In this episode, Joe shares an unforgettable experience with Gary, an 83-year-old collector who drove 14 hours from New York with just one banker box?

Nearly 400 cards were submitted for PSA grading, many in surprisingly high condition. And just a day later? Another collector walked in with a Jackie Robinson high number and Willie Mays rookie—solidifying it as a 1952 Topps kind of week.

Joe reflects on the power of these hidden collections, the joy of helping longtime collectors, and reminds us: they’re still out there.

In this inspiring episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis shares one of the most impactful business principles he's ever applied—the Parthenon Approach. Rooted in a lesson learned decades ago from marketing legend Jay Abraham, Joe unpacks how building a business on multiple pillars of support—not just one—can be the key to long-term success, stability, and adaptability.

Whether you’re a sports card retailer, a team leader, or simply someone looking to grow something meaningful, Joe’s reflections offer more than just shop talk. Through personal stories and real-world examples from the sports card industry and beyond, you’ll learn how diversifying your operations—without losing focus—can protect and strengthen your business.

This episode isn’t about rookie card trends or grading stats—it's about big-picture thinking that can transform how you approach leadership and growth.

Tune in to discover:

• What the Parthenon Approach is—and why it matters

• How Joe’s business grew stronger by expanding its pillars

• What happens when a business relies on just one leg of support

• Why servant leadership is essential to every successful structure

This one’s packed with practical wisdom and encouragement—don’t miss it!

On this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes us on a journey—from the bustling card shows of 1988 to the overwhelming diversity of today’s modern hobby. With nearly four decades of experience in the sports card industry, Joe shares why finding your niche as a collector, dealer, or investor isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether you're new to the hobby, a seasoned reseller, or just love cracking open boxes on the weekend, Joe reveals a powerful mindset shift that can help you enjoy the hobby more and make smarter decisions. Plus, hear the nostalgic story of $10 Magic/Bird rookies, and why even Joe himself can’t keep up with every new release (and that’s saying something!).

Beyond the cardboard, Joe drops life wisdom on following your passion, becoming an expert, and how the principle of "finding your niche" applies far beyond trading cards.

Tune in and discover:

• A history lesson from the golden era of baseball card dominance

• The turning point that changed the hobby forever

• How to stop feeling overwhelmed and start collecting with purpose

• Why specializing can help collectors and dealers thrive

• What Joe’s current collecting niche is—and why it brings him joy