From Passion to Profit: Jason Koonce's Sports Card Success

From Passion to Profit: Jason Koonce’s Journey in the Sports Card Industry

For many, sports cards evoke memories of favorite players and unforgettable games. For Jason Koonce, however, they represent something much more: a lucrative business opportunity. What began as a childhood hobby has evolved into a high-grossing enterprise where he regularly earns six to seven figures in weekly sales, working with celebrities, athletes, and collectors worldwide.

Jason’s passion for sports cards started like most kids’, with simple buying and trading. As he grew older, he recognized the potential to turn this pastime into a profitable business. “Once I discovered sports card shows, I quickly developed buying and selling cards as a side hustle, which eventually turned into a business,” he explained.

In his late teens, his knack for the trade brought significant success. Jason’s keen eye for valuable cards and his connections with prominent athletes and agents fueled his growth, opening doors to exclusive events, signings, and access to rare memorabilia.

To build on his success, Jason founded OTIA Sports, a formal entity through which he could manage and expand his business as the sports card industry evolved. The internet revolutionized his operations, transforming a process once reliant on post office visits and mailed payments into an efficient online platform. Today, Jason’s online presence not only supports his business but also allows him to educate other collectors on using sports cards as investment assets.

“I’ve really focused on expanding my social media presence and educating collectors to help them make informed investment decisions,” Jason shared. He’s passionate about helping people find both financial gain and enjoyment in their collections, offering guidance to collectors of all experience levels.

As the industry continues to grow, Jason sees exciting changes on the horizon. With more people recognizing the investment potential of sports memorabilia, he envisions an even larger community of collectors joining the hobby. “I’d like to see more people making smart investments in cards and having fun along the way,” he said.

Jason’s journey from hobbyist to industry leader demonstrates the evolving value of sports cards—not just as nostalgic collectibles, but as valuable assets in a dynamic market. For him, it’s about blending passion with profit and making sure others can enjoy the thrill of the trade.