In this heartfelt narrative, Joe DePasquale shares his journey from a challenging childhood to building a thriving sports card business. Growing up in difficult circumstances, Joe found solace in collecting sports cards, which eventually became the foundation of his multi-million-dollar enterprise. Today, he uses his success to provide his children with opportunities and resources that were once out of reach for him. This story highlights not only financial achievement but also the importance of family and personal growth.
Joe's path to entrepreneurship began in an unconventional way. Raised in a tumultuous environment, Joe turned to sports cards as a source of stability and joy. His passion for collecting grew over the years, leading him to amass an extensive collection. Despite dropping out of college and working in finance, Joe never lost touch with his love for trading cards. Eventually, he made the decision to sell his collection online, starting with modest setups in his basement.
What started as a small side project quickly gained momentum. Joe and his son, Joe Jr., began selling cards on WhatNot, a livestreaming marketplace. Initially filming in cramped spaces, they gradually expanded their operations. The business flourished, and Joe was able to convert a bedroom into a dedicated home office. In just one year, his company generated over $5 million in sales. This remarkable success allowed Joe to transition from a corporate job to full-time entrepreneurship, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Joe's primary motivation for his entrepreneurial endeavors is to create a better life for his children. Having experienced financial hardships during his own childhood, Joe is committed to providing his kids with every opportunity to succeed. He emphasizes the importance of quality time with his family, despite the demanding nature of his work. Joe ensures that each child receives individual attention and experiences unique adventures, such as trips to Disney and Turks and Caicos.
Beyond material wealth, Joe focuses on instilling values of hard work, leadership, and kindness in his children. He believes that success isn't solely about financial gain but also about being a good person. Joe's efforts to provide his children with access to various activities and resources reflect his desire to give them a positive, encouraging environment. By sharing his story, Joe hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions while prioritizing family and personal growth.