Sports Card Entrepreneur Turns Childhood Passion into Multi-Million Dollar Business
Joe DePasquale, known in the online sports card community as “Joe Hollywood,” has transformed his lifelong passion for sports cards into a thriving business, achieving over $5 million in sales last year. DePasquale’s success story is not just about financial gain, but also about creating a better life for his children.
Growing up in a challenging environment with a father involved in drugs and a mother struggling with mental illness, DePasquale’s childhood was marked by financial hardship. His family often relied on donations from the local church to make ends meet. It was during these difficult times that his grandfather introduced him to sports cards, which became a treasured possession and eventual catalyst for his future success.
After dropping out of college, DePasquale began his career in finance, starting with a modest salary of $200 per week. Despite advancing in his finance career, he never felt financially secure. Throughout this time, he continued collecting sports cards, amassing a collection of over half a million.
In 2022, DePasquale relocated to Atlanta and made the pivotal decision to sell some of his card collection. What began as a small operation in his basement, with his son Joe Jr. assisting, quickly expanded into a dedicated home office for card sales. The business experienced significant growth on the WhatNot platform, leading to its current success.
DePasquale’s entrepreneurial journey has allowed him to provide his children with opportunities he never had. The family now enjoys traveling together, with recent trips including the Bahamas and New York City. DePasquale and his wife also prioritize individual trips with each child to create special memories.
Reflecting on his upbringing, DePasquale is committed to investing in his children’s interests, such as basketball and dance lessons. He emphasizes the importance of resources in achieving success, drawing from his mother’s sacrifices for his education.
Looking to the future, DePasquale aims to create a positive environment for his children focused on hard work and leadership. He stresses that while financial success is important, being a good person is paramount.
As “Joe Hollywood” continues to grow his sports card empire, his story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and collectors alike, demonstrating how passion and perseverance can lead to both personal and professional success.
