Meet Corey

We recently connected with Corey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Corey, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?

Overcoming a layoff is never easy—it can be both frustrating and, at times, overwhelming. In the summer of 2024, I was working full-time as a videographer and photographer for a company, which is my chosen profession and what I studied in school. Losing that position was certainly a difficult experience, as it meant stepping away from a steady income and the routine I was accustomed to.

Fortunately, I had already begun laying the groundwork for my own venture, Fresh Deck Society, before the layoff occurred. Having started early allowed me to approach the situation with a sense of direction rather than uncertainty. Additionally, I had some savings set aside, which gave me the freedom to fully dedicate myself to building the business without immediate financial pressure.

While being let go was challenging, it also became a pivotal moment that pushed me to commit fully to my entrepreneurial goals. The experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparing for change, and it ultimately allowed me to take ownership of my career in a way that I hadn’t before. Looking back, that period of transition became one of the most rewarding steps in my professional journey, as it gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while pursuing something I’m deeply passionate about.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve been passionate about creativity and storytelling for as long as I can remember. By trade, I’m a professional videographer and photographer, having worked with organizations such as RSG Active, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, and Align Inc. Throughout my career, I’ve applied my creative expertise across a range of industries, producing work that combines both technical skill and artistic vision.

I first started collecting Pokémon cards around 1998 or 1999 when the franchise was introduced in the United States. As a kid, I was captivated by the games, trading cards, and animated series, and Pokémon quickly became a major part of my social life. Like many collectors, I chased the rare cards, but as I grew older, Pokémon gradually became more of a nostalgic memory.

That all changed in 2023 when I rediscovered the Pokémon TCG. I purchased my first Elite Trainer Box of Obsidian Flames and began re-immersing myself in the hobby. Seeing how the market had grown, and combining it with my professional skills in media, I decided to turn this passion into a business. I launched Fresh Deck Society, investing in inventory, creating a brand, and producing unique content like my series ‘Rips in the Wild,’ where I open Pokémon packs in different locations.

Since then, we’ve expanded our presence by vending at card shows as Pokémon sellers, connecting directly with the community, and sharing our products in person. We also started a YouTube channel where we upload vlogs and vendor POV content, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at our journey and the hobby itself.

What started as a childhood hobby has now become a full-time endeavor that blends my professional expertise, creative passions, and community engagement. This journey has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of pursuing what you love while building meaningful connections within a community of fellow collectors and enthusiasts.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe several qualities have been crucial in helping me grow Fresh Deck Society into a successful TCG business. First, my lifelong passion for Pokémon has been a driving force. I began collecting and playing the cards as a child, and while I stepped away from the hobby during middle school and much of my adult life, rediscovering it in recent years has allowed me to combine my foundational knowledge with a desire to learn about all the new Pokémon that have emerged since I first started.

My professional background as a videographer, photographer, and content creator has also been instrumental. In today’s world, social media is key to building a brand, and having created content since around 2008—starting on YouTube and later expanding to Instagram—I have a strong understanding of how to grow and engage an audience online. I believe this expertise will continue to be a major factor in Fresh Deck Society’s success.

Finally, communication has been a vital tool. I was naturally introverted as a child and through high school, but over time I’ve become much more extroverted. Engaging with people, whether customers or followers, is essential for building trust and showcasing who I am as a business owner. Effective communication helps people understand why they should connect with your brand, and it’s been a skill that has supported both personal growth and the growth of Fresh Deck Society.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I believe collaboration within the Pokémon community is extremely important, and I’m always looking for opportunities to connect with other creators and vendors. Building relationships within the community not only helps each of us grow individually but also strengthens the community as a whole. Through collaboration, we can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and support each other’s efforts in ways that benefit everyone involved.

Whether it’s working with other content creators to produce unique videos, partnering with vendors at card shows, or simply sharing insights and strategies, collaboration allows us to reach new audiences, learn from one another, and create a more engaging experience for fans and collectors. I’ve found that being open to these connections not only helps Fresh Deck Society grow, but it also fosters a sense of community and shared success that’s really rewarding. I truly believe that when we work together, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @freshdecksociety
• Youtube: @FreshDeckSocietyOfficial
• Other: TikTok: @freshdecksociety

Image Credits

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