The Business of Nerd Culture with CNA Games

In this episode of the Business RPG Podcast, host Isaac Smith sits down with Mason, owner of CNA Games in Louisville, Kentucky, and one of the most transparent voices in the trading card and collectibles industry. Mason shares how his journey began with eBay and TCG Player before transitioning into brick-and-mortar retail nearly a decade ago. From Pokémon and Magic to retro video games and anime collectibles, he explains how customer demand shaped his store’s growth and why owning a physical location is both rewarding and grueling.

Mason dives into the inner workings of TCG Player, where CNA Games now manages over 125,000 listings. He reveals how small innovations, like custom shelving, allow his team to compete with larger players, and how he balances efficiency with customer experience. For newcomers, Mason explains the bare necessities of starting on TCG Player and the critical KPIs that determine when to scale.

Looking ahead, Mason reflects on content creation, industry trends, and the future of collectibles. While digital platforms and corporate giants present challenges, he remains focused on adapting, experimenting, and making CNA Games a destination experience for fans. This candid, behind-the-scenes conversation offers rare insights for entrepreneurs in gaming, retail, and e-commerce.