We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan George. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Ryan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Starting the overstock store was one of the biggest risks I had ever taken before, I was only able to start off with the bare minimum of inventory and financial investment, but was able to quickly grow from day one. I was able to bring in newer products often and then open the second store that’s all gaming and collectibles. I grew quickly from day one and continue to grow everyday!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have the two stores Finds and Dives and Finds and Dives Collectibles and Gaming. I opened Finds and Dives on March 6, 2021, carrying overstock and closeouts from other stores. This includes everything from household items, grocery, tools, and more, with it all being up to 50% or more off of original retail price. I then began to carry Pokemon Cards and Funko Pop in that space. In November of 2023 I was able to take over another space in my plaza and expanded all of my collectible items over into that space. I now have more TCG options such as Sports Cards, Magic The Gathering, Star Wars, and Lorcana. I also now have other collectible figures and video games in the collectible space. In both spaces I get new items in every Friday giving constant fresh new inventory every week! I have quickly grown Finds and Dives with in less than four years creating a name brand that has been recognized locally. It has been rewarding to be known as the “Pokemon Store” (for my collectible space) of Simpsonville.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have always thought it has been important to provide great customer service. With both spaces I feel that the customer service I offer has continued to bring back customers and bring in new clientele everyday. It has been rewarding for my collectible store to be known as the “Pokemon Store” for people of all ages. I always enjoy when the kids come by to visit and show their cards that they have pulled from the store.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had started doing online selling in my freshman year of high school building my way up to where I would be able to open a physical store front. When I was finally able to do so I was 21 years old and at that age it’s sometimes hard to get people to take you seriously. When I was looking for a space to be able to use as a store front it was hard to get landlords to take me seriously. There were a lot of no’s prior to me finding my current space that I am in now. I just continued to push and search for a space. I never would have gotten to where I am now if I took no for an answer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @findsanddives and @findsanddivescollectibles
• Facebook: @findsanddives and @findsanddivescollectibles

Image Credits
I took the pics