Daily Inspiration: Meet Earl Fox

Today we’d like to introduce you to Earl Fox.

Hi Earl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, I owned a store shortly after I graduated High School. Had a partner, we parted ways and couldn’t come up with an agreement, so we closed. I Always wanted to have another store. It took quite a few years, and lots of twists and turns in-between. 12 years in-between, then Covid happened and the Whole business I run Changed. This Hobby is now a business for most people involved. Since I’ve opened in 2020, there has been 20 plus Stores that are in this space that have popped up in a 50 mile Radius. That has forced us to sharpen our online skills and doing shows to get your name out in the Market. We currently have a Brick and Mortar in Downtown Alliance Ohio, We Promote 5 Shows a Year that are Vendor Markets. 3 times a year in Salem Ohio at the Centerplex,and One day in Alliance at Sportzone Where we have Magic the Gathering and One Piece Events and 150+ Tables of Different Vendors Selling TCG’s Sports Cards and other Collectibles. Then Once a Year We do the Magic the Gathering and One Piece for Hall of Fame City Comic Con.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It is never smooth. Every Day you go through things that you wonder,” Is it just me'” Between shipping delays, manufacturing delays, crappy Landlords. Employee retention. The life of a business owner isn’t as glamourous as most make it. It’s very enjoyable and satisfying that’s for sure. The top 1% make things look easy, but somewhere in their life it’s a struggle.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel like we try to provide a level of customer service that has been lacking, and sometimes people aren’t used to, and that’s Honesty. It’s the only way I feel people should be. Now does that get us a 1 star review from time to time, yes unfortunately. We constantly mystery shop to make sure our rates are matched, if not better than the competition. We travel to different shows and see the markets in different areas. We try to do what we see is lacking which is more transparency and honesty. If you bring us a shoebox of cards, we don’t turn you down like most stores, or just offer to buy as bulk, we will look through it and see what we can find. Now this is when the honesty gets the 1 stars. Most of us have seen pawn stars, people have an expectation on what they think it’s worth based on a quick google search, but not know real sales or conditioning. We try our best to be honest and educate.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I try my best to maintain good relationships with fellow business owners. I do maintain a friendship with someone that I absorb as much info as I can from them. We now do a regular lunch on Wednesdays, and that relationship has been more than helpful in my years of business. Sometimes it’s had for people to ask friends questions who are more successful, but that’s your ego. Everyone can help you grow especially those more successful. I honestly pry wouldn’t still be in business if it we’re for him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fandemoniagames.com
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