Cardboard Gold: Inside the World of Hummel Group's Passionate Collectors

With Brock Hostetler, Principal & Business Risk Advisor & Cody Mast, Principal & Chief Operating Officer

Brock Hostetler and Cody Mast have taken their childhood love of trading cards and turned it into a full-blown passion that rivals the intensity of any championship game. What began as youthful excitement—mowing lawns to buy packs of cards and scouring garage sales for hidden gems—has evolved into a sophisticated hobby with serious investment potential.

From Flea Markets to Fleer Jordans

Brock’s journey started with flea market finds and a love for legends like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. “I’d spend everything I earned on packs or buy from the flea market,” he recalled. That early enthusiasm never truly faded. Years later, a surprise pack of football cards tucked into a shipment of Homage T-shirts reignited the spark. “The kids thought it was fun. I told them, ‘You know I have hundreds of thousands of these in the basement, right?’”

That rediscovery led to a full-blown resurgence. Brock now estimates that his collection now includes over 2 million cards, with more than one million still sealed in boxes. “From an investment standpoint, sealed boxes hold their value better. You never know what’s inside, and that mystery keeps the market strong.”

Cody’s story mirrors Brock’s in many ways. “For birthdays and Christmas, I’d get packs or boxes. I had my binder and my sleeves, and I’d trade at school like a little businessperson,” he said. His early collecting days were filled with excitement, even if the garage sale boxes he bought were mostly filled with scraps. “I didn’t know better, but it was fun.”

After a detour into sports memorabilia—think signed NFL helmets stacked in his basement—Cody returned to cards, inspired by Brock and other friends. Today, his collection is laser-focused on 2003 LeBron James rookie cards, including a coveted Ultimate Collection Rookie Auto.

The Crown Jewels

When asked about their most prized possessions, both collectors lit up. Brock’s favorite? A 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, a long-sought treasure he finally acquired. “I wanted one for years. It’s iconic.” He also shared a lucky childhood memory: finding $5 after a baseball game, buying a pack at Walmart, and pulling out a rare Jordan die-cut card—later graded a perfect 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

Cody’s crown jewel is his LeBron Rookie Auto. “It’s one of his best rookie cards. I worked my way up through buying, selling, and trading to eventually get it. My daughter will probably sell it someday, but it’s not leaving my collection anytime soon.”

His ultimate goal? The elusive 2003 Topps Finest LeBron Gold Refractor, one of only 25 in existence. “I’d trade my whole collection for it,” he admitted. “I saw one in person for the first time in New York. It was incredible.”

Strategy, Storage, and Sleeves

Collecting isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about strategy. Brock and Cody shared tips for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. First rule? Storage matters. “Cool, dark, climate-controlled spaces are key,” Cody explained. “Light can fade autographs, and temperature swings can damage cards.” Brock added that graded card holders often include UV protection, but even those need proper care.

For protection, they recommend starting with penny sleeves—soft plastic covers—and then place these in hard sleeves for added security. “Always sleeve rookies,” Brock advised. “You never know who’s going to blow up in a few years.”

Grading is another essential step. Brock uses PSA, a leading grading company, and has a membership for submissions. “You clean the card, put it in a card saver, submit it online, and ship it carefully. It can take weeks—or months—but it’s worth it.”

Cody takes it a step further with insurance. “I issued a collector’s policy for my inventory. It covers items in transit and off-site. It’s peace of mind.”

Trading Tales and Card Show Chronicles

While Brock has scaled back his card show attendance, Cody remains active in the scene. “I used to set up tables, and buy, sell, and trade. It was a side hustle and a great way to meet others who share the passion.”

The card show community is vibrant. “It’s an industry now,” Cody said. “In July alone, online card sales through marketplaces like eBay and Fanatics were in excess of $300 million.”

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White Whales and Collector Goals

Every collector has a “white whale”—a dream card they chase. For Brock, it’s completing the set of Michael Jordan Star cards, a rare series from early in Jordan’s career. “They weren’t sold in packs. You got them at games or select shops. The print runs were low, and the quality wasn’t great, but they’re special.”

Cody’s white whale remains the LeBron Gold Refractor. “Only 25 exist. The last sale was in 2022. It’s rare, expensive, and visually stunning.”

Words of Wisdom

When asked for advice for new collectors, Cody offered the classic mantra: “Buy what you like.” Brock agreed: “Have fun with it. If you enjoy it, go for it.”

Whether it’s a childhood binder or a million-card vault, for Brock and Cody, the joy of collecting lies in the stories, the strategy, and the shared passion. At Hummel Group’s Berlin office, Brock and Cody are proving that sometimes, the best investments aren’t just financial—they’re personal.

Read the full Fall 2025 newsletter here.

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