#United States #Charlotte #franchise #Replay Sports Cards #Sports Collecting

Replay Sports Cards Shines at Franchise Update Media's STAR Awards

On October 5-8, 2026, the Franchise Leadership Development Conference in Atlanta played host to the prestigious STAR Awards, where Replay Sports Cards ("Replay") was celebrated for its groundbreaking onboarding program. As the first franchise in the United States catering solely to sports card collectors and traders, Replay was honored with the Franchise Innovation Award for Most Innovative On-Boarding Program. This accolade highlights their unique approach to integrating franchisees into the business and equipping them for future success.

The STAR Awards recognize brands that not only meet but exceed expectations for welcoming new franchisees into their system. Replay stood out as the sole recipient in the onboarding category, reflecting its unwavering commitment to enhancing the franchisee experience. Brent Schepel, Co-Founder of Replay, expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the importance of supporting franchisees through each step of their journey. "Supporting our franchisees is always top of mind for us, and having an outlet recognize that feels great," he stated.

Replay's onboarding program is ingeniously designed to prepare new franchise owners for the realities of running a sports card shop. It offers comprehensive training that covers essential topics such as product cycles, the nuances of condition and counterfeits, the buying process, community engagement, and ways to enrich the in-store experience. The focus on real-world scenarios ensures that new owners can navigate challenges confidently, creating an environment that keeps customers engaged and satisfied.

Tracy Timko, Director of Operations for Replay, highlighted the practical nature of the training. "Every part of our onboarding program is designed around real situations our owners will face one day, from evaluating a collection to spotting counterfeits, to creating a space collectors want to spend their Saturday," she noted. This hands-on approach aims to instill confidence from the very first customer interaction, setting the stage for successful franchise operations.

Moreover, Replay perceives onboarding not just as a one-time event, but as the beginning of a long-term partnership. As a result, the leadership team remains committed to providing continual support long after franchisees have opened their doors. Mike Weinberger, Co-Founder and President of Franchising for Replay, emphasized the importance of nurturing franchise relationships beyond initial training.

"It's not enough to just give franchisees support before they open their doors; continuing to help build a solid foundation for our team only strengthens our system and ensures our franchisees are set up for long-term success," he remarked, expressing excitement for future expansions.

Replay Sports Cards presents a contemporary model for entrepreneurs seeking to join the sports card trading landscape, marrying modern retail approaches with a passion for the hobby. Their growing franchise community serves as a platform where best practices and authentic experiences are regularly shared, fostering a supportive network for all involved.

As the brand continues to embed itself in the sports card market, it remains committed to providing its franchisees with the resources and opportunities necessary for sustained growth. With a focus on community and innovation, Replay Sports Cards is paving the way for the future of this hobby.

For more information about Replay Sports Cards and its offerings, don't hesitate to visit their official website at replaysportscards.com/franchise.

About Replay Sports Cards

Replay Sports Cards is a revolutionary franchise model that provides a full-service experience for sports card enthusiasts, including buying, selling, trading, and grading collectibles. With three locations across the U.S. and a robust presence at major card shows, Replay creates an inviting and trustworthy environment for collectors of all ages. The brand emphasizes accessibility, excitement, and the emotional benefits of the hobby, all while integrating modern retail strategies. Founded as One Stop Sports, Replay combines extensive industry expertise and a community-first mindset that resonates with card collectors. They actively engage the community through weekly livestreams on platforms like Whatnot and TikTok.