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Talking to Titans Episode 003: SGC President Peter Steinberg
36 segments available
Unless you've been living under a rock the past few years, you've likely heard that the value of baseball cards is on the rise. Just last year, Rob Gough set a record when he purchased a Mickey Mantle rookie baseball card for $5.2 million! For this week's episode, Rob sits down for a conversation with the Peter Steinberg, the president of card grading comapany SGC, to talk about all things collecting and the value of a seemingly simple piece of cardboard. Don't forget to subscribe to Talking to Titans with Rob Gough on your favorite listening platform to stay up to date on all future conversations!
Segments Timeline
The Untapped Potential of Card Collecting
Peter Steinberg discusses the rising value of baseball cards and the potential for growth in the card collecting industry. He draws parallels between the increasing worth of digital assets and physical collectibles, suggesting that the card space is ripe for further exploration and investment.
"you know it's easy to look at these things in a vacuum and say oh it's paper you know well people are paying millions and millions of dollars for a digital asset you know so it's not the craziest thin..."
From Collector to President
Peter Steinberg shares his journey from being a lifelong baseball card collector to becoming the president of SGC. He recounts his early life in Long Island, his education at Florida State University, and the pivotal decision to join SGC at an entry-level position, driven by his passion for the hobby.
"pete thank you so much for coming how's it going it's going great rob i'm uh honored to be included in the uh in the show you are definitely a titan um you know you're a young guy and you're leading a..."
Scaling SGC: A Rapid Transformation
In this segment, Peter reflects on the explosive growth of SGC from around 10 employees to nearly 150 in just a year. He emphasizes the challenges and opportunities that arose during the boom in card collecting, highlighting his unique position as a young leader in a rapidly evolving industry.
"wanted to do though out of college um i i happened to take a few you know a few jobs to get my career started and um you know i wasn't thrilled with where i was at so i decided to kind of um join sgc ..."
The Everyman’s Journey to Success
Peter Steinberg describes himself as the 'everyman' who worked hard to achieve success without an MBA. He shares his early entrepreneurial experiences, including running a lemonade stand and a shopping service for college students, illustrating his lifelong interest in business and determination to succeed.
"what i found in sgc was a great company in a lot of ways but also a company that that i saw some opportunities in a company that needed some work in some areas and uh yeah it's been a it's been a jour..."
Passion Over Credentials
Peter discusses how his passion for trading cards and business acumen helped him excel at SGC. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication over formal education, explaining how he immersed himself in the card grading industry to become a knowledgeable leader.
"you know you running the business you scale it from 10 employees to now what 140 roughly 140 150 yeah yeah i think that's incredible and you've never had experience in this before and uh and so you ki..."
Building a Culture of Success
In this segment, Peter outlines his approach to leadership at SGC, focusing on creating a positive company culture. He shares how he personally welcomes new employees and ensures they understand the company's history and goals, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed.
"the kind of guy rob i was like a b student trying really hard for those bees studying a lot school did not come great to me i had to work harder than my friends did that my fiance did however i just h..."
The Importance of Personal Experience
Peter reflects on how his personal experiences shape his business decisions. He discusses the significance of understanding customer frustrations and using those insights to improve SGC's operations, ensuring that the company remains customer-focused as it grows.
"is is one of those companies that grade the cards they authenticate it and show you the grade go ahead sorry no problem so basically um just just to reiterate i'm the kind of guy you know even through..."
Staying True to Core Values
Peter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the core values of SGC as the company scales. He explains how his commitment to hard work, respect for the craft, and passion for the industry have been crucial in navigating the challenges of rapid growth.
"that everyone everyone's got that those things that they're great at and those things that they're not so great at and i the part where i got lucky rob was what i was great at tend to fit like a glove..."
A Personal Touch in Business
In this segment, Peter discusses how he differentiates SGC from competitors like PSA and Beckett by treating employees as individuals rather than numbers. He shares his philosophy of fostering personal connections within the company to enhance employee success and maintain a strong company culture.
"exploded as you touched upon before and there was a need for our services like there never had been before and i was stuck with a situation where i could have either tried to conform myself and the wa..."
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Peter explains his strategy for ensuring that employees at SGC feel valued and supported. He highlights the importance of recognizing individual contributions and providing constructive feedback, which helps maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.
"you know yeah and look it worked out yeah no it definitely has it definitely has the way that i communicate with employees the way that i go about the work is just the way that i i tend to ask myself ..."
Empowering Employees for Success
Peter Steinberg, president of SGC, discusses his unique management philosophy that prioritizes employee empowerment over traditional corporate structures. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections with employees, ensuring they understand the company's history and their potential for success, which ultimately benefits the organization as a whole.
"psa what do you do better than uh psa or beckett how are they screwing up and how have you um done better for your business sure so the one thing i can't really speak to is how they're screwing up tha..."
The Importance of Individual Recognition
Steinberg highlights the significance of recognizing employees as individuals rather than mere numbers. He explains how understanding each employee's unique contributions fosters a positive work environment and drives organizational success, contrasting this approach with the more generic treatment often seen in larger companies.
"me before and if i never met them so i'm basically allowing them a path to succeed which therefore allows me to succeed and not have to just you know terminate this person and go find another um and i..."
Lessons from Parenting
In this segment, Steinberg attributes much of his management style to the lessons learned from his parents. He shares how their teachings on respect, hard work, and making a good impression have shaped his approach to leadership and contributed to his success at SGC.
"deserve a talking to that something's got to change we make sure to give those talks too and i think of the other companies and not psa and beckett more just any company if you ask me what tends to ha..."
Customer-Centric Approach at SGC
Steinberg explains SGC's commitment to customer satisfaction, asserting that no one is more dedicated to making customers happy than his company. He discusses the importance of listening to customer feedback and continuously improving services to meet their needs.
"when when appropriate now who taught you this management style did you are you a big reader or is it just you know you learn from the ceo of the company or your parents i hate reading another i'm not ..."
Passion for Card Collecting
Steinberg shares his personal passion for card collecting and how it informs his leadership at SGC. He emphasizes that his deep understanding of the collector's perspective allows him to connect with customers and drive the company's mission to serve them better.
"you just are are kind of guided with a good head on your shoulders yeah i agree okay so that's from a you know a business operations standpoint let's say from the customer standpoint how are you bette..."
Morning Routine and Motivation
In this segment, Steinberg discusses his morning routine, which includes waking up early and enjoying coffee to fuel his energy for the day. He shares how his enthusiasm for his job and the opportunities at SGC motivate him to start each day with passion.
"the collector in our case and again it's worked for us thus far we read instagram comments we want to know how our audience is feeling and the fact that the guy at the top of the organization happens ..."
The Value of Historical Cards
Steinberg reflects on the significance of historical baseball cards, particularly a Babe Ruth rookie card. He articulates how these cards represent not just sports memorabilia but also art, history, and the cultural context of their time.
"kind of passion and energy yeah oh yeah i agree and you know i don't know if you know this or not but i do have a sgc card so this is my sgc it's a babe ruth rookie 1916 sporting news and sgc 4.5 so i..."
Building a Strong Company Culture
Steinberg discusses the importance of maintaining a strong company culture as SGC grows. He emphasizes the need for existing employees to mentor new hires to preserve the values and principles that have contributed to the company's success.
"completely it's it's just an amazing it's amazing that thing exists and is in the condition it's in and i'm over 100 years old it's crazy exactly exactly so it's i love cards for sure i can talk cards..."
Challenges of Rapid Growth
In this final segment, Steinberg addresses the challenges of rapid growth at SGC. He explains the need for new employees to fully embrace the unique world of card grading and how the company fosters a culture of collaboration and shared goals to navigate this growth effectively.
"at some point i hired a group of people it was kind of our first group round of of new employees after we were 10. and i had to talk with the 10 at that time and i said look there's some new people en..."
Challenges of Rapid Hiring
Steinberg discusses the challenges of hiring quickly at SGC, particularly in the niche field of card grading. He explains the importance of finding employees who are willing to embrace the unique aspects of the industry and highlights the company's straightforward expectations for new hires to show commitment and a willingness to learn.
"worked and basically the conversation now is guys we're 150 employees here i'm looking to get to 300 in the next two years but that's not my choice it's yours you know what this place has done for you..."
Success and Retention at SGC
In this segment, Steinberg reflects on the high retention rate and success of employees at SGC. He shares how the company supports individuals who may struggle by finding them suitable roles within the organization. Steinberg emphasizes the collective responsibility of management and staff to foster an environment conducive to success.
"and eyes wide open that you're a sponge when i'm teaching you about the history of the the 1909 you know t206 tobacco set i need you to be kind of like listening to every word i'm telling you because ..."
The Value of Rare Cards
Steinberg reveals the most expensive card he has held, the 1909 T206 Wagner, and discusses its significance in the card collecting world. He explains the rarity and historical importance of such cards, comparing their value to that of renowned artworks, and highlights the potential for growth in the card market.
"what else he said you know okay what's the most expensive card that you've held in your hand uh that would probably be the uh probably the 1909 sweet capital uh t206 wagner what what grade um let's ju..."
Understanding Card Value
In this segment, Steinberg elaborates on the factors that contribute to the value of baseball cards, including historical significance and rarity. He draws parallels between the value of cards and other high-value assets, arguing that the market for sports cards has untapped potential that could be realized in the coming years.
"doesn't even the mantle is the mona lisa the nice thing is there's enough i guess mona lisa's to go around you know there's certainly a lot of uh impressive and the owner of that car you know great gr..."
The Future of Card Collecting
Steinberg discusses the increasing interest in sports cards as alternative investments, particularly among athletes. He believes that as more money flows into the market, the long-term value of cards will continue to rise, despite the inevitable market fluctuations.
"uh the next few years no i agree um yeah i think more and more money is being allocated to um you know alternative assets like like sports cards and you know as more and more athletes come into the co..."
The Allure of Iconic Cards
Steinberg shares his appreciation for iconic cards like the 1952 Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth's rookie card. He describes the excitement of holding such historically significant pieces and reflects on the journey of these cards from ordinary items to highly valued collectibles.
"you just kind of stop what you're doing and you just look at it you know it can be uh a seven or it can be uh a one literally and and i have um i'd say a very high level of appreciation for all of the..."
The Historical Context of Cards
In this segment, Steinberg provides insight into the historical context of baseball cards, discussing how they were once seen as ordinary items. He highlights the fascinating stories behind these cards and the cultural significance they hold today, illustrating the evolution of their value over time.
"behind it is just crazy yeah look i mean when that card was in circulation or when that card entered circulation it was as ordinary and uninteresting and unimpressive as you know a a a tops card out o..."
Chasing the Shohei Ohtani Card
Peter shares his personal experience of collecting baseball cards, particularly focusing on the excitement of acquiring Shohei Ohtani's first card from the 2018 Topps Opening Day set. He recounts the thrill of opening packs and the significance of finding valuable cards, illustrating the passion and dedication of a true collector.
"cards did not exist i would have a massive void i really would in in my life because they they really mean a lot to me well that's amazing well what would you say i mean 500 bucks is a lot of money to..."
The Printing Plate Revelation
In this segment, Steinberg reveals a unique find: the printing plate used to manufacture the Shohei Ohtani card. He describes the emotional connection to this one-of-a-kind item and its representation of the card's journey, showcasing the deep appreciation collectors have for the origins of their prized possessions.
"was in march of 2018 and at that time i know exactly what set was out there exactly what set was on the target shelves and the walmart shelves and i'm a baseball collector at the time only baseball at..."
Investing in Personal Growth
Steinberg reflects on how his financial situation has improved since joining SGC, discussing the investments he's made in his card collection and personal life. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself while enjoying the benefits of success, highlighting the balance between personal growth and material acquisitions.
"you know my fiance at the time would have to get dragged along it was almost like we'd make a deal like i'll come with you to tj maxx if you'll let me stop at target and pick up a few and anyway i jus..."
Memorabilia and Personal Connections
Peter shares a memorable gift from his boss, a piece of memorabilia that symbolizes his journey in the card grading industry. He expresses gratitude for the relationships he's built and the experiences he's had, illustrating how personal connections enhance the value of collectibles beyond their monetary worth.
"remember for 2.99 buy it now uh 299 buy it now and at the time that was a big splurge for me and i did it i had to own it and um i think back then i was able to kind of convince a few people to just l..."
Lessons from the Journey
In this segment, Steinberg offers advice to aspiring collectors and professionals, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and authenticity. He encourages listeners to pursue their passions relentlessly, regardless of external opinions, and to embrace the journey of growth and learning in the collectibles space.
"times that's amazing okay what about from like a a life like making your life better so people have said you know a notepad or you know maybe it's a electronic toothbrush or like what has made your li..."
Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Steinberg concludes with a powerful message about defining success personally. He stresses that true fulfillment comes from following one's own path and working hard towards goals, regardless of societal expectations. This segment encapsulates the essence of personal growth and the pursuit of passion in the world of collectibles.
"oh yeah yeah a pair of shoes but that was his well there you go there you go i guess uh for the first time ever i've been put on the same playing field as pete rose so i guess i could be i could be ha..."
Embrace Your Strengths
In this segment, Peter reflects on his journey and the importance of recognizing and leveraging personal strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses. He discusses how focusing on what one is good at can lead to greater success and fulfillment, encouraging listeners to identify their unique talents and pursue opportunities that align with them.
"before you started that path you know and to me um i was just a guy who felt i guess like i i was a good you know i'm a good read of people i can communicate i'm i'm you know loud whatever but i think..."
Health and Success
Peter Steinberg discusses the critical role of health in achieving success. He shares his personal journey of overcoming health challenges and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to enhance productivity and overall well-being. This segment highlights how physical health can impact one's performance and motivation in business.
"great advice what about uh health-wise i mean how important is health to you like do you always eat organic do you you know sure that's that's been a change i have to be honest that's been a big thing..."
Connecting with SGC
Peter talks about SGC's growth and engagement with the community through social media. He invites listeners to follow SGC on Instagram, where they can see exciting content and updates. This segment underscores the importance of building a brand presence and connecting with supporters in the collectibles industry.
"sluggish yeah it makes total sense uh how do people find you on you know social media how do you want them to you know find both you and sgc yep so as of right now rob um i'm i'm personally unavailabl..."
SGC Grading Explained
In this informative segment, Peter explains the grading process at SGC, including costs and turnaround times compared to competitors. He highlights SGC's commitment to efficiency and quality, making it a leader in the card grading industry. This discussion provides valuable insights for collectors looking to understand the grading landscape.
"more sweeter than if you've had it all alone no that's incredible oh by the way so let me just use this i just want to know and so people also know the difference so let's say i get my card graded for..."