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

Hi James, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, my dad was a butcher in New York City and later in Pennsylvania. I used to go with him to the shop at 4 a.m., helping cut meat and get the case ready before customers arrived. By the time most people were just starting their day, he was already heading home. Watching him work taught me—long before I understood it—that discipline isn’t about being strict, it’s about showing up every single day, no matter how early, and taking pride in what you do. That work ethic shaped how I approach both my life and my career.

My mom stayed home with us, and even though money was tight, she devoted all of her energy to giving us the best childhood possible. She created stability, warmth, and a sense that we always had enough, even when I know now that must have taken a lot of effort and sacrifice. From her I learned resilience, gratitude, and how much impact care and presence can have—values that guide how I lead and how I show up for others.

One of my clearest memories is those early mornings in the shop with my dad. The world was quiet, the fluorescent lights buzzing above the cutting tables, and he would hand me small tasks—stacking trays, labeling cuts, sweeping up—treating me like I was part of something important. Even then, I could see the pride he took in doing things the right way. And at home, my mom was the steady center of everything. She made sure our house felt safe and alive, filled with routine, tradition, and encouragement.

What they did right was simple but powerful: they showed, rather than told, what commitment, humility, and love look like in action. And that has stayed with me throughout my entire journey.

James, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

’ve spent more than a decade working in Higher Education, and I earned my Doctorate in Educational Leadership because I’ve always believed deeply in helping people grow, learn, and reach their potential. My career has been incredibly meaningful, but after losing both my mom and dad, something in me shifted. It became clear that I was chasing things that didn’t matter as much as I thought they did. What did matter was right in front of me: my wife and our three children. I realized I wanted to invest more of my time, energy, and heart closer to home.

That shift in perspective is what ultimately led me to create Cosmic Hearth Games. I’ve always been passionate about games—tabletop, strategy, storytelling—anything that brings people together around a table and sparks connection. Games have this rare ability to cut through stress, screens, and busyness; they create shared experiences and real community. I wanted to build something that did that not just for my family, but for my neighbors and the people in my area.

Cosmic Hearth Games is more than a business—it’s a community space built on the belief that relationships matter, creativity matters, and local connection matters. We offer a curated selection of tabletop games, accessories, events, and experiences designed to bring people together—whether they’re seasoned gamers or trying something new for the first time. But the real “product” is the environment we’re creating: a warm, welcoming, inclusive place where people can gather, meet others, unplug, and experience a sense of belonging.

What sets us apart is the heart behind the brand. This isn’t a corporate venture; it’s a personal mission. My background in leadership, community-building, and education shapes everything I do—how we design experiences, how we treat our customers, and how we think about impact beyond transactions. I’m incredibly proud of that. I’m proud that we’re creating a space where families come together, where friendships start, and where people feel seen and welcomed.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In both Higher Education and now in building Cosmic Hearth Games, I’ve learned that the foundation of high morale is simple: people matter more than tasks. When your team feels cared for, connected, and part of something meaningful, everything else falls into place.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve carried from my parents and my academic leadership background is the importance of presence. Being present means listening, noticing when someone is struggling, and creating space for honest conversations. Even small moments of connection—a quick check-in, a “thank you,” or recognizing someone’s effort—can elevate the entire culture.

I also believe strongly in transparency and shared purpose. Teams stay motivated when they know where the organization is heading and how their contributions support that direction. When I involve people in decision-making and give them ownership of their roles, I see their pride and enthusiasm grow.

At the end of the day, morale isn’t something you “manage”—it’s something you cultivate. It grows when leaders model kindness, consistency, accountability, and gratitude. Whether you’re running a department in Higher Ed or welcoming customers into a game shop, those human-centered principles stay the same.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how I met my business partner is one of those reminders that the best collaborations often start in the most ordinary places. Our kids became friends first, which meant we were inevitably at the same events, birthday parties, and pick-ups. Over time, those casual conversations turned into real friendship.

What neither of us realized in the beginning was how aligned our passions and values actually were. During what I now think of as my “midlife awakening”—where I was reassessing my priorities after losing both of my parents—I happened to learn something about Dave that he didn’t often share, he had spent 19 years running an online collectible and sports card trading business with his dad.

That detail hit me at exactly the right moment. I was searching for something that connected me more deeply to my family and community, something rooted in joy and togetherness. Meanwhile, Dave had years of experience in an industry built on nostalgia, connection, and the thrill of sharing what you love.

One conversation turned into several, which turned into brainstorming sessions. Before long, the idea clicked: why not combine our skills, passions, and shared love of games, collectibles, and community into something bigger?

That’s how Cosmic Hearth Games was born—not out of a formal pitch or a strategic plan, but out of two dads, two friends, recognizing an opportunity to build something meaningful, fun, and community-centered. It grew from friendship, shared values, and the belief that games and gathering spaces can bring people together in powerful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cosmichearthgames.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cosmichearthgames
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesalorello/