We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frank Caputo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Frank , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In my previous job as a local News Director, I made a real connection with our local Sports Broadcaster over our love of sports. As few days before the Christmas 2019 holidays he passed away. It felt like a wake-up call, but I had nowhere to go. I did not want to die at my desk, overworked and underappreciated. Noticing that I was very upset, my wife sat me down one evening and asked me if I had won the lottery, what would I do? I smiled and played along, thinking of the one thing I always wanted: my very own Cards & Collectible shop. But I did not want to create competition against a friend and long-time owner of a local Sporting Collectible retailer. Unfortunately, a few weeks later my other friend had an accident and also passed away. Shortly after, the family announced they were closing the store permanently.

I had lost my co-worker; I had lost a sports buddy and I had lost my favourite sports shop in less than a month. I wanted to be sad, but I was shocked with the opportunity that was staring me in my face. I had a meeting in February 2020 with the local economic development office and was informed of some options but was advised that the one thing holding me back was my job. While I hated my job, I still needed the paycheck and refused to quit. However, for the first time, I had a feeling that if I lost my job, it would not be the worst thing in the world. By March 2020, I had lost my job due to COVID shutdowns. With no more excuses, I started putting my plan into action. I opened my doors on September 2022 and have never looked back. It feels surreal following my dreams, but also incredibly rewarding,

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?

807 Cards & Collectibles is a premier Hobby shop located in Downtown Port Arthur, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Sleeping Giant, our store specializes in Hockey Cards and Singles, boasting the largest selection in Northwestern Ontario.

At 807 Cards & Collectibles, we are more than just a shop; we are a hub for fostering community pride through the celebration of our local professional players. Thunder Bay has produced numerous talented athletes who have made their mark in the world of sports, and we aim to honor their achievements by promoting their presence within our store.

In recent times, the COVID pandemic has sparked a significant surge in the interest surrounding sporting card collectibles as a potential investment opportunity. While many are capitalizing on this trend, our primary focus remains on fostering a genuine love for the hobby and sports. Our passion for the craft, complemented by our extensive experience in sports broadcasting, expert knowledge of the hobby, and professional expertise in the sport of hockey, distinguishes 807 Cards & Collectibles from the rest.

Whether you possess a card that you wish to ascertain its fair value or if you’re in search of a specific card to complete your collection, we encourage you to reach out to 807 Cards & Collectibles. We take pride in catering to all your hobby needs and providing personalized assistance.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

As I witness the tangible manifestation of my unwavering dedication, 807 Cards & Collectibles takes shape before my very eyes—an awe-inspiring realization of my hard work. The surreal nature of this journey reminds me that it’s not only acceptable but essential to find happiness within my work. Here, my customers transcend the mere label of “customers”; they become cherished opportunities to engage in conversations about my genuine passions and loves. This infectious passion radiates through the service they receive.

In this ongoing pursuit, I continually remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and perfection doesn’t have to be immediate. Instead, this mindset fuels an environment of continuous improvement, propelling me to enhance and refine every aspect of my business. It is this commitment to progress that keeps many of my valued customers returning, confident in the knowledge that they are part of a thriving and ever-evolving experience.

By embracing the joy within my work, nurturing authentic connections with my customers, and maintaining a steadfast dedication to improvement, I have discovered an effective strategy for cultivating a loyal clientele. The ongoing journey of 807 Cards & Collectibles reflects not only the realization of a dream but also the boundless potential for growth and the fulfillment that comes from sharing my passion with others.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Shortly after opening my shop, fate smiled upon me—a random customer walked in, clutching a treasure that quickened my pulse: a Gretzky Starquest Gold Card, a rare gem of unparalleled value. Eager to uncover its worth, I embarked on thorough research. The numbers tallied, and with a daring spirit, I boldly listed it for an astounding $15,000.

Spreading like wildfire, excitement blazed as I shared the illustrious Gretzky Starquest Gold Card with collecting communities far and wide. The pinnacle arrived when a passionate buyer from the captivating Czech Republic emerged, yearning to claim this extraordinary piece. Negotiations ensued,—a deal sealed for an awe-inspiring sum of approximately $8,000.

For a collector like me, encountering such a coveted rarity was an unparalleled experience—a tangible realization of dreams. As a wide-eyed business owner, the thrill magnified exponentially. I never anticipated the exhilaration of facilitating monumental transactions of this magnitude in such a short time.

In the realm of collectibles, where magic and wonder intertwine, the journey of 807 Cards & Collectibles unfolds in captivating fashion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @807cards
• Facebook: 807 Cards & Collectibles
• Twitter: @807Cards
• Youtube: 807 Cards
• Other: 807cardsandcollectibles

Image Credits
Frank Caputo