Meet Rob Kligman

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rob Kligman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rob , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My father was a big influence early on. He would often remind me of a quote by Nelson Mandela: “You never lose—you either win or learn.” That message stuck with me. Through sports, I learned how to bounce back from setbacks, stay present, and use failure as a tool for improvement rather than something to fear.

That mindset carried into the classroom and later into my career. As a leader, I’ve always taken pride in creating space for others to shine. I’m comfortable in my own skin, and I’ve found real fulfillment in helping team members grow—even if it meant they were the ones getting the headlines. I believe that kind of confidence—the kind that lifts others up—is what drives long-term success.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At the heart of Collectible Lane is a simple but powerful idea: every collectible has a story, and every collector deserves a trusted place to call their own.

The idea for Collectible Lane came from my own experience navigating high-fee auction houses and cluttered online marketplaces. I saw how hard it was for passionate collectors to find a platform that felt fair, focused, and community-driven. That frustration sparked the vision: what if collectors had a place they could truly own—a lane built just for them?

Today, I’m the Founder & CEO of Collectible Lane, a low-fee marketplace platform built for passionate fans across verticals like video games, trading cards, comics, sports memorabilia, and currency. We’re creating more than just a place to buy and sell—we’re building a movement around nostalgic value, community, and connection.

What makes Collectible Lane special is our focus on passion points. These aren’t just product categories—they’re deeply personal interests that shape identity and fuel conversation. We’re building dedicated marketplaces that celebrate those passions and give collectors the tools, trust, and space to thrive.

We’ve also expanded beyond the digital marketplace into live experiences—fan-first conventions centered around each collectible vertical, designed to bring our community together offline.

And we recently launched Behind the Lane—our branded editorial channel that brings to life the stories behind the collectibles. From the origins of iconic games and trading cards to the hidden histories behind pop culture memorabilia, Behind the Lane uncovers the narratives that give collecting its emotional depth. It’s where nostalgia meets storytelling—turning casual curiosity into connection, and collectors into a true community. Discover our latest feature: “The Origin and Legacy of Super Mario: From Plumber to Pop Culture Icon.” http://bit.ly/45xxuOP

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering what drives your passion, Collectible Lane is designed to be your lane—your trusted space to explore, connect, and collect.

Learn more at www.collectiblelane.com

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest impact on my journey—especially as someone who’s spent time as both a corporate executive and a founder:

Leadership Through Observation and Experience
I didn’t become a strong leader overnight. I learned by watching. Early in my corporate career, I had the opportunity to work under some truly great executives—and also a few who showed me exactly what not to do. I saw firsthand how poor leadership can stall momentum, drain morale, and create confusion. On the other hand, top-down leadership that is clear, supportive, and consistent resonates at every level of an organization. Over time, I built my own leadership style by listening more, empowering others, and creating environments where people feel both challenged and trusted. My advice? Pay close attention to the leaders around you—learn from every interaction, and let those lessons shape your own path.

The Power of Storytelling & Selling
Whether you’re raising capital, recruiting a team, launching a product, or rallying people behind a vision—you’re selling. And the best leaders do it through storytelling. From boardrooms to 1:1s, I’ve learned that data informs, but stories inspire. If you can clearly communicate why something matters, people will follow. For founders especially, your ability to tell a compelling story—about your product, your mission, or even your journey—is what turns a good idea into a movement. Hone your narrative. Make it real, make it human.

Adaptability as a Superpower
No playbook survives first contact with reality. Markets shift, priorities change, and founders wear a dozen hats. The ability to adapt—to learn, pivot, and keep momentum—is essential. After years of leading revenue teams in corporate settings, I made the leap into entrepreneurship. I went from presenting strategies in Fortune 500 boardrooms to mapping out a new marketplace from scratch—nights, weekends, and whiteboards—driven by belief in the vision and a desire to build something of my own. That transition required humility, resilience, and a willingness to grow through discomfort. For anyone early in their journey: don’t fear the unknown. That’s often where the most meaningful progress happens.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did was lead by example—and in doing so, they shaped the core of who I am.

They instilled in me the importance of respect, manners, and doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching. They taught me that character isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistency, integrity, and how you treat people day in and day out.

One of the most valuable lessons they passed down was to never regret a decision made with good intentions. Life will test you, but if you walk the line with honesty and stay grounded in your values, it will always pay off—maybe not immediately, but in the long run where it matters most.

Both my mom and dad are still very much a part of my life, and I continue to learn from the way they carry themselves. They didn’t just give me advice—they lived it. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful. I am who I am because of them.

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