We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Aguon and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Spending time building a business with my son has brought me so much joy. The laughs we share and the moments we create together mean the world to me. It’s not just about the fun we have now, but about building memories he’ll carry with him forever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Ryan Aguon, also known as @BallinZC and @CardsandCollectors. I’m the founder of CardsandCollectors.com, a growing community for trading card and collectible enthusiasts. What sets our brand apart is that it’s not just about buying or selling cards, it’s about connecting collectors, celebrating the culture, and sharing the stories behind every card.
Beyond the online community, I organize events and meetups to bring collectors together in real life. From local trading events to larger gatherings, these experiences give people a chance to connect, trade, and bond over a shared passion. Collecting has always been more than a hobby for me, it’s been a source of inspiration, creativity, and connection.
I’m especially excited to announce that we’re opening our first shop, Nebula Vault, in El Cajon on November 16th. This space will serve as a hub for collectors to meet, trade, and immerse themselves in the culture we love. Moving forward, my focus is on expanding the community, creating experiences that bring people together, and helping collectors of all levels grow. Every card tells a story, and I want Cards & Collectors to be the place where those stories come alive.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Every sound carries meaning, so it’s important to think before you speak or even make a sound. Something as simple as a sigh or a careless word can weaken or break a bond, while kindness, understanding, and genuine care can strengthen connections and even restore relationships. Being considerate can open doors to meaningful connections, whereas negativity or meanness can push people away.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Skateboarding has taught me one of life’s hardest lessons, failure. You fall, you fail, and you get back up again, over and over, until you finally land it. That mindset has shaped how I approach everything, especially business. Just like in skating, success doesn’t come without setbacks. You’re going to fail, but what defines you is whether you get back up, heal, and keep trying.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely most on the ideas and insights of the communities I’m part of. They share their experiences, thoughts, and feedback, and I take those perspectives, amplify them, and report on them. Their collective voice guides a lot of what I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a good man who put God, family, and quality of life above everything else. Someone who stayed true to his values, cared deeply for others, and lived with purpose and integrity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cardsandcollectors.com/
- Instagram: @cardsandcollectors and @ballinzc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578915106125
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BallinZC/featured
- Other: Tik Tok @BallinZC
Image Credits
cardsandcollectors.com
