Tork Media LLC
About the Company
Tork Media LLC serves as the parent company for several ventures Adam Torkildson is involved in, but the focus here is Houle Sports LLC, which specializes in selling sports cards on eBay. The business was built on a partnership between Adam and his neighbor, Coach David Houle, who contributed an extensive collection of rare sports cards amassed over 50 years.
Houle Sports LLC capitalizes on nostalgia and the growing popularity of collectible trading cards. The eBay store offers authenticated and graded sports cards, ranging from iconic names like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to vintage baseball legends like Babe Ruth. The venture’s streamlined processes, including card grading and inventory management, make it a standout in the competitive online marketplace.
Adam’s ability to combine efficient operations with excellent customer service has allowed the company to thrive. The business focuses on maintaining a well-reviewed eBay presence and leveraging innovative tools for scanning and cataloging cards.
Idea Behind Company
Adam’s entrepreneurial journey was shaped by his unique upbringing. Homeschooled with a nomadic lifestyle due to his father’s career as a circus clown, Adam developed resilience and creative problem-solving skills. However, he struggled with personal challenges, including addiction, which he overcame to build a fulfilling family life with his wife and two children.
The idea for Houle Sports LLC came from his neighbor, Coach David Houle, a Hall of Fame coach and avid sports card collector. Adam initially had no interest in collecting but became intrigued after learning about the lucrative market for sports cards on eBay. Inspired, he researched the industry and eventually purchased an established eBay store. By combining Coach Houle’s collection with Adam’s business acumen, Houle Sports LLC was born.
Nostalgia played a significant role in the venture’s appeal. As a child of the 1980s, Adam remembered collecting trading cards, which added a personal touch to the business. His passion and strategic mindset transformed a casual interest into a thriving operation.
Creating the Company
With a $10,000 investment from other ventures, Adam financed the launch of Houle Sports LLC. Key expenditures included an Epson card scanner, cataloging software, and grading services. These tools ensured cards were authenticated, graded, and listed efficiently on eBay, enabling the business to operate at scale.
One of the most critical lessons Adam learned early was the importance of card grading. Fake cards are prevalent in the market, and professional authentication services like PSA and Beckett ensure cards’ authenticity and condition. Graded cards receive a score from 1 to 10, significantly influencing their value. For instance, a Gem Mint 10 Kobe Bryant rookie card can be worth thousands of dollars.
The partnership model was also pivotal. Adam emphasized collaborating with experts in the field, like Coach Houle, who provided inventory and industry knowledge. This approach created a mutually beneficial dynamic, with both parties incentivized to succeed.
Launching the Business
Adam’s experience in business helped him launch Houle Sports LLC quickly and strategically. He acquired an eBay store with a strong reputation, including hundreds of 5-star reviews. This acquisition provided a solid foundation, as eBay rewards well-reviewed stores with better search rankings and perks like discounted fees.
The business leveraged eBay’s built-in advertising system and manually sent offers to interested buyers, similar to abandoned cart emails in Shopify. These efforts, combined with competitive pricing and excellent customer service, attracted a steady stream of buyers.
Shipping optimization also played a crucial role in minimizing costs. By using free USPS tracking labels, inexpensive bubble mailers, and traditional stamps, Adam reduced shipping fees from $3 to $1 per card. This efficiency allowed the business to undercut competitors while maintaining profitability.
Earnings
Houle Sports LLC became profitable within two months of its launch, a testament to its streamlined operations and strong market demand. The business’s unique model, which required no initial investment in inventory due to Coach Houle’s contributions, allowed for significant cost savings.
The ability to authenticate and grade cards gave Houle Sports LLC a competitive edge. For instance, a high-grade Mickey Mantle card listed for $500 exemplifies the value added through professional grading. Grading also eliminates disputes about card quality, ensuring transparency and trust with buyers.
Looking ahead, Adam continues to refine the business’s operations, focusing on scaling without compromising quality. With a partner managing daily shipping tasks and advanced tools like Kronocard for inventory management, Houle Sports LLC is well-positioned for sustainable growth in the sports card market.
