Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Laiza.
Hi Ethan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In February 2021, I kickstarted my entrepreneurial journey with a modest $500 in product, initiating sales through live streams within various Facebook Groups. By June 2021, the game changed when I met Mike, and together, we founded TCG Nation, combining our strengths. The transition to Dripshop.live as our primary online marketplace for live streaming marked a pivotal moment, solidifying our online presence. From February to December 2022, our team experienced significant growth, leasing a shared location with another TCG store in Denton, TX. Fast forward to January 2023, and TCG Nation planted its roots in Corinth, Texas, with the opening of our own brick-and-mortar store. With a team of eight, including four dedicated live streamers, we actively host multiple TCG events each week, focusing primarily on Pokémon and Magic the Gathering while extending support to other TCGs. Notably, our live stream team has showcased their expertise by unboxing vintage Pokémon booster boxes ranging from $1,000 to an impressive $18,000, all streamed on our dedicated platform, Dripshop.live.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
During our growth phase, our team expanded to include 12 individuals. However, given the challenges posed by market conditions and the current state of the economy, we’ve made the strategic decision to adopt a “less is more” approach. While having a large team is undoubtedly beneficial for support, we recognize the necessity of aligning our resources with the prevailing circumstances. Regrettably, this meant we had to make the tough decision of downsizing our team. It’s never easy to part ways with individuals who have contributed to our journey, but adapting to the evolving landscape is crucial for the sustainability of our business. We remain committed to navigating these challenges with resilience and focusing on a leaner, more agile structure to ensure the long-term success of TCG Nation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, I dedicated ten years to the manufacturing field, with a strong focus on quality engineering. I initiated my career in wiring harness assembly, refining my skills in precision and attention to detail. Progressing in my professional journey, I transitioned into a Quality Engineering role with Wabtec in Fort Worth, Texas, where I held a position for three years. Then at the height of Covid-19, I was offered a new position as Supplier Quality Engineer. In this role, I played a crucial part in ensuring the quality of our suppliers’ manufacturing processes. Over time, my responsibilities extended to encompass locomotives and mining electrical cabinets throughout all of North America. The experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer at Wabtec significantly enriched my understanding of rigorous quality standards and contributed to my proficiency in efficient manufacturing practices. January 1st of 2022, I left Wabtec and manufacturing behind to take the risk of starting something of my own with TCG-Nation. Currently, our store in North DFW stands out as a local card shop renowned for its modern ambiance, outstanding customer service, and unique features, including in-store live streaming. We take pride in offering the best selection of Pokémon sealed products and singles, ensuring an unparalleled experience for our customers.
What were you like growing up?
I started my collecting journey at the age of 10 with Pokémon cards and later expanding into old coins and dollar bills. However, during my high school years, I took a step back from the majority of my collecting pursuits. Music has played a significant role in my life, as I dedicated my grade school years to playing the saxophone in Marching, Concert, and Jazz bands. Hailing from Hickory Creek, TX, my interests also extended to video games, paintballing, fishing, and spending weekends on our family boat during the summers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tcgnationllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcgnationhydro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068919285573
- Other: https://www.dripshop.live/sellers/TCG-Nation?referral=TCG-Nation
Image Credits
Darcy Birden
