Published August 14, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

Yesterday, Rob Veres of Burbank Cards posted a video that struck a chord with me—and I think it’s something everyone in the hobby should hear. His message was simple but powerful: the hobby needs a reset.

Rob talked about how, 10–20 years ago, card shops were designed for collecting. You could walk in and find sets, players, and topics to build your collection around. Dealers had something for everyone.

Now, too many retailers and dealers lead with the "low-hanging fruit"—gambling-style products with terrible returns, breaks as the forward face of the hobby, and a constant push toward "investing" over actual collecting.

The result? New collectors are conditioned to chase in ways that can cause harm—financially, emotionally, and mentally—and they leave with nothing meaningful for their PC.

Rob’s words are a reminder that how we present the hobby matters just as much as what we sell. Local card shops and small businesses have a unique opportunity to make collecting personal again—curating singles, sets, and affordable finds that create real connections, not just transactions.

Rob is 100% right. We’ve created an environment where bright lights and marketing hype point people—especially newcomers and kids—straight into the deep end. We fractionalize through breaks to make it "affordable", but in reality, most people walk away with cards they don’t want and value they’ll never recover.

Breaking shouldn’t be the default entry point to the hobby. It’s not sustainable to bring people in, let them get crushed, and then watch them walk away.

The truth is, there are so many ways to collect that don’t involve getting burned—buying singles, building sets, chasing vintage, focusing on specific players, or digging through bargain bins for buried treasures. This is the side of the hobby that needs to be front and center again, not just the gambling-like mechanics.

Industry leaders, especially Fanatics, have the power to make collectibility a real point of emphasis for new collectors—giving them the tools, education, and options to stay long term.

We can have a hobby where both worlds exist, but only if we’re intentional about it. If you’re in a position of influence—dealer, retailer, content creator—ask yourself: Are we building lifelong collectors, or are we setting them up to leave?

#CollectorsMD
Collecting should be about passion and longevity, not just the chase.

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This month, we’re proud to feature Travis (@montananorseman)—a true embodiment of what it means to collect with intention. Travis first joined us after being one of two winners in our Collector Appreciation Giveaway #2, but it didn’t take long for him to become a cornerstone member of the Collectors MD community.

He’s been a tremendous supporter, showing up for our weekly peer support meetings without fail, engaging daily in our group chat, and generously sharing his perspective and encouragement with others. Next month, he’ll also be joining us as a guest on The Collector’s Compass.

Travis’s collection is deeply personal—each piece tied to a story, a memory, or someone he loves. From a Tom Selleck card honoring the time he spent watching Quigley Down Under with his grandfather who raised him, to a Cecil Travis card in tribute to his own U.S. Army service and a growing military-themed collection. His ongoing pursuit of the Michael Ray Richardson set is a nod to his Montana roots, while his collection of C.J. Fiedorowicz cards reflects a shared experience of having to step away from a passion due to injury.

Some moments in his collection are once-in-a-lifetime—meeting Matt Hughes, winning a C.J. Stroud signed football from Fanatics and speaking with him live. Others are deeply emotional—like the Messi/Ronaldo and Adam Driver cards he now collects in honor of his best friend, a Marine who took his own life. That collection will one day be passed down to his youngest daughter, so she will always carry a piece of her uncle’s memory.

When we asked Travis what “collecting with intention” means to him, his answer captured our mission perfectly:

“For me, collecting is getting cards that I like and that make me feel happy. They do not need to be expensive, just expressive. They also do not need to impress others as my collection is what makes me feel good, not the world.”

Travis reminds us that collecting at its best is personal, grounded, and meaningful—and that a small act of kindness can have an impact far beyond what we imagine. We’re honored to have him as part of the Collectors MD family.

Below is a glimpse at a few pieces from Travis’s personal collection. Be sure to check out his page and give him a follow!

Travis, thank you for the energy, heart, and perspective you bring to this community—this is what collecting with intention is all about.

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/

Collecting isn’t a competition. Protect your peace. Collect with purpose. Join the movement.

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We have been receiving a ton of questions lately.

What is Collectors MD? Are we a support group? Are we a therapy provider? Are we anti-hobby? Are we anti-gambling? Are our services free?

We just dropped a new FAQ page to clear things up and give collectors, families, partners, and supporters a better understanding of what Collectors MD actually is—and what it isn’t.

Whether you're just discovering us or have been part of the movement for a while, take a moment to explore what we stand for, who we support, and how we’re working to bring more intention, transparency, and balance to the hobby.

https://collectorsmd.com/faq