We recently connected with Stephen Lane and have shared our conversation below.
Stephen, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
You know, working in entertainment—every day feels like a brand-new adventure. I’ve been in this business for nearly three decades now, and I’m still just as energized by it as when I first started. Honestly, it’s the variety that keeps me on my toes. One day, I’m talking to a filmmaker about an iconic piece from their movie that’s been sitting in a warehouse for years, and the next, I’m working with a fan who’s been hunting for that same piece their entire life. The thrill of matching up those worlds—that’s what really keeps me going.
The people I get to work with, both the consignors and the collectors, are the heart of it all. I think that’s what sets our industry apart—the passion everyone has for the stories behind these items. When you’re holding a piece of cinematic history in your hands—whether it’s a prop, costume, or something else—it’s not just a collectible; it’s a part of a legacy. It’s incredible to see how people light up when they acquire something they’ve dreamed of owning. To be part of a company that makes that happen? It never gets old.
Of course, there’s the satisfaction of watching the industry evolve. I’ve had the privilege of seeing it transform from a small niche world into this global phenomenon. From the early days of Propstore to where we are now, with collectors from all over the world participating, it’s been an amazing journey. But what excites me the most is what’s still to come. Every new auction, every new item, brings a chance to create something special—and that’s what I’ll never lose sight of.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the founder and CEO of Propstore, we’ve been in the entertainment memorabilia business for almost 30 years with offices in London, UK, and Valencia in California. What started as my passion for collecting rare film and TV artifacts has grown into something much bigger—Propstore has transformed from a small niche business into one of the leading names in global entertainment collectibles. We’ve helped take memorabilia from the world of movies and television and elevate it into a mainstream, global industry.
What I love most about what I do is the constant excitement of discovery. I’ve spent decades working with some of the most iconic items in film history—from original props to costumes worn by famous actors—always amazed by the stories each piece tells.
Professionally, I’m focused on expanding Propstore’s presence, both in the U.K. and the U.S., and continuing to grow the awareness of this incredible industry around the world. The market for entertainment memorabilia is constantly evolving, and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of that. We’re currently building new partnerships and strengthening relationships with studios, collectors, and fans alike to make sure we’re always bringing the best and most unique items to our auctions.
I’m also excited about the future of Propstore. We’ve got some really exciting projects in the pipeline, with our annual Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in LA happening in March 2025, including upcoming auctions that will feature some never-before-seen items from some of Hollywood’s biggest films. I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what we do, whether it’s through new digital platforms, global expansion, or enhancing the experience for both collectors and fans.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my career, the qualities that have most defined my journey are a commitment to continuous learning, the ability to persist when the road gets tough, and the deep, meaningful relationships I’ve cultivated with others.
First, passion is crucial. When I started in the entertainment memorabilia business, it was a niche field, and there were no guarantees. But my love for film and TV, and my desire to preserve the stories and artifacts that shaped pop culture, were what kept me motivated through the tough times. Pairing passion with the drive to push through setbacks is the key. For anyone starting out, my advice is to find something that truly excites you, something you’re willing to put in the long hours for, because that’s what will carry you forward.
On that note, perseverance is also a key player. There were plenty of moments in the early days when it seemed like things weren’t going to take off, or I wasn’t sure if we’d get the attention we wanted. But the key is to keep going, even when things don’t always seem on your side. You need to be willing to adapt and evolve, whether that means changing your approach, finding new opportunities, or sometimes, just sticking with it until the breakthrough happens.
Lastly, relationships have been absolutely vital, especially in this industry. Building a strong network of people who share your vision or who can help guide you has made all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented individuals, from film studios to private collectors, and it’s those relationships that have opened doors for Propstore. But it’s not just about me; my entire team brings their own wealth of experience and ties to the table that help to keep our auction content fresh and on the cusp of what our collectors want.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey as a founder and CEO, I’ve had the privilege of being supported by various key individuals who’ve helped me overcome challenges and build the essential skills needed for success. First and foremost, my team has been a constant source of inspiration. Their commitment, creativity, and resilience have driven the company forward and pushed me to grow as a leader. They consistently challenge me to think outside the box and evolve.
Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from business and life mentors who have shared invaluable wisdom on navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Their guidance has been instrumental, whether it was advice on scaling the business, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, or making tough decisions.
Finally, the relationships I’ve built within the industry—whether with other founders, advisors, or partners—have helped me gain new perspectives and fine-tune my leadership style.
Building a business is never a solo endeavor, and I’ve been fortunate to have a network of incredible individuals who have helped me succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.propstore.com
- Instagram: prop_store
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropStore/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prop-store/
- Twitter: https://x.com/propstore_com?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thepropstore
Image Credits
Propstore
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
