Hoops Hobby

If you’re looking for a sports card podcast that focuses on how to build your collection in a gradual and self-sustaining way, focuses on the positive aspects of the hobby, and is relevant regardless of the sport or category being discussed, then the WaxPackHero podcast is for you.

Mike was generous with his time, as he answered my fairly long list of questions around his history with collecting, how he builds his collection, and also what he focuses on today. He also sent photos some of his favorite basketball cards from his collection, which I will share throughout the post.

Hoops Hobby (HH): When did you start collecting cards, and what sport or segment of cards were you first interested in? Who first encouraged your interest in cards and collecting?

WaxPackHero (WPH): I started collecting in 1986, and at that time baseball cards were my focus.  It stayed that way for several years, and then from 1991-1996 or so, basketball cards become my top focus.  The kids in my neighborhood were probably my biggest influence to collect during that time.

HH: At what point did you decide that you wanted your hobby experience to be self-sustaining, and how did you start to make that transition initially?

WPH: When I started actively collecting again in 2016, it didn’t take too long before I realized I needed to try and offset some of the cost.  I started selling some of the cards I had from growing up and also selling the doubles from the packs and boxes I was opening.  Eventually, I started buying collections and other singles with the intention of flipping them and now 100% of my collection is funded through the profits of buying and selling.

HH: For someone who’s been in the hobby awhile and has an inventory of cards built up, it might be easier to move some of those excess cards into buckets to send to COMC, list on eBay, take to shows, etc… But for those just starting out, do you have any quick tips on how to create a self-sustaining hobby experience from the get-go?

WPH: When you are getting started, you have to be very intentional about what cards you are buying and selling.  Starting slow and learning on one platform can help you learn some of the reselling fundamentals.  Eventually you can expand to more and more platforms.

HH: What are some of the factors you look at when determining if you want to purchase someone’s collection or a lot? For example, size of the collection, individual cards that stand out, etc…

WPH: Price, time to sort, value of some key cards, how quickly they will sell are some of the main things I think through when evaluating a collection.

HH: On your podcast you often talked about running your own card shop. What made that experience rewarding and what were some of the challenges?

WPH: Seeing the excitement collectors had when they found something in the shop they had been looking for was one of my favorite parts.  Also I got a sense of accomplishment from running a profitable business.

Finding inventory consistently was a challenge during some stretches of the 3 years I ran the shop.  

HH: I appreciate a fellow blogger, especially in the current era of social media where traditional blog style posts are rare, and Instagram posts, podcasts, and YouTube videos are prevalent. The WaxPackHero blog dates back to December 2017 and is still going strong. What is it about blogging that makes you want to continue to share and produce content in that way?

WPH: Thank you.  I try to be consistent but there are stretches where I post several times a month and times where I only post once in a two month stretch.  

I like blogging because of the flexibility I have in putting my thoughts together and also the more evergreen nature of a website.  I find it easier to fully get my message across in written form.

HH: Moving forward, what are some of your goals for your hobby experience?

WPH: I want to keep collecting in a self sustaining way for sure.  I’ve been working on vintage basketball and baseball sets, so I want to keep building those out.  And if I find any Norman Smiley or Thad Bosley cards I’m missing in my PC, then I will pick those up as well.  I also have a small Bobby Hurley and Tyrone Nesby collection, so I have a goal to get a checklist put together on some of their cards I’m still on the hunt for.

HH: Through listening to your podcast and following your web site over the years, I know you include cards in multiple sports and non-sports cards in your collection as well. Since this blog is focused on basketball cards, I want to ask you a few questions related to basketball.

Can you talk about your history with Tyrone Nesby and why you collect his cards?

WPH: Sure!  Back when I was in high school, I advanced to the State Finals in the Illinois High School Basketball 3 Point shooting contest.  The Slam Dunk contest was going on at the same time and Tyrone Nesby was competing. During the event I had a chance to meet him and asked him sign my program. So I have a connection that goes back to high school.  I often talk about collecting things that connect to a meaningful time in your life, and that prompted me to start picking up some of his cards.

HH: Is there anything on the basketball side that you look out for to include in your collection? Would you like to share a few of your favorite basketball cards from your collection?

WPH: Yes, As I mentioned earlier I’ve been working one putting some vintage basketball sets together.  I’m on 1969-70 and 1971-72 right now.  The Nesby and Hurley cards continue to be a focus, and if I come across any Michael Jordan base and insert cards I’m missing I’ll put those in my binder too. Here are a few of my favorites.

HH: What’s the best way for folks to get in touch with you? Anything else you want to share with the readers here?

WPH: The best place to go to reach me is waxpackhero.com.  It’s got links to all the places I sell online as well as all my socials.  And you can find the WaxPackHero podcast pretty much wherever you listen to podcasts!

HH: Thanks to Mike for his time spent answering these questions. If you haven’t come across Mike’s WaxPackHero podcast, be sure to check it out. New episodes come out every Tuesday, and it’s a weekly listen for me. Mike is also on Instagram, Twitter/X, and you can find his blog on WaxPackHero.com.