Ep.288 w/ Ray Schulte/Collectible Media Part II

SPEAKER 1: What is up everybody? Episode 288 Sports Car Nation. Ray Schulte is back again. We're gonna talk some more National, some more Cleveland.

SPEAKER 1: The hobby. It's the conclusion of our conversation that, we started, last week. So we're gonna wrap it up as we enter 40 days away from the National a month and a and, 10 days, literally. So we're getting close folks. I hope you're as excited as I am. So, let's, take a quick break and then we're back with Ray to conclude our original conversation.

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SPEAKER 1: Most. No, this is not new news or breaking news. The National is, under new leadership when that was going on. Were you, were you worried that maybe your role would change or, or your involvement would change or, you know, take it back to that time? Were you sort of in flux or not? Or not necessarily.

SPEAKER 3: That's a, that's a great question because, I, it wasn't in flux.

SPEAKER 3: I think, you know, I'm at, I was at a point in time that I felt like I gave, you know, everything I possibly could and, you know, and was really in, in, in tune with the hobby. In other words, I, I, I've made a lot of friends and, and I've, I've kind of taken on that, my collecting experience and, you know, I deal with a lot of athletes.

SPEAKER 3: So for me, I was, I was in a good spot and I was, I, I was open to, you know, hey, whatever happens happens, you know, you know, the, the three new managers, spoke to me in Atlantic City and basically said, you know, hey, you know, when this becomes official, would you be interested in pursuing it?

SPEAKER 3: And, and, and we had a great conversation because, you know, there is a lot of things that, that I've always wanted to do in terms of, you know, being able to think outside the box and, and, and I kind of knew them from, you know, they, I mean, they've been very successful at their shows, you know, the Philly Show and the East Coast National.

SPEAKER 3: And so II, I, and I knew them and, and from that perspective and so I, I, but I was, I told them, I said, listen, you know, I'd be honored if, if you guys, you know, were to have me come and work with you guys.

SPEAKER 3: But you know, ii I want to do a lot more and they said, you know what, we're on the same page. And so they, you know, we, we came to an understanding that, you know, they'd expand my role maybe threefold in, in terms of, you know, working the event and, and being more of an integral part of it.

SPEAKER 3: In the past, I, you know, I guess the only way I could say it is that there was a respect that kind of let me do what I needed to do and it got done, you know, but I always enjoy working with the team and this is a great team, passionate smart wanting to look outside the box, wanting to create that that unique experience.

SPEAKER 3: And so for me, it was, you know, it was, it was a no brainer. And and I, I'm excited, I mean, again, you know, what we're working on now and what I'm capable of doing is, is exciting and, and it's part of growing or having the, the industry evolve.

SPEAKER 3: I mean, I've, you know, the one thing that I can say that, that I've really enjoyed over the course of the 14 years is that I've really kind of been in the, in, in with what every, everything that's gone on in terms of evolvement because I deal with everybody, you know, I deal with everybody and, and I can't tell you how many times somebody will come to me and say, well, you know, we're gonna be part of the National, how do we maximize our experience or, I mean, as a, as a sponsor as an exhibitor and I end up helping them because I, I mean, i, it's my choice but I end up saying, hey, this is what you, this is what you need to do, concentrate on this, you know, execute this.

SPEAKER 3: And I enjoy that because it's, if, if we can move, you know, move it a little bit.

SPEAKER 3: And, and, and take it so that there's, you know, more and more say satisfied and, and happy collectors and then i it's, it resonates for me.

SPEAKER 1: Yeah. Well, I think I speak for the majority when I say we're glad you're, you're doing what you're doing. And like you said, even maybe some new things and some new wrinkles, you're, you're gonna be allowed to do with that role expansion.

SPEAKER 1: As you mentioned, I remember when I heard that, you know, there was gonna be new leadership. I'm not saying this for, for lip service, right? This is, I've had this conversation with other people. One of my concerns was I was like, I hope Reagan to stay on because he's, he's, you know, number one, he's paid his dues now for sure.

SPEAKER 1: And he's good. He's very good at, at what he does. And you'd be kind of, it's easy for me to say, but it'd be kind of silly not to go in, in that direction. So, with that being said, you know, glad you're, you're, you're obviously, still involved and, not for the purpose.

SPEAKER 1: I get to talk to you about the National, but just for the, the, the continued success of, of the National itself because you, you, your fingerprints are, are, are a big part of it and, you know, it seems to get bigger and better each year.

SPEAKER 1: And, you know, whether you'll give yourself that credit or not, I'll, I'll give it to you from, from my chair here. And so it was a little fear of mine that, that wasn't gonna be the case, but I'm glad that it was only a hypothetical and, and, and that a reality.

SPEAKER 4: I appreciate that.

SPEAKER 3: And, and, and I would like to say too that, making the decision was, was easy in the sense that they, they also, supported me. I mean, I've got Christy Aya who's works for the Philly Show. She's working with me, Alex from East Coast National.

SPEAKER 3: So we're, we're, we've, we've kind of bonded as a team, which again gives us three people in our work on what I, what one person did for the last 4, 13 years. And so that has made such a huge difference and, and, for, for a lot of different reasons, but, both Christy and Alex have been fantastic and looking forward to, you know, working with them on site when we get to get to, Cleveland.

SPEAKER 1: Well, here we go. I, I'll, I'll shorten what I said since I, I muted my mic.

SPEAKER 1: But my question was what, what with the new leadership?

SPEAKER 1: You know, what might people who have been to recent nationals? What might, what might they pick up on that might be different to previous editions of it?

SPEAKER 3: Well, I mean, we'll have what everybody loves and that's, you know, that's the, the floor plan, the, you know, the 750 exhibitors, a corporate area, you know, Tristar Pavilion.

SPEAKER 3: Tristar has done a fantastic for us as a, as a third party vendor.

SPEAKER 3: David Gelman with the Breakers Pavilion has been fantastic. So, you know, the good news is that those guys are, those guys are back and, and, and going full force, Larry Ross, who really is like the floor manager for us is back.

SPEAKER 3: So we still have a good core coming back and I think what the new management brings is just again thinking about things that, that connect, add to the experience of the collector.

SPEAKER 3: And, you know, and, and I know that Joe Jimmy and Brian are all working with our sponsors working with them closely and, and that's important because, you know, the sponsors, you know, in the corporate area, they contribute to the experience of the show.

SPEAKER 3: You know, they bring in players, they, you know, whether it's ebay or PS A or, or fanatics, you know, they all bring in players too and, and that, you know, that's reflective in terms of the, you know, the overall experience. So, and, and, you know, the trade nights, the, you know, we're gonna have something that we're gonna announce pretty soon actually tomorrow.

SPEAKER 3: But it's gonna be something that, you know, dealing with Dick Perez and a documentary that, that, that's coming out that we get the first screening for things like that and there's much more in the plan.

SPEAKER 3: I can't really divulge it right now because we're right in the process. But our relationships with the, with the Cleveland Browns has been unbelievable.

SPEAKER 3: The Guardians, the great Cavs, you know, I'm talking to the Cavs team and they're all collectors, a young group that's all collectors. So, I think the industry has done a fantastic job of kind of getting, you know, kind of getting into the mainstream of c corporate business and like I said, with the media, it, it's, you know, we've got media like from Cleveland.

SPEAKER 3: Fortunately, we, you know, we, we were there in 2018, and so we, you know, they, they do have an understanding, of, of what we can bring to the table.

SPEAKER 3: But, you know, like anything else, you know, people change and, change jobs and, and businesses change. And so we kind of re, we have to reorient some people, but for the most part, you know, Cleveland is ready for this.

SPEAKER 3: I mean, they are excited about it and, I love the venue. I just love the IX Center. It's, it's just a really con friendly conducive for, for an event like ours. And so we're excited about it and looking forward to it.

SPEAKER 1: Piggy backing off that way. This will be my first time in Cleveland for the nationals. Obviously, as you just mentioned, it's been there before for people like myself who have been to the National, but not one in Cleveland.

SPEAKER 1: You know, what, what could you say to, you know, how, how the Cleveland National, obviously, it's with new leadership, things might be different but compare maybe the Cleveland National to, you know, Chicago's probably the, the, the, the best venue in most was if they were voting, you kind of what, what, what will Cleveland bring to the table, I guess? Is that the short version of my question?

SPEAKER 3: Well, I mean, Cleveland is, is really, really rich in, in from a, from a sports perspective, you know, the history, is, is, you know, II, I don't even know if I have to get into it with the Browns and, and the, and the Indians and now the Guardians and Cavs and so you have a community out there that is really, really responsive to s, to sports and to collecting and so the rich heritage, you know, they have some, they do have some really, really great restaurants in Cleveland.

SPEAKER 3: Again, you know, we're working with a lot of the, it's, I call on the Cleveland influencers to kinda help us with, you know, getting the word out about where to go. You know, what's, what's the hot market, what's the hot, you know, restaurant?

SPEAKER 3: And then, you know, obviously the ball games and with the Guardians and, you know, the Browns start there, you know, training camp and, and the, and the training camp is only like a mile or two from the Convention Center.

SPEAKER 3: So we are gonna do some fun things in terms of getting people over there to the, to the training camp and, some experiences.

SPEAKER 3: But the other thing too is I think, I feel like, you know, we've got to the point and you, you, you probably know brody. The, I'm sure you've talked.

SPEAKER 1: Part of hobby, hot life part of hobby. Knew the end, with me there. I was, I've known him, I knew him right when he was shorter than me. Fortunately, you know, I'm shrink up and taller. So now I, he used to look up to me. Now I look up to, I.

SPEAKER 3: Always, if I ever get, whenever I get a chance to talk about birdie, I do because, you know, the industry has always talked about, you know, bringing kids into the hobby. And Brodie was the first one. What I would consider the first official ambassador that the National had that, you know, his passion and, and, and his community perspective.

SPEAKER 3: I mean, he, he, he, he was fantastic and, and he really did open up a lot of doors, for kids into the hobby because, he was able to communicate to the kids, you know, what was going on.

SPEAKER 3: But even more important than that, that you really didn't see is that he'd reach out to a lot of the manufacturers like tops and, and some of the others and get them involved too. And Brodie, he did a fantastic job and really, you know, today we may have between 10 and 15 National media ambassadors, you know, you know, basically, you know, all demographics covered which, you know, which we're extremely proud of.

SPEAKER 3: But Brodie was the one that started this all it was Brodie who kicked it off for me and then I, I was able to meet, doctor Collectible at the mint out in Las Vegas and I said it just came to me I just said, you know what, you know, he, he, he needs to do exactly what Brodie did and not necessarily bring in the kids, but just the way he came across his passion, you know, his community perspective and all that.

SPEAKER 3: And, and so when I mentioned it to him on the spot, he goes, I'm in and that's how, that's how we got started and then it grew, you know, and, and, and now, like, we'll be making more announcements of, of, of the ambassadors and, and I do wanna, I just wanna clarify one thing too though is that our ambassadors are not and what I don't consider them influencers.

SPEAKER 3: I consider them content creators. There's a difference, there's a big difference.

SPEAKER 3: These guys are, are very passionate, extremely passionate, authentic, really, really important the community is to them and, and how they, and, and how they can bring everyone together now, don't get me wrong. They could develop into influencers eventually. But right now, and that's what I like about them.

SPEAKER 3: And Brodie's kind of Brodie's kind of grown. I mean, he's almost big, he's almost taller than I am now, but Brodie will always be part of it because of, of what he's, he's accomplished and, and what he's done for the National and it continues to do. There's no question about it.

SPEAKER 3: But you know, we have a really, really robust team that is out there now, like, really kind of promoting the road to the National, our theme and then our brand message, which is, it's cool to collect. And the more times you can get that out there in content throughout the, you know, throughout the industry. And the more time it resonates and the more time they understand that.

SPEAKER 3: And so they've become like a reflection of the National in terms of, you know, who they are, what they talk about and, and, you know, it's, we still have a long time to the National but they'll be out there and they're gonna be, you know, promoting, you know, that experience and, and, and that's what, that's what it's all about.

SPEAKER 3: So, I think that would be something that, that people see that is kind of, you know, I say we evolved too, in other words, that, that aspect of it evolved and, and you, we'll see more promotions, you see more giveaways there, some more interaction, more engagement on the floor.

SPEAKER 3: We've got some great opportunities. We got these huge digital boards that surround the pillars leading down, you know, the aisles and you'll see it when you get there to Cleveland.

SPEAKER 3: But, you know, we're gonna utilize those for like spontaneous promotions giveaways, you know, you know, have, have people, you know, talk about, you know, who's on the main stage, who's signing and Tristar Autograph Pavilion and because 11 of the things we want to do is make sure that everybody has an opportunity to know exactly what's going on, you know, give them a heads up, you know, that.

SPEAKER 3: So, and so may be in, in one of the booths in the corporate booths or, or somebody is, you know, is, is given an interview on, on the main stage.

SPEAKER 3: You know, we're gonna have Major League Baseball network involved with this in a big way. We're gonna do giveaways and promotions. So it, it, it's kind of really kind of, you know, I, I'd say it's like maximizing opportunities, it's way to put it.

SPEAKER 3: And being in a position to do things where, you know, maybe we weren't set up for it in the past years now. We are.

SPEAKER 1: Yeah. And it's great and I love, you know, listen, that's a big platform of Mind Ray with, with kids in the hobby, right? They're the next generation. I started as a seven year old kid in 1979 long time ago.

SPEAKER 1: And here I am, you know, 44 years later. So, it's it's near and dear to my heart. I know Brodie very well.

SPEAKER 1: A a as you know, I'm gonna have to coin him now, the Jackie Robinson of kids in the National cause he, like you said, he was the first one to really, you know, bring kids or be a, a positive influence for, for kids in the hobby and he did stuff at his age and then, even now, but even then, you know, I was scared to ask the teacher to use the restroom and he's talking with cops and Panini and asking questions and, and I've told them this, I've, I've told him this directly.

SPEAKER 1: Like, that's not easy to do, you know, I, I have no problem talking now, but you know, the 12 year old version of me would probably be hiding behind someone's pant leg, rather than being able to do that. So the fact that he, he was able to do that and, you know, I mean kudos to, to him you are.

SPEAKER 5: Listening to the Sports Car Nation podcast.

SPEAKER 5: We'll be right back after this break.

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SPEAKER 1: We batch the two you used, I used, you know, two a words when I, when I don't like the me personally, I don't like the word influencer. It, it's almost like lobbyist in Washington where you sort of, sure, I have people, you know, people come up to me and say you're a positive influence on my hobby.

SPEAKER 1: John. And obviously that warms my heart makes me feel good. But I, I like to, I like to use the two word a word. You use one of the ambassadors and advocates, right? For the hobby. I'd rather be known as, as that than an influencer unless, you know, if someone says you're a positive influence, that's, that's what I'm, I'm ok with that.

SPEAKER 1: But I like to be, I like to consider myself an ambassador and an advocate for a hobby that's been very good to me over 44 years and continues to be that and promoted it a positive light and, and that sort of thing.

SPEAKER 1: So those are, and you mentioned ambassadors just such a great word because, I, I think it really drives the point home that you're, you're, you're, you're proud of, of what you're involved in and you're highlighting that to other folks that whether they're already enjoying it or thinking about entering the space. I think it's important.

SPEAKER 3: Well, also too, honestly, you know, we worked this, we did really good last year in, in like working with the ambassadors and, and basically what it towards me, the opportunity to do is plan ahead.

SPEAKER 3: You know, we did something with Derek Jeter on the floor Thursday morning at eight o'clock in the morning and, took him on a, a golf cart tour.

SPEAKER 3: You know, before all the exhibitors are coming in and, you know, I had all the ambassadors there. And so, you know, they were able to create content and be in a position to, to be somewhere that, you know, nobody else knew about it except for me and the, the guys from arena, and Derek.

SPEAKER 3: But, you know, that's, that's kind of the way we'll utilize them. So, you know, we'll, we'll strategize with them in terms of, you know, not having a game plan knowing what's going on in advance, maybe talking to certain athletes because we, we want them to communicate with them and get a message out, knowing who's on the main stage at, at three o'clock on Thursday.

SPEAKER 3: That's where an ambassador can really help because then that can educate everyone else on Social Media that, you know, this is happening.

SPEAKER 3: And, you know, if we have 10 or 15 of those, you know, ambassadors out there, we're hoping that if somebody is in the ebay booth, or we know about it, they're coming, then we can get that message out there. And so people can have the opportunity, you know, if that's a favorite player or the favorite, you know, corporate person, then they'll be able to do that.

SPEAKER 3: So, that's something that, that we don't really talk about. But I, I think it's really important because as, you know, you know, again, the last thing at the end of the day is to say, well, hey, I, I wish I had, I didn't miss that, you know.

SPEAKER 1: Yeah.

SPEAKER 1: And there's so much stuff going on that it's important to know, you know, what's, what's available to partake in and then, you know, have that's on the individual to say, well, these are kind of going on at the same time, but I, this is what I wanna do and then, you know, we, sometimes you, you might wanna get there early to make sure you can be, you know, be a part of whatever that event is, whether it's a break, a giveaway, an interview like you said.

SPEAKER 1: And, and it's nice to hear you sort of saying, like you're gonna utilize some of the internals of the, a, a center that, that exist to sort of get that message out. And I think, I think people will be happy to hear that. I just get lost. So I'm just walking around like, hey, how do I get here? I'm just waiting.

SPEAKER 1: So, Chicago, I don't know what, you know, just the shape of, it's a great, but it's so big. It's, I just, I would always sort of have to get my bearings but that, that's more of a me problem than, than, than the venue, problem.

SPEAKER 1: You know, the, the, it's, it's a 5 to 6 days of event. I, I try to make it a week with, with other stuff around, whatever city it's in, you know, to pe people attending. Ray, it's seamless. It, it looks like it so easy. I don't think they realize the, the details and, and the stuff that really is involved.

SPEAKER 1: This is, I mean, would you say, you know, you know, when we talk about an athlete, right, the season's four or five months long, but they're still working that other seven months, working out training, eating right. You know, the nationals, let's say a week long. Right. W is, but the, the planning and, and this stuff is going on months and months in advance and probably this is where I'm going with this.

SPEAKER 1: Is it a year-round thing real? Really? Now? Because you're really, you're, you're planning the one coming up and then you're probably a little bit thinking ahead to the next one and I know you've spoke about with logistics and hotels. You, you've got to do stuff 2 to 3 years out. A lot of times too. Yeah.

SPEAKER 3: Well, we have, we have a great team. We have a, we have a, a guy that does that.

SPEAKER 3: And, and that is his full time job in terms of hotels and, you know, for next year or the year after and, and, but yeah, it, it, it, it has become, you know, we talk about it all year round.

SPEAKER 3: You know, we have conversations and we, you know, everybody you know, is preparing for it and in some, in some form, some capacity. And so it is always part of our conversation and you know the details of it.

SPEAKER 3: I, I'd say typically in the past, you know, I might be getting started. You know, I, I kind of slow, slow into it. Right.

SPEAKER 3: And, and, but, you know, this year we started in January, I mean, I was, I was really, really, you know, putting time in and, and having conversations and, you know, talking to people because, it was, it, it was a whole new, team and, and, and so it's, it's, I, I enjoy it more that way because I, I enjoy, you know, being able to max it out and I, it's kind of like a, a challenge to me, you know, in terms of, you know, in my, in my job and most people in marketing pr they'll tell you the same thing, you know, your job's never finished.

SPEAKER 3: It's not like, you know, you.

SPEAKER 1: Listen, II, I always try to say hello, at the event and you're hard, you're hard to track down, you're moving, you're always moving around, putting out little fires, I, I imagine and, and doing things that need to be done to keep the, the show, as seamless as it seems to the average person just in attendance.

SPEAKER 1: So you're not, you know, I always try to find you but sometimes, sometimes I see you and then boom, you're, you're gone down an a, you know, an ale and I'm like, I lost them, but I know you're busy. I'm also know you're busy and I'm trying to re respect that as well. Do.

SPEAKER 3: So, I mean, I do, you, you, you do put out small fires but more importantly, I try to, I try to maximize everything, you know, if, if I know a player is available, if I know something's going on, I wanna maximize that.

SPEAKER 3: So, you know, it, it, it, it, it, it does, it can wear on you but it's, you know, if I didn't, I feel worse about it, you know, if I, if I, if I took a lax attitude, I, at the end of the day iiii I couldn't live with myself. But, yeah, it's, it's one of those things where I, yeah, again, you know, I, I keep thinking about Chicago. There's things I could have done I should have done or would have done.

SPEAKER 3: But you gotta get over that, you know, because it is what it is. So, but planning the, the planning stages, again, the fact that I have, you know, a team that I can work with now. It makes it much easier to get things accomplished and, and structured and, and, be able to talk it out and, and maximize, relationships opportunities. But, yeah, it's ongoing. It's al, it's always ongoing.

SPEAKER 8: Yeah.

SPEAKER 1: But, and, and, you know, like you said, you're even during the event itself, it's not like you can sit down and, I mean, I'm sure sometimes, but you still got stuff you, that, that's going on during the event. It's not like, hey, my work is done now I get to enjoy the show 24 7.

SPEAKER 1: That's not, that's not reality. And so that I, I like to say that because I don't think people realize that enough, even when everything is kind in place, there's still other stuff that has to get done during the event itself.

SPEAKER 3: And so, and the other thing too is like, I, I mean, I work closely with the Corporates, you know, or, or just even exhibitors trying to kind of look at different ways of creating content, you know, if there's an opportunity to, to talk to somebody who I think would people would be interested in like maybe a corporate CEO then we'll have one of the ambassadors do an interview, you know, 15 2nd, 22nd interview for content.

SPEAKER 3: And, and same thing with athletes and things that are, that so many things happen spontaneously that you don't even, they're not even planned but, you know, somebody shows up something happens, and you want, you want to be there, you wanna be ready for it and it takes a certain mindset.

SPEAKER 3: You know, once you, once you open the doors and once you, once you get to the venue, to be able to do that and you're always looking for, you know, you know, media and, and, opportunities because you want it to be the best it possibly can be.

SPEAKER 1: I know you, I know you're busy, you know, like you said, whether it be year round or, or a lot more than, than the week of the show. Is there a part of, is it the last few weeks before the show? That's crunch time? That is the most nerve wracking. Do you have a week?

SPEAKER 1: You know, I hear people like, say, oh, it's hell weak at my job or it's, you know, is there, is there a week that you stands out to you? Like this is, I got, you know, I got a full, a full plate stuff I gotta tackle. This is the week, is there a week like that for you or not?

SPEAKER 3: Not necessarily, you look at it different ways. I mean, for me, you know, the challenge is like now where you put feelers out there, you've talked to people and now you just gotta, you know, you gotta, you know, seal the deal and then what I mean by that is that, you know, are they on board? You know, what are we, what are they delivering? What are we delivering? You know, what does it take?

SPEAKER 3: Those are things that, that are, that are in the process of, of, of like right now we're working on right now.

SPEAKER 3: And so for me, when we, when we get to the point, like with the Cleveland Browns, it just doesn't happen overnight, you know, you have X amount of zoom calls, you have X amount of presentations or talks or, you know, back and forth and, and it's just like just recently that we said, hey, OK, we're in and, and so now it's a process of, of getting the details down so that, you know, both sides un understand it and, you know, when you structure it like that, then gives you the opportunity to spread it out with your teams, respective teams and then be able to say, all right, well, let's maximize it in this area, let's maximize it in that area.

SPEAKER 3: But getting that to the, I mean, I've, I've dealt with, you know, athletes all my life and, you know, doing, doing endorsement deals or sponsorship deals. I it's, it's when you sign the deal that you relieved, you know, fulfilling it is not, is, is not a problem.

SPEAKER 3: So to answer your question for me is like now, right now, through maybe mid June is when, you know, it's kind of like the balls are still up in the air, even though things have been discussed and agreed to, you still got to finalize them and, but once we get closer to the show, no, I'm, I'm actually, you know, a week, 10 days out, I, I, I'm fine and, and I actually, I mean, really excited, you know, to get to the venue to get to Cleveland or get to Chicago wherever it may be.

SPEAKER 3: Because w we went through the, the, the, the right amount and the right preparatory for the show. And so now it's just executing and, and executing to me is not a job. I love that, you know.

SPEAKER 3: So, it's iii I, it helps out that, you know, in Buck Show Walter was, I mean, he, he's a client of mine and he's always said, and I've always believed this, you know, it's all about preparation and, and, if you're prepared you, you don't need to worry about anything else. You know, it'll take, it'll take it, take it and run its course.

SPEAKER 1: Yeah. Well, listen, you know, I got one more question. You kind of touched on it. You know, I, I ask you this every year. It's kind of tradition now, you know, it hasn't been in Cleveland in, in a little bit, we're getting it. They're getting it back this year.

SPEAKER 1: I know it's been in other sites in the past Baltimore's won. My buddy Danny Black Lives there. I just actually went there, for, for three or four days love to see it. There is there. Might we see the National in returning to some sites that, it used to be and kind of went away or, or even maybe in some new locals.

SPEAKER 3: Well, I mean, the exciting part about it is that the new management, I mean, they are totally on board about, you know, doing what's best for the, the, the exhibitors, what's doing, what's best for the community, the hobby and they, they are gonna be very active doing due diligence and, and I think, you know, I, I, I've been, I've been fortunate, I worked with all the leagues and all their fan fest and all their, you know, Super Bowls, events and, and so I know what it takes to go out there and talk to a venue, to a market and, and, you know, there's pluses and minuses to every, every market, every venue.

SPEAKER 3: And, but I'm confident that the new team, is more than adequate. They're actually, I mean, I'm excited that they will be out there talking and, accepting, inquiries from, you know, Markets throughout the country.

SPEAKER 3: So to answer your question, you know, there, there's certain things that, that needs to be done to in order to move it, I mean, I if it can work out and it will be presented to the exhibitors at one of the shows and, and, and then they decide they vote on it. This year.

SPEAKER 3: We, this year, the the new team pre presented three Markets, I think Atlanta Chicago and the the other one was Atlantic City, but they, they, they presented Atlantic City because Atlantic City made an offer of that, that we, we felt that the, the exhibitors had to know about.

SPEAKER 3: And, and so that's why, that's why Atlantic City was in the mix. But going forward, you'll probably see, you know, maybe a different market. Who knows. But, I'm confident these guys can, can do it and do it right.

SPEAKER 1: Yeah. No doubt. Like you said, maybe some new eyes, some new thoughts in, in, in the process, we will expand it. But where, listen, wherever it is, Chicago, Cleveland, it doesn't really matter. It's the, I call it the Super Bowl, the hobby.

SPEAKER 1: We all circle the week we look forward to it every year when it's over. We're already looking forward to, to the next one wherever. It, it may be, I joke that you could have it in Siberia. People will come maybe less but people will still still be there.

SPEAKER 1: And because it's just such a, a great event and people look forward to it myself. Included Ray. As always, I appreciate. I, I know you're very busy. I appreciate you're making some time for Sports Car Nation today. I always give the guests the last word, give out the socials National, you're collectible media where people can find out all that info ahead of time. Take your time.

SPEAKER 3: No, absolutely on Social Media. Follow us on NSCC Show, Instagram X and we're gonna be opening up the YouTube and TikTok this year too. So we're expanding there and collectible media on Instagram for all the, you know, up to date information Every Wednesday, we're, we're, we're collaborating with Tristar with new players that will be signing at the National.

SPEAKER 3: And then our website has been been updated NSCC show.com you know, for the latest information, you can purchase your autograph tickets coming up soon, but you can purchase your admission tickets and VIP packages today, no doubt.

SPEAKER 1: And I'm counting the days down for me. I like Cleveland for very much the same reason I like in Atlantic City. It's in drivable distance. So I will be driving rather than, than flying. That's always a a plus if anyone who travels knows if it's driving distance rather than having to jump on the plane.

SPEAKER 1: So, I'm counting down the days and you know, my, my job knows pretty much what week, every year that I won't, I won't be there very much. So, it's this week and, you know, the National week I should say and, and, look forward to it. Always will and, we'll be there as long as, as long as I can get, get there. So, you know, looking forward to it. But again, Ray, I appreciate you. You making some time for us.

SPEAKER 3: Thanks for having me on John.

SPEAKER 1: That's gonna wrap up the conversation with Ray Schulte. Always appreciate Ray what he does for the hobby, putting, getting that National set for us. I know he's not the only one, but he's a big part of that. I, you know, I appreciate you heard him, you know, he, he thanks, everyone that works with him mentions him by name.

SPEAKER 1: That's a, that's a good trait to, you know, to illustrate. And, hey, we're 40 days away, almost less than 40 days away from the Super Bowl, the hobby as I call it, counting it down and getting excited and it's gonna be fun. You don't have fun at the nationals.

SPEAKER 1: You, you're doing something wrong but always appreciate Ray making time for us. And, you know, i it's, it's that time of year. So let's continue that countdown as we make our way towards the National. But let's, hear from our hobby, the people announcer, and then some closing thoughts and we'll wrap up this week's episode.

SPEAKER 7: Time for our hobby is the people announcer of the week.

SPEAKER 9: Hello, Sports Card Nation. This is al from iconic baseball. Keep collecting, stay iconic and above all else, remember that the hobby is the people.

SPEAKER 7: If you'd like to be the hobby is the people announcer of the week. Do a WAV or MP3 file and send it to Sports Card Nation BC at gmail.com.

SPEAKER 10: That's a wrap for this week. Huge thanks to you, the listeners out there because without you, there is no ice.

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SPEAKER 10: I'll leave you with this.

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