Hidden Gems: Meet Corey Saldana of Fresh Deck Society

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Saldana

Hi Corey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From Childhood Nostalgia to a Full-Time Pokémon Business

Growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I was captivated by a wide range of interests—Transformers, Barney, Sesame Street, Power Rangers—you name it. Being born in 1987, I was fortunate to experience some of the most iconic television shows of that era. However, in 1998, when Pokémon was introduced in the United States, everything changed.

Like many other kids at the time, I became obsessed. The animated series had me glued to the screen, the trading card game quickly became a playground phenomenon, and when Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow were released for the Game Boy, I spent countless hours trying to conquer them. The chase for the elusive holographic Charizard was on, but despite my best efforts, I was never lucky enough to pull one.

Pokémon wasn’t just a game or a show—it became a social experience. My friends and I celebrated birthdays with Pokémon themes, traded cards to build out our binders, and even saw Pokémon: The First Movie together in theaters, completely immersed in the craze. However, as high school and adulthood took over, Pokémon gradually faded from my life, becoming nothing more than a nostalgic memory.

That all changed in 2023.

After years away from the hobby, I started noticing the resurgence of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). The market was booming, with cards becoming more valuable than ever. That year, I decided to take the plunge and purchased my first Elite Trainer Box (ETB) of Obsidian Flames, reigniting my passion for collecting. I started a fresh binder and slowly re-immersed myself in the world I had left behind.

Turning a Passion into a Career

By trade, I’m a professional videographer and photographer, having worked with esteemed organizations such as RSG Active, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, and Align Inc. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to apply my creative expertise across various industries. However, in mid-2024, I faced an unexpected setback—I lost my job due to the position being eliminated. It was a pivotal moment, forcing me to reconsider my next steps.

Rather than dwell on the loss, I saw it as an opportunity. With the Pokémon TCG market thriving, I decided to turn my passion into a full-time pursuit. Given that Pokémon is the most valuable media franchise in the world, with a continuously growing fanbase and collector market, I knew there was potential in this space. However, after years away from the game, I had a lot to catch up on.

I turned to Pokémon content creators on YouTube, learning from some of the best in the community. Their insights helped me navigate the ever-evolving market, where card values can fluctuate dramatically within days. With this newfound knowledge, I launched my own Pokémon TCG business, Fresh Deck Society.

The Journey of Fresh Deck Society

Starting a TCG business came with its challenges—inventory costs alone were a major hurdle. I’ve invested thousands into building my collection and ensuring I have the right products to grow my brand. However, the rewards have been worth it.

A key factor in my business’s growth has been social media. To set myself apart, I created a unique series called “Rips in the Wild,” where I open Pokémon packs in various locations and share the experience online. This content has resonated with audiences across multiple platforms, helping build brand awareness and community engagement.

Social media has been instrumental in the success of Fresh Deck Society, and I believe it will continue to play a vital role in its future. As I expand my business, I look forward to growing within the Pokémon community, connecting with fellow collectors, and continuing to share my journey.

What started as childhood nostalgia has now become a full-time endeavor—proof that sometimes, the things we love most as kids can come full circle in the most unexpected ways.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey back into Pokémon in 2023 has been anything but smooth. With years of missed releases and developments, catching up has been both overwhelming and exciting. Even now, I am continually learning about new sets, market trends, and the ever-evolving landscape of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Despite the challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is maintaining inventory. With Pokémon’s popularity surging and demand at an all-time high, keeping products in stock has been a constant struggle. The market is booming, and collectors and enthusiasts alike are eager to get their hands on the latest releases.

To keep up with inventory demands, I rely heavily on Frank & Son Collectible Show in City of Industry, California. If you’ve never been, it’s an incredible marketplace featuring over 200 vendors, most of whom specialize in Pokémon and other collectibles. It’s easy to get lost in the vast selection and even easier to spend a fortune. However, it has become a crucial resource for keeping my business stocked.

Currently, my primary sales platforms are Whatnot and eBay, where products tend to move quickly—sometimes faster than I can restock. This rapid turnover presents its own challenges, but thanks to Frank & Son, I’ve been able to sustain my business. Looking ahead, my goal is to establish a partnership with a distributor, ensuring a more consistent supply of inventory and allowing the business to operate more smoothly.

As you know, we’re big fans of Fresh Deck Society. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Fresh Deck Society is a business dedicated to the world of trading card games (TCG), encompassing not just Pokémon but also Disney Lorcana, Dragon Ball, and many more. Originally, I had chosen the name Poke Pals Paradise, but over time, I realized it didn’t fully resonate with my vision or identity. As an artist with a passion for fashion, streetwear, photography, and videography, I wanted to create a brand that seamlessly blended TCG, media, and community-building—which led to the rebranding as Fresh Deck Society. The name felt modern, dynamic, and a perfect representation of both myself and the business.

While Fresh Deck Society is a major focus, I am still a professional videographer and photographer, a career I have been passionate about for years. I studied filmmaking at The Los Angeles Film School, where I developed my skills in cinematography, editing, and visual storytelling. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies such as RSG Active, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, and Align Inc., specializing in content creation, branding, and high-quality media production. These experiences have played a crucial role in shaping Fresh Deck Society, allowing me to integrate top-tier visuals, social content, and marketing strategies into the business while continuing my creative work.

Although my rekindled love for Pokémon was the foundation of this venture, Fresh Deck Society is not just a solo endeavor. I want to give special recognition to my fiancée, Rachelle, who is also a co-owner. Though I initially started this business on my own, I wanted to involve her, especially since she is a huge Disney fan. When Disney Lorcana launched in 2023, she became deeply invested in the game, and we decided that Fresh Deck Society would focus primarily on Pokémon while also incorporating her passion for Lorcana. She now oversees that side of the business, making Fresh Deck Society a true partnership.

Looking ahead, we have plans to expand into additional TCGs, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Star Wars, and more. However, with the Pokémon market booming, it remains our primary focus for now. Beyond just selling trading cards, my vision for Fresh Deck Society includes launching a merchandise line, developing a website, and fostering a strong community around our shared passion for TCGs.

If you’re a dedicated TCG fan, I encourage you to check out Fresh Deck Society. With our growing presence and exciting plans for the future, I truly believe it will become a thriving community in the years to come.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about hitting financial goals or reaching a specific milestone. It’s about combining my passions and building something that reflects who I am. I grew up with trading card games (TCGs), and after they came back into my life as an adult, I developed a new love and appreciation for them. With Fresh Deck Society, I’m able to merge my passion for videography, photography, and TCGs, creating something that feels authentic. Success, for me, is about creating a space where I can express my creative side while also providing value to the community I’m building around TCGs.

Community is at the heart of what I do. Fresh Deck Society is more than just a business—it’s a way to bring people together who share the same love for Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, and all the other games I’m passionate about. Success is about connecting with people, building relationships, and growing a brand that feels genuine and true to me.

I also see success as continuous growth. From my days at The Los Angeles Film School to learning about the ever-evolving world of TCGs, I’m always striving to adapt and learn. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve, and success is about embracing that journey.

Finally, success for me means working alongside the people I care about. My fiancée, Rachelle, plays a huge role in Fresh Deck Society, and that collaboration is one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Being able to turn my passion into a shared project with someone I love feels like the ultimate success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshdecksociety/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshDeckSociety
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshdecksociety

Image Credits
Corey Saldana
Rachelle Pila