Joe Orlando, who stepped down from his post as CEO of Collectors Universe last summer, will become an executive with the fractional shares platform Collectable.
Orlando spent 22 years with CU, the parent company of grading and authentication firm PSA. He was named President of PSA in 2002 and took on a larger role as CEO of the Santa Ana, CA-based company in 2017. In February of last year, Collectors Universe was acquired by a group headed by avid collector and entrepreneur Nat Turner for more than $850 million. Orlando stepped down in July but was widely expected to remain in the industry.
Collectable launched as sort of an every fan’s investment platform for sports cards and memorabilia in 2020, offering low cost shares to buyers via IPO. The company also offers stock market-like daily trading. Several items offered via the platform have been sold through offers from private buyers, resulting in profits for shareholders.
“Collectable has quickly established itself as the leading fractional platform in the sports collectibles industry,” Orlando stated. “While their results speak for themselves, this is just the beginning. The hobby is evolving quickly, with a large number of new participants and innovations. Collectable is in a leading position to facilitate growth for the market by serving as a crucial first entry point for many new to the hobby, while also providing additional and alternative opportunities for long-time collectors. I look forward to helping Collectable expand their service offerings, content resources, and improving the collector experience – an endeavor I have enjoyed my entire life.”
An avid collector for over 35 years, Orlando says the concept of owning fractional shares of memorabilia resonated with him. As prices for higher quality cards and memorabilia increase, it affords the average person to at least participate in that part of the market by owning shares of items that are offered on Collectable’s platform.
“Joe is renowned and respected throughout the collectibles industry,” remarked Ezra Levine, CEO of Collectable. “He has taught me a lot over the years and I am confident that he is going to do the same for Collectable users and collectors and investors all over the world. Joe’s knowledge and experience will put Collectable in a position to marry the traditional model of collecting with our innovative approach – an important bridge to bring the industry to the next level. With Joe on board, Collectable will expand our product offerings and educational and content initiatives as we seek to deliver a top notch experience for both buyers and sellers on our leading platform.”
During his time at Collectors Universe, Orlando authored several collecting guides and hundreds of articles for the company’s publication and websites. He’s also authored and been a significant contributor to numerous books on sports memorabilia and cards. Collectable says part of his role with Collectable will be to produce “foundational and educational content” on the platform.
Related Stories:
Collectable Issues IPO For $2.8 Million 1-of-1 Mahomes Contenders Rookie Super Bowl Ticket Autograph
Wilt’s Home Rookie Uniform Now Owned by Over 1,000 Investors
Notes: PSA Still Overwhelmed, Making Moves; MJ 10 a Fractional Sellout; More
Collectable Aims to Offer Shares of High-End Sports Memorabilia
Collectable Raises Over $500,000 for New Sports Collectible Marketplace
Editor’s Blog: Size of the Sports Memorabilia Market
Notes: Eli’s Chargers Memorabilia; Collectable’s App and Contest; Cy Young Art Auction
Collectable Acquires Elite Cards to Bring Pricing Data to App
