Exclusive Topps Conference Interview With GaryVee on New Topps Partnership, VeeFriends, and the Obsession With the Hobby. Plus, Topps Conference Takeaways.
Apr 29, 2025
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Gary Vaynerchuk, a dynamic entrepreneur and social media sensation, shares his passion for card collecting and insights into his latest Topps project. He discusses the evolution of VeeFriends and highlights the rising trends in the sports card market. The conversation dives into collector community dynamics, examining what attracts new enthusiasts, including gender representation. Gary also touches on marketing strategies and the international interest in collectible cards. It's a deep dive into how the hobby is transforming in exciting ways!
GaryVee discussed his evolving VeeFriends project and its significance in connecting with fans within the sports cards market.
The hosts emphasized the importance of accountability and relationship-building in the sports card industry amidst changing market dynamics.
Adaptation to social media trends is vital for card breakers to engage younger collectors, reflecting shifts in audience preferences.
Deep dives
Introduction to Miley Cyrus's Career
The episode begins with an overview of Miley Cyrus's career, emphasizing the intention to explore her evolution as an artist from her days as Hannah Montana to her latest music. The hosts highlight the significance of starting with her Hannah Montana era, a pivotal aspect that contributed to her fame and initial fanbase. They also mention her transformation over the years, showcasing her creative expressions that have caused both admiration and confusion among audiences and critics alike. This interplay of nostalgia and contemporary artistry sets the stage for a broader discussion about her musical journey.
Fanatics Conference Insights
The discussion shifts to the insights gained from the Fanatics Conference, where the hosts share their observations regarding the overall atmosphere and significant announcements. They note that the conference feels less eventful compared to previous years, lacking major breaking news and emphasizing the importance of accountability in the industry. New initiatives were introduced, particularly around grading and scoring, which are aimed at enhancing the experience for breakers and shop owners. The hosts reflect on how the importance of maintaining relationships and following guidelines has become a central theme for success.
Emerging Trends in Social Media and Engagement
A substantial portion of the conversation revolves around the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on the card-breaking community. The hosts discuss the growth of platforms like TikTok and how they reflect the changing preferences of audiences, particularly younger collectors who prefer short and engaging content. They highlight a need for breakers to adapt their strategies to maintain relevance and engage effectively with their audience on these platforms. The conversation illustrates an awareness that adapting to these trends is crucial for sustaining a successful presence in the hobby.
Challenges Faced by Current Market Dynamics
The hosts delve into the challenges faced by the current market dynamics, particularly among businesses and collectors navigating changes brought by new management and regulations. They note feelings of disconnect between industry leaders and collectors, pointing out that some discussions at the conference seemed out of touch with the reality of the market. Specific examples included critiques of repackaged products lacking transparency and the struggle for companies to understand collector sentiments. These reflections underscore a desire for better alignment within the hobby and more authentic communication.
Future Outlook and Exciting Possibilities
The final segment of the episode turns to future possibilities within the hobby, spotlighting the importance of new products and innovations aimed at both existing and potential collectors. The hosts discuss upcoming buyback programs and new collaborations that could rejuvenate the market. They convey optimism about the inclusion of various fan bases, including international markets, to expand the collector community's reach. This optimism is harmonized with a critical awareness of the need for genuine engagement and improved offerings that resonate with collectors' demands and interests.
From the Topps Industry Conference in Atlanta, Jesse and Mike talk about their biggest takeaways from day one. Then, entrepreneur, social media star, and card lover GaryVee joins the guys to talk about his new card project, the evolution of VeeFriends, the sports cards market, and more.
Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi Guest: Gary Vaynerchuk Producer: Troy Farkas
