The Collective Member Spotlight: Conor Carroll – From Chico to the Hobby Circuit (Part 1)

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Collective Member Spotlight — a new interview series highlighting the personalities, passion, and humor that make The Collective what it is.

In this episode, we sit down with Conor Carroll, a NorCal native, military veteran, and one of the most recognizable faces in the football card hobby. Conor shares his story — from collecting baseball cards as a kid in Chico, California, to finding brotherhood and purpose through The Collective’s Facebook community.

💬 Topics include:
-His path from Nebraska roots to Northern California life
-How Marvel cards and 90s nostalgia shaped his collecting
-The rise of football cards and his love for “cracked ice”
-Finding purpose, laughter, and friendship through the hobby
-Why The Collective stands apart as more than just a card room
🔥 This series isn’t about who spends the most — it’s about the people who make this hobby thrive.
👉 Join the family:
Join The Collective on Facebook
🎯 Subscribe to One of One Designs for more Member Spotlights, hobby insights, and stories that define the culture.

00:00 – Opening & Introduction
The Collective Member Spotlight kicks off — meet host Steven Arce and guest Conor Carroll.
00:30 – Who Is Conor Carroll?
From Nebraska to Chico, NorCal upbringing, and life outside the hobby.
01:45 – Family & Career
How his family shaped his outlook — brother’s a history professor, sister a dance teacher, and Conor’s military background.
03:00 – The NorCal Hobby Scene
Why cards are alive and well up north — from retail hunts to local shops.
03:50 – Childhood Collecting Origins
Trips to baseball games, antique shops, and the 90s baseball boom.
05:00 – The Marvel Cards Story
How a lost childhood collection came full circle seven years later.
07:00 – Collector or Investor?
Where Conor fits — flash junkie, casual PC guy, and lover of pretty autos.
08:45 – Nebraska Pride PC
Building a PC around Dylan Raiola and his family’s football legacy.
10:30 – The Shift from Baseball to Football
How the 90s baseball craze evolved into today’s football hobby culture.
12:00 – Niners Nation
Growing up watching Montana, Rice, and Young — and finding a lifelong team.
13:30 – Hobby Therapy & Community
Why the hobby means more than money — it’s retail therapy and connection.
15:00 – Flash Lines & Camaraderie
How mystery lines and memes keep The Collective’s culture alive.
16:30 – Finding The Collective
From Dad’s page to discovering The Collective — and making it home base.
18:20 – Quick Hits Segment
Favorite snack, favorite brands, and why Spectra & Obsidian get unfair hate.
19:40 – Cracked Ice Obsession
Why cracked ice parallels are Conor’s ultimate insert chase.
21:00 – Building the Perfect Repack
How Conor would design a fair, affordable, and fun repack for everyone.
22:40 – Hobby Humor & Inside Jokes
The “Tickle Monster” rumor and banter with The Collective crew.
24:30 – If You Were a Vegetable...
Conor’s legendary “artichoke heart” answer — pure Collective energy.
25:30 – Wrap Up (Part 1)
Closing thoughts on The Collective, community, and what’s next.