. I mean, some basketball, but it was mainly in. I collected baseball growing up.
- [13:01]
A
I mean, you know, the pork bills.
- [13:03]
B
Living in New York, I refused to pull for the Giants, so I became a Bills fan. This was in 20 2008, 2009.
- [13:13]
A
Wait, who was the quarterback at that time?
- [13:15]
B
Oh, geez. We had. Well, yeah, put you on the spot. Jim Kelly. And then you went to like, never world of exactly, you know, like five or ten guys.
- [13:26]
A
Hall of Famer. And then nobody for ten years. Years.
- [13:28]
B
Nobody for ten years. And then Josh Allen, 2017. The savior. All that matters is Josh Allen came in 2017. Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? I sure am. The Gemini credit card earns you bitcoin back on every purchase. Use it like any credit card. Buy gas, lunch or your weekly groceries, and you'll earn up to 4% back instantly in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account. All that with no annual fee. And right now, you can grab a $200 bitcoin welcome bonus. It's the easiest way to start building your bitcoin stack. Go to gemini.com card to learn more terms apply. See the link in the description for more information regarding rates and fees issued by web bank. To Qualify for the $200 crypto intro bonus, you must spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Some exclusions to instant rewards apply. This is not investment advice and trading. Crypto involves risk. Check Gemini's website for more details on rates and fees. I went to Clemson, so I pulled for Trevor and etn being all the same, both going to Clemson. That's an easy. My kids. It broke their heart. It was a really tough weekend watching Jacksonville and Buffalo play. So you.
- [14:45]
A
So do you guys root for the Panthers or no. Is that. That's. But that would be North Carolina.
- [14:51]
B
We're in South Carolina.
- [14:53]
A
I know, but that's. That would be the closest location of an NFL team.
- [14:56]
B
It would be, but we never became Panthers fans.
- [14:59]
A
Why. Don't blame you.
- [15:00]
B
Yeah, I don't root against them. Like, of course, if two people. If they're playing someone else and I don't care who's. Yeah, I'll vote for the Panthers.
- [15:06]
A
I hate the Panthers for life because I was in the fanatic survivor pool this year. I actually. They actually hired me to promote it. And then I got locked in. I made it 12. I made it like 11 weeks. It was 150,000 people. I was one of 3,000 left. Remember this Saints Panthers game, Panthers. And I said to myself, all right, I'm going to take the Panthers. But then my friend was like, yeah, the Panthers, you know, since being favored at home, have never won a game in like 10 years. And like my idiot self was like, all right, whatever. Like, I'm going against it. And they screwed me so hard. I was out. But to the state. So I lost a survival poll to the Saints. Yeah, like, who can say that?
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B
Not many people. But I would put any money on our money or whatever you're wagering the win or loss on. On the Panthers.
- [16:01]
A
It was a million five payout. And then like. But then they.
- [16:06]
B
Oh, no, no big deal then.
- [16:07]
A
So I only had to wait, like, I only had to win like, another two or three weeks. I would have gotten like a hundred grand. I have lost sleep.
- [16:16]
B
That sucks. But that's what you get for betting on the Panthers.
- [16:19]
A
I know.
- [16:20]
B
I know they're tough. It. Was it Tyler's show or was it still Spencer Radler, quarterback in that game? I don't remember.
- [16:25]
A
I don't.
- [16:26]
B
He took over Tower. Looks pretty good.
- [16:27]
A
I'm not gonna lie. I didn't watch It. Why would I watch that trash?
- [16:31]
B
Yeah, that's why we aren't fans of them. We're, like, winners, dude.
- [16:37]
A
I'm a Jets fan, so I'm getting.
- [16:39]
B
So much local hate from. I don't think I'll hate on the Panthers. They're just. They're just not easy to pull for, like, just no real history. We didn't. And look. And they've passed on so many Clemson guys, and they. And it's right down the road to be such a great story. So I've been like, f them for a long time.
- [16:54]
A
Is Cam Newton the best Panther of all time? Like, who?
- [16:56]
B
Probably. I mean, you know, he's the only one that actually got in the playoffs. Actually, I think they were in. They were in the super bowl or. Yeah, they went to the Super bowl, but still. Yeah, he is. He was a beast. Those are fun days.
- [17:12]
A
Huge for you down there.
- [17:13]
B
It is big. But we did. I didn't play baseball. I collected growing up, so I have a lot of junk wax. Freaking 87 to 92 baseball. The worst years to have been collecting as a child.
- [17:26]
A
Me too.
- [17:28]
B
And it's a ton of that. And they were baseball cards, because that's what you collected back then. Some basketball, too. Had Jordan cards and things. I do had some Jordan that was, by the way, I think, worth anything for my collections. Like old Jordan cards.
- [17:44]
A
I have to interrupt you for a second. When you got back into the hobby and you knew you had all these baseball cards and these boxes, literally boxes of wax from tops that were, like, of 2ft long, did you think, like everyone else in the world, especially me in my grandma's basement, oh, I'm going to be rich. And then once you. Once you actually researched and. And started listening to podcasts and. And. And learned, you're like, this is a. This is. I couldn't even sell this for $5.
- [18:12]
B
I kept up with. I was not keeping up with. With what? To the level that you're describing and what I'm doing now. Absolutely not. But I knew and had heard, you know, like, sort of just like going, I know I got that in the basement. All right, what do I have? And I, you know, like, taking a peek and gone. That's seeing that even 10 years ago, it was called junk wax. Like, I was like, that stuff's never going to be worth it. And they printed way too much. They had no, you know, no limited cards. And so I knew what I had for the most part. I had no misconceptions. The basketball stuff. I knew Was going up, but yeah, I was not surprised. Was it disappointed? I've been disappointed a lot of other things.
- [18:52]
A
Not that, I mean, I did. I, I was like, yo, like, I was looking for like, you know, like, what's the word I'm looking for? Not malfunctions, but error cards.
- [19:04]
B
That's all you're chasing in those garbage cards.
- [19:09]
A
I was looking for the Frank Thomas error card. I was looking for, you know, all the Griffey rookies, which I, you know, my brother was a huge Griff. Griffey fan and is. He's 38 years old, so it was around that age. But yeah, it was disappointing. But at the same time, it's the reason why I'm, you know, sitting here talking to you today because I taught myself. It forced me to learn, you know, and learn.
- [19:31]
B
What do you collect now? Like, obviously you've got some vintage stuff, it sounds like, but yeah, what's. Like, what gets you. Like, if you.
- [19:40]
A
What gets my juices going.
- [19:41]
B
Yeah.
- [19:43]
A
Honestly, I would just say mostly baseball. And like, I hate to say this because this is such like a hobby snob thing to say, but, like, I've learned. I've lost so much money in this space, by the way.
- [19:55]
B
So, so much. Only national treasures and like, expensive stuff, Ryan.
- [20:01]
A
I wish I had that much money. No, I'm saying, like, when I first started, you know, doing this in 2021 and 2022 and actually collecting, like, I'm not just a face. Like, I actually have a passion for this. I, you know, I invested in manual quickly for the New York Knicks and I would spend $500 on his rookie card, you know, his auto. And now that cards were not like zero. Like, I've lost so much and investing in slabbing them and grading them and all this bullshit that is it that most people don't understand goes into this. But also at the same time, I could say that it's what forced me to be who I am today. Like, I learned from those mistakes. Now, I don't like, recommend that for people to do, like, do your research before spending money. I was very frivolous and I was like, oh, yeah, money grows on trees and it doesn't these days. I've. I have a passion for vintage. And you. Your original question is like, what do you collect? Like vintage. And I have a bunch of. I have a bunch of cards that are worth like under 200 or 100 bucks. And I'm looking now in my free time to sell those and then buy, you know, go up and buy More of like a goat grill card for myself.
- [21:11]
B
What would that be? What would be a.
- [21:12]
A
Like a baby? I'm looking like a babe. Like a gouty. Specifically the yellow one. I don't know the exact name of the card because I don't get. I don't care. I just, I like to look at. I think it's art, but I'm looking. Yeah, I'm looking to buy a. Like a babe. I have a nice Ted Williams. I'm a baseball girl.
- [21:33]
B
Yeah.
- [21:34]
A
So I want to do that. And I'm not in. Like, at first I was a flipper. Like, I would. No, I attempted to flip. It's impossible. And it also, I think it also ruins the game for you a little bit.
- [21:45]
B
Like, it's hard to be a collector and a flipper.
- [21:48]
A
Exactly. It's. It's. It's a lot like, also like sports betting. Like, I used to bet on games, but I want to sit and actually enjoy the game. So, you know, like, I don't want to bet on Drake maybe versus Situm. Like, I want to just make fun of them and watch the game. What do you call.
- [22:04]
B
True. I bet a lot. In college, I was a big gambler. Like, in college. Like, I would do college games and I'd be watching like the Tuesday night Mac special, like, you know, Ohio versus whoever. And in some ways it made the. The crappy games interesting. But then I was like, I didn't like losing money and so you don't win, I mean, over long haul. And so I quit probably right after college. And now I think you're right, though, because it does kind of. It changes your perspective when you're. I mean, you're just so into whatever that stat is, whatever that thing is, is you kind of lose the. The bigger picture of the game.
- [22:42]
A
Right. And that's why I only really. Nowadays, that's why I want to sell my car, my, you know, low, lower end cards and buy higher goats. Because they're retired. Like, Right. Like, they can't screw up. They can't get a deal. Like, I mean, they can't. Most of them are dead. But you know what I'm saying?
- [22:59]
B
You're not gonna throw a hammy.
- [23:01]
A
Exactly. And like, they're done. Like, their legacy is. Is locked in.
- [23:05]
B
So, you know, collect your station. We buy cards. So, you know, why don't you give me first dibs on everything?
- [23:11]
A
I would love that. Give me a deal though. We'll have to talk.
- [23:13]
B
Yeah, I will. I'll give you at least, you know, 12% of current market value. I'm just kidding. The no deal. So what's going on with Netflix and this little show called King of Collectibles?
- [23:28]
A
I mean, yeah, it's just a tiny show.
- [23:30]
B
Yeah, I know the first few seasons.
- [23:34]
A
And I think the average lifespan of an original series on any network is one year. You guys have been crushing it one season. So to have three is an honor. And you know, you know, Ken works so hard and his brand is exploding. I'm happy for him and everyone involved. My castmates, those are good dudes and what they do, they're salesmen. I mean, you know, business. And I think what they do is the best of the biz in high end collectibles. And it's been awesome, like being a part of it. Like, you walk into that building and they have this like a lot most people don't know. There's the business side where you see on the show where we are, and then there's the vault area. So you walk into this room, Ryan, and it's like it feels like the ghosts of sports past and are haunting you. Like Babe Ruth, you know, Jackie Robinson. Like everything you can imagine is there. And it's like really cool stuff. And it's like millions and millions and millions and millions of dollars. Not everything is about money for me. I don't care about money. It's nostalgia. It's just like, holy crap. Jackie Robinson wore this jersey when he was, you know, being accost just for simply being black and changing the narrative of the game and the world. It's, it's really cool if you can get yourself down there at one point. You know, it's in New Jersey, but it's an hour and 45 minutes away from where I am right now. It's Philadelphia, it's Philly country. Like they're all Philly fans, which I judge hard. I don't know why, because I'm a Jet. It's not like we're doing much better up here in New York.
- [25:12]
B
Yeah.
- [25:14]
A
But yeah, King of Collectibles. It's awesome. It's, it's, it, it's also season one. I was a narrator as the host and it's like sort of like really cool being, you know, in that at that time at least like a female, you know, voice and face of the space. It's introduced me to so many people and. Which was the goal, right? Like I, and I love, you know, educating and like, you know, helping people not only make money from their mom or dad's, you know, basement, I guess but also like, you know, make more memories with their kids. Like, like we talked about with you and your sons earlier and it's just an honor and privilege and this year I don't. Do you know the episode, the episode where I. I spoke to the couple that sold the bull Nicks card.
- [26:02]
B
I have not watched this year's. It's on my dvr. I've been so busy, I've been working. I've watched nothing. So take no offense to that.
- [26:09]
A
No, no, I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't.
- [26:12]
B
Other than the Bills and the Jaguars on Sunday. And I don't blame you, I don. Saturdays, that's okay.
- [26:17]
A
So my favorite scene this year in the whole show and I, I don't care if I'm a part of it or not is my favorite scene. It's about this couple. They are from western Maryland. They're around my age, so they're around like 35ish. They've been together forever. They've been trying to get pregnant for years, years and years. They're the sweetest couple you'll ever meet. And they obviously have had some issues. The wife has had some health issues as well. And this, the husband pulled a Bo Nicks super fracture. And he just like you, he was new to the hobby, like I think even newer or new to breaking. And he bought into like a hundred dollar break and it was like only like the second or third time he bought into a break, pulled it, he pulled it. What turned out to be a $50,000 Bonix super fracture. So they came to golden. And it's my favorite scene on the show. Me and Ryan Krupa, my cast, me, you know, talked to them on the couch and we were like, do you want to sell the. Here's what we can offer you. And they agreed and they said it's we want the card, the funds from what we get from the sale to go towards IVF to, to help us have a child. I mean you have four boys. You know how important that is to people. So it's just such a gut wrenching, heart wrenching moment but also so sweet at the same time because it's like we're at the end of the day, we all disagree on topics but I don't think anyone would disagree that, you know, that is such a special moment. And like sports cards sometimes are sold for so much money and then that money is used for things that isn't really necessary. But in this case the money is used hopefully to make a Life. And as a single 35 year old woman myself right now, like the only thing in life I want is to have a child. So it meant so much to me emotionally. So yeah, I recommend you guys watch that because I. It. It's awesome. Anyway, the card sold for 50 grand, right? And then what happened to Bo Nicks just now in the playoffs?
- [28:20]
B
Ankle broken.
- [28:21]
A
Ankle broken. What a.
- [28:23]
B
His value shouldn't go down though for that, I wouldn't think.
- [28:27]
A
But my point that I'm trying to make is that if they didn't like the, the volatility in the sports card market. Crazy, right? So like technically they could have. Well, I'm glad they sold.
- [28:40]
B
They might have lost 12, like, like 25, 35, 40. I mean, could have lost half the value.
- [28:45]
A
Joe Nix performed. He wasn't great, but he was good.
- [28:51]
B
He's better in the playoffs than he was in the regular season.
- [28:53]
A
Exactly.
- [28:54]
B
Yeah.
- [28:54]
A
I mean, yeah. And I think he performed better than Drake May has, honestly and CJ Stroud, everyone. But like he won, right? So like if they still had the car, they could have sold it like high when he won. But then at the post game conference and press conference, you know, the coach announced that he broke his ankle. So like it's just such a volatile market and that's why I don't invest anymore in current players. I just like, I can't take the risk.
- [29:22]
B
Does with the golden, like in the show, you know, what's the biggest thing that you could talk about that maybe people don't see? And I'm not saying necessarily juicy or bad or anything, but maybe just something interesting that you just don't. The camera doesn't show or. I mean, it's television.
- [29:47]
A
Like. Yeah, I can talk about that. Like that. I can talk about the process of making TV magic in general. Is that what you would.
- [29:57]
B
Yeah, I mean that and like the process and just maybe just things people don't see that might be fascinating to someone. I mean, I think most people now if they have, you know, half a brain, just be honest. Like they know it's tv. They know you don't see everything. Like they get it, but. But we don't know what we don't see necessarily. So maybe there's something interesting.
- [30:14]
A
Right? So like working for Netflix might sound glamorous. It's not working.
- [30:21]
B
On the title of this episode is Glamour Undone.
- [30:29]
A
I don't care. I can say this. I make like barely any money. Nothing. Nothing. I do this for the love of the freaking game.
- [30:36]
B
Love of the game, for the passion.
- [30:39]
A
It'S like listen it. But it helps my credibility. It's an, it's, it's. I love representing the brand. I also only represent brands and work for people that like that. I believe in and I do believe in the golden brand. But working for Netflix, it's, it's that like we film eight to nine months before the show airs. So like a lot of the prices drop or go, go up and blah, blah, blah, and, and we don't know what airs until we see it. Like I didn't, I didn't know like what I was doing until I saw it like live on global TV with everyone else, which is very frustrating. We, in tv, especially on a Netflix series like this, like you, we film every scene like four times over. You know, I don't, I nail it on the first day.
- [31:27]
B
You nailed on the first time. Just like this podcast, A lot of.
- [31:30]
A
Everyone else, you know, you gotta, you know, it's, it's called TV magic.
- [31:34]
B
It's called one Take Wonder.
- [31:36]
A
Deals are exactly. The deals are real. But like the, the magic behind the process is exhausting.
- [31:42]
B
Talking with Alex Jaimo, she is one of the originators on King of Collectibles and she didn't want to be called a journalist though. Anything but a journalist, right?
- [31:54]
A
No, I mean I, I think I, I mean I am one. But yeah, just call me a, whatever.
- [31:58]
B
I think a media personality.
- [31:59]
A
Yeah, that's fine with me.
- [32:01]
B
The hobby and in sports, that's all that matters. How many events, like hobby events, like everything that's going on. Do you, are, are you doing a year? Like what's, what's that schedule look like?
- [32:13]
A
I, I go to the big shows. I mean it's expensive to travel and that's like the most frustrating part. I go, I go to all this like a lot of the, I go to the Philly show, which is an hour and a half for me and then I go to a bunch of other stuff like you know, in the west, the Long island area, New York.
- [32:29]
B
Are these appearances or these just. You're going.
- [32:31]
A
No, I just go. And I brought my, brought my dad to the Philly show this year, which was awesome. He was like, is this. He was, he was a little underwhelmed. I was like, dad, you gotta come to the, you know, the national, obviously. I go to the Fanatics Fest. I actually the last two years live 10 minutes away from the Javits center, which is where Fanax Fest is host hosted, I guess. And I FYI, I was one of the first 50 contestants in the Fanatics game times. Tom Brady gave me a five thousand dollar check in 20, 25.
- [33:01]
B
That was cool.
- [33:02]
A
I want to get him to sign it, but I'm like, whatever.
- [33:05]
B
I better say, did he sign that thing? I would make him get it. Do a big cardboard one, you know, like they did on Was it Price Friday or something. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [33:11]
A
I mean he's good at the sales. Yeah. So I go to the national, go to Fest. I go to Philly show. I would say I got like 10 shows a year. I would love to go to more, but if it's not driving distance, I. I'm not going because I just don't have the, you know, I just can't waste the funds.
- [33:27]
B
The boys and I did the national and Fanatics Fest last year. Yeah, I mean we did local shows.
- [33:32]
A
What are you gonna do this year? It's, it's tough for a lot of people because of the fnax. FNAX Fest is, you know, FIFA World cup. We. It's like, yeah, I could rent my apartment out for like $15,000 that week. That's how crazy.
- [33:48]
B
Go stay with grandma or she's.
- [33:50]
A
It's. It's like 10 minutes away. I'm going, I'm going to.
- [33:54]
B
That's what I do. I do that. I got plenty of money. That's what I'd go do.
- [33:57]
A
Yeah. So. But a lot of people are struggling with like, or grappling with the idea of like, do I go to FNX Fest, do I go to the National? And I think it's different for who you are as a person or a collector. Like FNAX Fest is definitely not mostly about collecting. It's mostly about sports. And I think I liked it.
- [34:15]
B
I mean I liked it. I want to get your perspective. I'm glad you brought that up.
- [34:18]
A
No, I love it. I love it.
- [34:21]
B
I'm gonna lead you a bit, but I'm going to. Let me tell you my perspective and I want you to give me yours. Like, so I went. We went to both. We were new back to the hobby, so we hadn't been doing them every year. I'd really. In the. The national didn't really exist when I was collecting as a kid. Like it might have, but it was nothing. I mean this is. Look, I'm ancient, so like. But in all seriousness, the national was awesome. Like a fire hose. Very hobby, very cards. Like very specific to the hobby and collecting cards and memorabilia, but in a lot of other things, but mainly cards and awesomeness in that. But it's a fire Hose. And Fanatics Fest is more like a marketing active. You know, I was in marketing marketing activation for brands meets collectibles. So it's like entertainment plus collecting. And so I enjoyed both for different reasons, but I, but I enjoyed, had a lot of fun.
- [35:20]
A
Yeah, I mean, I think you hit the nail on the head. Like the reason why I came into, the reason why I started making money in the hobby is my vision the entire time and was bridging the gap between traditional sports collectibles, game use, memorabilia and all that. And I think Fanatics Fest does a wonderful job of that. Right. It also, it gives you a plethora of options. Like if you're a sports fan, you can do that. If you're a collector, you can do that, but you can do both at the same time. And I think it's great for collecting because. And I think they did a great job this year as opposed to year one, you know, infiltrating the hobby more into, you know, the overall space. So like more average Joes and Janes walked around with their little sons and daughters and they were like, oh, I want a sports card. Mommy and Daddy. And like then they bought them. Right? And I know a lot of, I know like this is a factual thing that most, most of the dealers did like 50% better revenue, maybe even more, depending on who you are.
- [36:19]
B
Oh, they crushed it.
- [36:20]
A
Yeah. We're talking wax, we're talking singles, we're talking, you know, everything, everything. So yeah, I mean they did a, they did a great, great job. I think that this year, I don't know, I mean, I, I, I can talk to more people. I'll get back to you.
- [36:32]
B
But yeah, get back to me.
- [36:33]
A
I think that, I do think that it's going to be, if you, if you're a collector and you're grappling with, with the decision of going to the national or Fanax Fest, I, and I, I would go to the national this year only because Fnax Fest is, is, it's FIFA World Cup. I think it's going to be like, it's going to be all your, it's going to be wild like it, I mean, but, but it's also amazing. But the, the price is going to be like insane. And I'm not hurting Fanatics by saying this. They're not going to need any help. The whole, the whole soccer world is going to be there and going. If you can go to both, go. But if you are, if you want to focus mostly on collecting and trading or selling or buying, go to the National. It's in Chicago again this year, right?
- [37:23]
B
Yeah, Chicago. Then moved to Detroit.
- [37:26]
A
Yeah. So it's fine. As long as it's not in Cleveland again or.
- [37:29]
B
Yeah.
- [37:30]
A
Atlantic City.
- [37:31]
B
I haven't spent much time. I've been to Detroit like, twice.
- [37:34]
A
I was just gonna say I've never been to Detroit, but I've heard.
- [37:36]
B
Good. It's like, it's come a long way.
- [37:38]
A
It's real. Yeah. It's really growing, I hear.
- [37:41]
B
And when I was there, I was like, it's cool, you know, but it was. I just spent a lot of time. It's like one night.
- [37:46]
A
Yeah. I mean, I think we can use a chance. I mean, I'm. I'm. I'm pretty. I mean, Rosemont's perfect for the national.
- [37:51]
B
Because it is perfect.
- [37:52]
A
The steakhouses and the, you know, locality of everything. But it does get. Get sort of repetitive.
- [37:59]
B
Yeah, well, I mean, it'll be my second year there, and we'll be set up with Collector Nation.
- [38:03]
A
This will be my third or fourth at Chicago. Yeah. Like the first National.
- [38:08]
B
Yeah.
- [38:09]
A
It's been like at least four. No, three. At least three.
- [38:13]
B
What's the state of the hobby like? Free from your perspective?
- [38:19]
A
I think it's like, never been better. What do you think? Like, I mean, we got past the COVID boom. We dipped a bit. But not everything is about pricing. And now I think prices are leveled and normalized and. Which is wonderful because it's. There's no price gouging and people can get, you know, not bamboozled as much and not, you know, lose their bread. But in terms of media, I don't even think we've scratched the surface. Like, I'm on a Netflix show. I'm also on an MLB Network show focuses on. Directly on baseball cards. And that show, I will say, gets some of the best ratings that MLB has ever had because they just replay the shows, like when baseball's not on, like right now, in the off season, they'll play the show. I can't tell you how many people text me photos of myself in a bar on the screen, you know, and all over the country because MLB Network is playing that show. Because people love to watch baseball card show. It's nostalgia, it's memories. Everyone can relate to it. Everyone, like our grandmas can relate to it, you know, saying like, so I think the state of the hobby is fantastic. And I, I would. I again, we're only scratching the surface. I think it's going to go up, up, up and beyond. I mean, I don't know if you heard the news fanatics just announced they're starting to do the media corporation centered around it as well. And we know Michael Rubin and man, they're gonna go wild with that.
- [39:51]
B
Yeah, I mean, I took. I mean, I had. I had. I've had a number one business show, and I'm not scrapping it. I'm keeping it as well. But I'm focusing the majority of my attention on Collector Nation. And so I'm not doing that just for nostalgia. I'm doing it big business to be.
- [40:11]
A
So you're feeling good with the state, the state of the Union.
- [40:15]
B
Yeah. And I just think there's. There's a lot of opportunity to do amazing content in this space and to bring personalities like yourself and to, you know, professionalize the media landscape in this industry.
- [40:35]
A
Exactly. And it's. It's just starting. I think it's like, only like. I mean, it's going mainstream and it's gonna go up. And I'm proud to be one of the people that I think helped bring it there. And I think it benefits everyone involved. Like, you know, they, like the old. The old guys in the hobby are like, oh, it's too. No, bro. Like, it's a good thing for everyone involved. And if you don't like it, then don't watch it. But it's a good thing.
- [41:02]
B
I agree.
- [41:02]
A
It's great. And like, I just heard on the news, I think in New York City, New York, a school, an elementary school, literally had to ban sports cards from the school because kids were trading and. And making deals and doing and talking about them during class. And they were like, yo, you guys, like, you need to, like, pay attention. So they ban this. They ban cards. I think that's a great thing. If you think about. Not a great thing that it was banned, but think that's awesome that our youth is, like, invested right now. You know what I'm saying?
- [41:36]
B
That than doing. I don't know. Yeah.
- [41:38]
A
And I think Pokemon. We're only talking about sports, but Pokemon is helping too. Like Pokemon.
- [41:43]
B
Oh, God.
- [41:44]
A
Bigger than ever.
- [41:45]
B
Yeah. Half my store's Pokemon.
- [41:48]
A
It should be because non sports tcg, honestly, is. Is like even more lucrative and popular.
- [41:56]
B
Yeah. It's crazy.
- [41:57]
A
Again, Charizard can't tear his acl.
- [42:01]
B
True.
- [42:01]
A
No.
- [42:02]
B
Yes. But Mew can, you know, have a bad day.
- [42:05]
A
I love you.
- [42:08]
B
I love Mew.
- [42:11]
A
What a dad joke. Oh, my God.
- [42:14]
B
Sorry. I got all. Geez. I wrote the book on dad jokes. Are you kidding? So, Alex, as we close out here, I Mean, what's. What does. Like if you were writing the billboard, like, okay, what do I want the next couple years to be? Obviously you want to be profitable in your efforts. We all do. So I think we could probably put that as an asterisk for everything that we all do in business. But that to the side. I mean, what does success for you in your mind and happiness look like?
- [42:47]
A
Oh my God, isn't that such a cr. That's a crazy question. But like, it is, but you got.
- [42:51]
B
To think about it. Because if you don't think about it, you won't get there.
- [42:54]
A
Like, define success, right? It's like, what is success? Like I talked about, I think it's.
- [42:58]
B
But I like to put it in groups. Like, I'll tell you, I asked you the question. But I'll maybe, maybe take the pressure off because it's like, no, no. I try not to be so hyper specific with myself. It's more like, okay, when I set the goal with the hobby, I was like, there's a lot of money to be made here. My kids are into it. We continue to grow closer and there's business to be done. And I see, like, we're in a lot of things. There's no blue ocean, like, cause there's no opportunity, like, cause everything's like done. I see wide open blue space. No, like, but that was it. I didn't have to define exactly how it was going to happen. I just saw that.
- [43:31]
A
No, honestly, I think that your question of what does success look like is like a question that, like, nobody really. We can't answer for us all. It's a great question. I think about this every day, right? Because a lot of people think success means money. And if you work on tv, usually you don't make that much. I'm a type of person. This is why I need to listen to your business podcast, Ryan, that, like, I'm an idiot. I should be, you know, focused more on money. And I'm going to be this year. That is, that is a thing. Okay? I live in New York, New Jersey. It is expensive. But success to me this year within the hobby. I'm starting my own podcast, by the way. 10 years overdue. I think that I can monetize that. I want to show my. I want, I want to talk about my dating disasters. I want to talk about, you know, my hobby failures. I want to talk about Bo Nix breaking his ankle on a frickin kneel down play. Like, I think I can. I think I will. In terms of Netflix, I don't know if the show get renewed. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. I don't know if I'll be a part of it. MLB Network, it's baseball off season. I can't wait for baseball to come back. I think the hobby is thriving the most when baseball is in play. Unfortunately though, the Dodgers in my opinion are. I don't know, I don't know how you feel about parody, but I can't, I can't take the Dodger stuff right now. Yeah, I'm off topic.
- [44:55]
B
Buying up everything. Yeah, we could do another show on that.
- [44:59]
A
We could do a whole nother show on that. But yeah, I'm gonna, We, you know, we, we've harped on media. I'm gonna start posting, posting, posting non stop and educating not only myself, but other people and just entertaining because at the end of the day, when I came into this space six years ago, I want to say 99% of the people involved were not entertaining. And then more and more people like yourself have become involved and it's more fun now and I enjoy the competition. Like bring it on. I love it.
- [45:30]
B
We need mo jai mo. That's what we need. You know, get it out there. I like that.
- [45:43]
A
Maybe that's what I should call my podcast.
- [45:45]
B
Nemo Jaimo. You know, people learn how to say your last name. Without you though.
- [45:50]
A
What's your success this year?
- [45:52]
B
I, look, I've got, I'm knee deep in it. Like I collect your nation collector station. I'm going to try to strong arm talent like you to come on and distribute with us and you know, get some big brands in the split. Look, my goal is to enlighten the big brands on what's happening in the hobby space and they need to get their acts together because there's a lot of activity and a lot of eyeballs and a lot of affluency and I don't think the big brands are completely awake to the hobby. And so my goal is to do that from the media side with brand deals and stuff like that. While, look, I want to build a destination, you know, space. Like we got a cool ass store, 3,000 square feet. It's got a bit of old school, new school feel to it. We got TVs everywhere. Feels like a sports bar meets a bougie. I don't know, speakeasy or something. I don't know, it's like, it's cool. I don't know if it's that. That last part is probably 10% that, 90% the first, but but it's cooler than most. You know, I've got taste. I mean, and we're doing some fun things, but it's gonna be experience. And so it's like a laboratory for the hobby and for media, for Collector Nation and Living breathing. Because, look, I wanted to come into the space, but I wanted to do authentically. Well, you know what's authentic is putting your money where your mouth is and buying a building. Building a studio that's in a hobby store that you're building and really not taking inspiration from anyone other than what I see the hobby needs. And I think it needs places where people can come and collect and to not feel like it's just a transaction and to embrace what this is, which is fun. It's a pastime. It's fun to rip packs. It's fun to hang out and collect. And we need to embrace more than that than just buy it, rip it, move on. So that's the goal.
- [47:46]
A
Yeah, I mean, I. I'm. We're just getting to know each other, but I'm proud of you. That's awesome. Good for you. Kudos to you. Congratulations. I'm excited to come. Check it out. World would be happy to promote it if. If it's, you know, decent. I think it will be. I think it's gonna be. I think you're gonna have huge success. I'm sure the hobby. I mean, listen, South Carolina, I'm sure you. It's probably pretty rural. It's not. It's. It gives kids and parents a thing to do that is not drugs or alcohol or something. And I think. I think it's. I think it's a smart move. And I. And I wish you all the best. I'm excited to see it.
- [48:28]
B
Well, I look forward to building on our relationship and keeping up with what you're doing. And, you know, I'm a fan, so I appreciate you a lot for coming on. Where can everybody keep up with Alex Gymo?
- [48:40]
A
Yeah, literally, just follow me at Alex Gymo. So it's a L E X G I A I M o on Instagram, TikTok. I need to get my YouTube going. Ryan. That. That's also on my list this year, and I'm starting a podc, like, within the next two weeks. Yeah. And I'd be. I would love if you plug that when it comes out, but we will. Thanks for having me. It's been. It's been fun.
- [49:04]
B
It's been great. Hey, guys, you know, to find us the CollectorNation.com. you'll find the full episode highlight clips, links to all of Alex's stuff, including her new show. We'll update it once that's live and I'll continue to be working behind the scenes to get her on Collect your Nation where we know you'll want her. Thanks for tuning in to the show. Be sure to follow us on your go to podcast platform and catch the full video episode over on YouTube. Visit us@collectornation.com and follow Ryan on Instagram at Ryan Alford now get out there and collect yours.