Brian Pirrip: Founder of MINT and His Collecting Journey
- SLAB-Z
- Dec 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 14
In the evolving realm of trading card collecting, Brian, an entrepreneur from Huntington Beach, California, embodies passion and innovation. With two decades of collecting experience, Brian's journey began in third grade when a best friend introduced him to baseball cards. From trading with little league buddies to launching M1NT cards displays, Brian's evolution has been remarkable.
His collection spans multiple sports, including MLB, NBA, NFL, F1, and soccer, but he holds the iconic 1990 Leaf Frank Thomas card dear for its nostalgia and quality. Reflecting on a recent four-month road trip across the country, where he met fellow collectors and sought treasured rookie cards, Brian shares insights on making this hobby a lifelong adventure. Join us as we explore his experiences, aspirations, and the enriching community that card collecting fosters.
What event or individual do you remember as the catalyst for your collecting journey?
My best friend in third grade first introduced me to baseball cards. I was immediately hooked. Kids at little league, neighbor kids, and school friends all traded together. Additionally, my mother bought me my first packs of cards which also started it all.
Which item in your card collection best represents you, and why?
Great question! Hard to say which represents me, but the first card that always comes to mind is the 1990 Leaf Frank Thomas card which has always been my most favorite card. He was the key rookie (and future Hall of Fame!) from that groundbreaking set. Higher quality card stock, better printing, more attention to quality in every way. I suppose in many ways, what Leaf (and 1989 Upper Deck) did for baseball cards, I am now doing with my company, M1NT.
What types of cards do you primarily collect—are you more interested in vintage cards, contemporary sets, or a combination of both?
I used to only collect cards from 1877-1993. Most of my collection is of Hall of Famers from those years. In the last 3 years I’ve gotten into collecting Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome and love nothing more than pulling an auto refractor of a key prospect!
Can you provide a brief overview of what M1NT is and how it came to be?
I started M1NT because I was frustrated with the dated options for presenting and protecting my collection.
M1NT displays trading cards via high-grade alloys & glass, new technologies, and cutting-edge design. Finally, a sophisticated way to present collections and give cards the dignity they deserve.
If we were to meet you at any card shop, which one would you choose, and for what reason?
I would want to meet at Baseball Cards Plus in Huntington Beach, California. It’s the perfect kind of card shop in every way. Super friendly staff who have become my friends, huge selection, and the feeling of being in one of the card shops of my youth.
Do you have any memorable experiences or stories from attending card shows or interacting with other collectors?
I went on a four-month trip from Los Angeles to Key West to NYC, visiting 30 states along the way and interacting with all kinds of collectors at card shops of every kind. I went city to city and shop to shop getting to know the local collectors while I was on a quest to find the Derek Jeter rookie and Mike Trout rookie cards out of a pack! It was the adventure of a lifetime and I met so many incredible people!
How has your experience in collecting evolved over time? Are there elements you appreciate more now than when you first started?
Collecting continues to evolve.. what I collect, how I collect. The main change I’ve made is now involving others in my collecting! Ripping packs with people and seeing them experience the hobby has been a huge boost for me.
What aspects make card collecting a distinctive and rewarding hobby for entrepreneurs like yourself, in your view?
There is no right or wrong way to collect and the hobby has a rich history of over 140 years. Additionally, the hobby is gaining popularly on the worldwide stage and with lots of new players involved. All of this provides so many ways for entrepreneurs to innovate in an endless variety of ways! The trading card market is the Wild West and this is still only just the beginning!
What are your future collecting aspirations? Are there particular cards or sets you aim to add to your collection?
I still have the goal of owning every hall of fame card from between 1877 and 1993. I still have a long way to go! I still also hope to finally purchase a high grade 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle!
What is one regret you have concerning your collecting journey?
I wish that when I had first gotten back into collecting as an adult I would have started trying modern cards sooner!
What tips would you offer to newcomers looking to start their own card collections?
Just have fun and collect what you like and don't have anyone ever tell you there is a right or wrong way to collect! To each their own!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brian for sharing his journey as a collector and entrepreneur! With two decades of passion and a commitment to innovation through M1NT, Brian embodies the spirit of this dynamic community and the genuine empathy to share with others.
His love for the hobby is truly infectious, and you can uncover even more about his frequent adventures and entrepreneurial path by following the social media and website links below. Don’t miss his brand new podcast, "Car Policy," available on Spotify, where Brian, Collin Newman, and Sam Norcutt share insights and stories from their entrepreneurial journeys!
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