Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Caputo.
Hi Frank, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As I reflect, I have had some ups and downs in life, but as my wife reminds me, things happen for a reason. I have been with my wife since high school, so after 20 years, I try to listen.
I graduated from the Broadcasting program at Confederation College in 2002 and immediately landed a job as an editor and videographer at the last remaining locally owned television station. I worked my way up quickly, becoming the youngest News Director at the age of 24. That was a sobering moment, as I realized I had nowhere up to go. I could go to a bigger television station, but that would require leaving the North, and Thunder Bay is a place I am proud to call home. I accepted my title as lifer and headed off to work every day, accepting this was going to be it until the day I retire or die, whichever came first. As the broadcasting landscape changed and I received less and less hours as budget constraints affected everything, this created an environment of toxicity exacerbated by a focus of negativity in the news. I became increasingly dissatisfied with work, but it was my only option if I wanted to remain in my field.
The one saving grace with the less hours was that it allowed me the opportunity to stay home during the day and raise our toddler. My wife has a career she loves and encouraged me to take on less with work so I could spend time raising our only child we are able to have to ensure she got the best start. My daughter is one of the only things that bringing me true joy and fulfillment, so I eagerly took on the role of Stay-at-Home dad during the day and worked the Evening and Weekend news.
My wife always attempted to remind me to focus on the positive, and so while at work, I kept to those I was able to truly connect with, like our local Sports Broadcaster. We had a common bond over sports and would enjoy many sports chats and debates over the years. One evening a week before Christmas of 2019, as I see a flashing light going by our house, my curiosity got the best of me, and I peeked my head out of my front door and noticed the emergency vehicle parked outside the station. Being a dedicated employee, I purchased my home a few houses down from the station so I could be close in case of emergencies. When I saw the vehicles, my heart sunk, and I reached out to co-workers to find out what had happened. When I learned that my friend of almost 20 years had just had a heart attack at his desk and died shortly after, my world was shaken. It felt like a wake-up call, but I had nowhere to go. I did not want to die at my desk, overworked and underappreciated.
The holiday kept me busy, but upon returning to work, I was miserable with nothing left to bring me joy at work. Noticing that I was very upset, my wife sat me down one evening and asked me if I had won the lottery, what would I do? I smiled and played along, thinking of the one thing I always wanted: my very own Cards & Collectible shop. When I shared my dream, my wife paused a moment and then encouraged me to pursue my dream. I laughed, thinking she was trying to cheer me up; but as she started talking about retraining funding, I stop her and reminded her that I did not want to create competition against a friend and long-time owner of a local Sporting Collectible retailer. My wife always trying to find a way to make things work when I say no, pointed out a potential opportunity and encouraged me to reach out to my friend to see if I could start helping with the business by modernizing it online to increase traffic. I told my wife that I did not want to work for someone else, I wanted to do this on my own, my way. My wife nodded in acceptance but did point out that I should at least consider shadowing my friend to start learning about the business. Knowing my wife can be persistent, I told her I would give it some thought. Unfortunately, less than 2 weeks later, my friend had an accident and passed away. I was absolutely devastated by the news. However, I could not feel sad. In that moment, I knew I only had one excuse to give my wife about why I could not follow my dreams, fear. Shortly after, the family announced they were closing the store permanently.
I had lost my co-worker; I had lost a sports buddy and I had lost my favourite sports shop in less than a month. I wanted to be sad, but I was shocked with the opportunity that was staring me in my face. My wife immediately set to action setting up a meeting with the local commerce development office. I had a meeting in February 2020 and was informed of some options but was advised that the one thing holding me back was my job. While I hated my job, I still needed the paycheck and refused to quit. However, for the first time, I had a feeling that if I lost my job, it would not be the worst thing in the world. It was freeing not being tied down to work. By March 2020, I had lost my job due to COVID shutdowns. The layoff was supposed to be temporary, but after almost a year, it was still unsure if I would return. Therefore, I filed for my termination and severance which officially severed my employment. This got me eligible for Second Career training so I could learn what I need to be successful in starting my own business.
COVID made my return to school challenging as I juggled class and caring for an active toddler. The one thing no one talks about when raising a gifted child is the intense effort, work, and energy it takes to keep up with them. But I graduated this past Spring and was officially on my own.
As I set out to open a physical shop, it has been a struggle; especially as my wife was facing a major career change and I was having doubts if now was the time to be doing this. I was having difficulties trying to find a location that suited my budget and needs. While I wanted to hit the ground running, it felt like my life was placed on pause and I was feeling frustrated as the time kept marching on. My wife kept trying to assure me that the right place will come to us when the time was right. As my wife was settling into a new office location, I was desperately scrolling through potential locations one evening and noticed a shop that I would not have originally looked at, but only stopped because of the address across the street from my wife’s new office. I reached out to the landlord and within a week, I had my lease signed, and it was official. It has been a slow start to my shop, but as my wife predicted, everything is falling into place the way it is supposed to be.
This shop might not be much right now, but it is mine and it is all I have ever wanted. It feels weird to get up and be excited about work. I have done my career and now I am in my retirement years in my 40s, I am doing what I want to do, talk hockey, and play with hockey cards! 807 Cards & Collectibles is more than just a Sports Shop specializing in Single Cards, it is a destination for those who share the love of the game.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing in my life ever goes smoothly, but it goes the way it is supposed to go. Looking back, I would not change anything, this is what needed to happen for me to get here. I am doing this all on my own, but I remind myself how proud 8-year-old me would be. I have lost many sporting friends, but through 807 Cards & Collectibles, I am hoping to find good conversation and stimulating debates with the customers that come through my doors.
As you know, we’re big fans of 807 Cards & Collectibles. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
807 Cards & Collectibles is a Hobby shop specializing in Hockey Cards and Singles. I have the largest selection of Singles in Northwestern Ontario with a focus on regional players.
My shop is found in Downtown Port Arthur, overlooking the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I want to create community pride through the promotion of the many professional players our community has produced.
COVID has created a heavy interest in sporting card collectibles as an investment opportunity and while many are attempting to cash in on this opportunity, my interest lies in the love of the hobby and sports. This passion, combined with my experience in sports broadcasting, the expertise of the hobby, and professional knowledge in the sport of hockey, is what set 807 Cards & Collectibles apart.
If you have a card that you want to get a fair value for it, or if you are looking for a specific card to complete your set, reach out to 807 Cards & Collectibles to talk about your hobby needs.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned patience is needed. I am reminding myself constantly that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that everything doesn’t have to be perfect right away. I am now at a point where I can see my hard work materializing, and it is very surreal to see 807 Cards & Collectibles come to fruition. I am learning that it is okay to be happy at work. But I have also learned the importance of separating work and play, and I am trying to find a new hobby for me to turn to when I need a break from work. Most importantly, I have learned it is okay to follow your dreams no matter how big or small.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @807cards
- Facebook: 807 Cards & Collectibles
- Twitter: @807Cards
- Youtube: 807 Cards
- Ebay: 807cardsandcollectibles
Image Credits
Frank Caputo and wife
