Business RPG

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.

Become a Healthy Nerd with Jordan Yaklin of Phoenix Performance

In this episode of Business RPG, Jordan Jaclyn, CEO of Phoenix Performance Coaching, discusses how he empowers gamers to improve their health without sacrificing their hobbies. We discuss:- Jordan's unique blend of gaming and sustainable health to help gamers achieve fitness goals.- The challenges of serving an underserved niche and breaking stereotypes.- Practical fitness advice for gamers in sedentary jobs.- How his approach mirrors the "leveling up" process in RPGs.- Insights into starting a coaching business in health and fitness.Connect with Jordan:Instagram.com/phoenix.performance.coachingwebsite: phoenixperformancecoaching.net/

Creating a Remote Lead Gen Business (Guest Craig Stern)

In this episode of Business RPG, we sit down with Craig Stern, CEO of Sunrise Leads and Content Wave, to learn about his unique approach to lead generation and building client relationships. Craig shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first business attempts to developing innovative lead gen strategies that connect with clients across various industries. Known for his early adoption of LinkedIn as a lead generation tool, Craig has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to unique startups, demonstrating his adaptability and expertise.Join us as Craig delves into:His background – From launching a mobile app to developing a lead generation agencyKey challenges and lessons – How he shifted from struggling entrepreneur to confident industry expertInnovative pitching – His technique for simplifying complex concepts and connecting with clientsLead quality vs. quantity – The importance of defining target clients and ensuring quality leadsThe future of lead generation – Insights on the evolving challenges of cold outreach and building credibilityWhether you're a business owner looking for lead-gen insights or an entrepreneur interested in Craig’s inspiring story, this episode is packed with value.Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cdstern

Why Start A Retro Video Game Store? with Josh Rook

Josh Rook shares how he transformed his passion for retro gaming into a thriving store called 8-Bit Legends in Jonesboro, Arkansas, all while working as a full-time firefighter. He progressed from being a home-based reseller to owning a physical retail location and discusses the challenges associated with a brick-and-mortar. Josh shares insights on how he balances these two roles and emphasizes the importance of physical media.Connect with Josh!Facebook: facebook.com/8BitLegendsVideoGamesInstagram: instagram.com/8_bit_legends_video_games

Running A Million Dollar Pokemon Card Business Out of A Basement - PokeNE

Brian from PokeNE is back! In this episode he updates us on How Pokémon card sales have been in the past yearHow he has navigated the scarcity from the lockdown craze, by tapping into the demand for Japanese and Korean cardsHis strategic approach led to $1.3 million in sales within a year, focusing on international markets to gain exclusive deals. Brian discusses building relationships with these international distributors, choosing the right products, and leveraging content creation. He hints that exciting developments are on the horizon, and is looking forward to the challenges and developments in 2025.The previous episode with BrianConnect with Brian brian@pokene.comHis websiteYouTubeInstagram