Inside the Pokémon Card Economy with Collector & Vendor Ryan Singh AKA The PokeFather
- .yawA
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
For many collectors, the Pokémon card hobby begins in childhood. For Ryan Singh AKA The PokeFather, it began twice, once as a kid, and again in adulthood during an unexpected career transition that would open the door to a new passion and a blossoming business.
A New Beginning in a Familiar Hobby
At the end of 2022, after being laid off from work, Ryan found himself scrolling through the Whatnot app, a livestream marketplace buzzing with energy, collectors, and nostalgia. He started tuning into live Pokémon card streams and buying cards, rediscovering the excitement he once felt as a kid opening booster packs.
It wasn’t long before Ryan had a realization:“I can do this too.” Three months later, he launched his own streams and began selling cards himself, a leap that would change the course of his life.
A Career-Changing Trip to Japan
In April 2023, Ryan received an unexpected opportunity: travel to Japan as an assistant to someone sourcing Pokémon cards for wholesale resale.
Two weeks overseas immersed him in the heart of the global Pokémon card economy. He handled tens of thousands of cards, learned to assess card condition at lightning speed, studied rarities and sets, and witnessed firsthand how the international market operated.
That trip, part work, part passion, transformed Ryan from a casual seller into a knowledgeable, deeply connected member of the Pokémon community.
Learning the Value of a Card
While Japan was the turning point, the learning never stopped. Ryan continued to build his knowledge through:
Hands-on experience
Working with trusted vendors
Community engagement
Collaborations with mentors and friends
Today, he sells cards primarily at trade shows, through Instagram, and occasionally on Whatnot. Each sale is backed by the expertise he’s gained through real-world practice and relationships built on trust.
A Day in the Life of The PokeFather at a Trade Show
Being a vendor at a trade show is anything but casual. Ryan is often there two hours before doors open, setting up tablecloths, display cases, and shelves. Cards are organized by set or price so collectors can browse with ease. If time allows, he’ll network with other vendors before doors open, making trades, hunting for deals, and strengthening professional relationships.
Once the show starts, it’s nonstop:
Greeting collectors
Chatting about their collections
Helping them find cards they’re hunting for
Sharing stories behind rare or unique collectibles
Shows run from 9 AM to 5 PM, and if Ryan is vending alone, he’s on his feet all day, usually being reminded by his wife to take a moment to eat. It’s busy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. The conversations, the passion, and the community is what makes it all worth it.
How to Support Ryan’s Growing Business
If you want to buy cards, you can find Ryan:
At Pokémon trade shows
Occasionally streaming on Whatnot
But the best way to support him right now?
Follow and engage on Instagram. As Ryan expands his social presence, your likes, comments, shares, and messages all help fuel his growth and bring more people into the community he loves.
The People Who Inspire Him
No collector grows alone, and Ryan is the first to acknowledge the people who shaped his journey.
DZ Collectibles — Oceanside, NY
Noah, who runs the shop, handles all of Ryan’s grading and has been a mentor since the beginning. Their friendship grew from a shared love of Pokémon into a trusted partnership.
Matt from FortuitousTCG
A close friend and business partner, Matt has played a major role in helping Ryan expand his presence at card shows and within the Pokémon economy. They frequently vend side-by-side and continue to push each other to grow.
These relationships which were built through cards, conversation, and community are the backbone of Ryan’s success.
A Final Word from Ryan The PokeFather
What began as scrolling through a livestream app during a tough moment has become a thriving passion, a business, and a gateway to a global community.
Ryan’s journey shows the power of taking a chance, following what excites you, and letting the hobby lead the way.
If you want to connect with Ryan, explore his collection, or follow his adventures in the Pokémon card world…Find him on Instagram, say hello, and join the community.
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