We recently connected with Jesse James and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jesse thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all started on Jan 25th 1982. At the Friendly Neighborhood Comic Book store in Las Vegas. Was a Jock Skater bag in the day. i was standing in front of the owners store and he came out and said “If you move away from the door I will give this comic to you.” I went home and read it and was hooked for life. I would go over everyday and spend my money on their .010 bin and go home with 10 comics each day.

Then one day they asked if I wanted to work part time for Comic Books Bags and Boards. Now its 41+ years later and I have a Great store with a Amazing Brand and Great Team.

We have become pioneers in so many new platform for the Comic Book Industry. Im still that 12 year old each day saying one day I will own a store, however I will make it better every day going forward as well

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started the store in 2009 in Glendale AZ. Had all the same beginner issues. However business is about pivoting and creating as many selling platformas as you can. We were able to create a Great Ebay store, Brick and mortar and over time the 1st livestreaming company in the industry.

We help a lot of new artist by hosting events at the store and doodle nights so they could hone their craft with others.

We became a award winning store. Whose only focus was the best customer service possible in the industry.

We pivoted from comics to other collectibles as well and now have a 8000 sq foot store focused on something for someone at all times.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

We started to realize that waiting for a customer to come in the store to sell them something or going to our ebay store wasnt enough. In 2017 we decided to try livestreaming and pivoted our resourses to build the unknown. Now I own Comic Book Shopping Network. Which allows us to showcase sellers across the nation with great product and brands.

Though this was a tough pivot at the time. Now it makes sense to do it almost first. You have to step out of your box to reach more customers and expand your brand.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Coming from a corporate background. You have to learn when its your own business to manage your capital. You have to be a smarter buyer and focus on turnrates and sell throughs. Negotiating wholesale pricing is very important as well.

Its very tough to do this and it really takes some bad deals to make your smarter and wiser.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessejamescomics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessejamescomics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjcomics
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-james-comics-67794132/
• Twitter: Jesse James Comics @JesseJamesComic

Image Credits
speaking at phoenic comicon Rob Liefeld Coffin Comics Swornfest Big Collection Group of Icons in the industry Breaking the Guiness book of world records 1982 Friendly Neighborhood Comic Book store las vegas Brian Pulido Jack Kirby