Private Collection Insurance (PCI) is proud to stand alongside passionate collectors who not only chase their dreams but also shape the communities around them. That’s why we’re excited to introduce one of our newest ambassadors: Sylvain Cormier.
In July 2024, Sylvain started sharing his experience with the team at Hockey Cards Gongshow to share his journey in becoming a full-time dealer. His honesty about the highs and lows of the business struck a chord with us. It’s exactly why we wanted him to be part of the PCI team — because behind every collection is a story, and behind every story is someone who understands the nuances of collecting, dealing and flipping, who takes risks, learns lessons and wants to build something lasting.
From Small-Town Roots to Big-Show Hustle
Sylvain grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick, with early exposure to the hobby through cousins and a card shop near his father’s seafood restaurant. Over the years, his passion for collecting evolved into something much bigger. After working in retail and e-commerce, he turned his skills in customer service and online sales toward the card world.
When the pandemic forced him to pivot, he rediscovered cards in a meaningful way. A single case purchase turned into a profitable flip — and more importantly, the spark that pushed him toward making cards his career.
PCI admires this kind of resilience. We know that collecting is never just about the objects; it’s about the determination to keep going, even when the path isn’t necessarily clear.
Lessons Every Collector Can Learn
What makes Sylvain such a valuable ambassador is his willingness to share what he’s learned:
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- Don’t overvalue emotionally: Cards mean a lot, but market reality matters.
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- Be ready to walk away: Not every deal is worth it.
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- Move fast: Opportunities come and go quickly in this hobby.
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- Accept losses: They’re part of the process so cutting your losses keeps you moving forward.
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- Focus on people: Relationships with buyers, sellers, and other dealers are the true long-term play.
These are lessons every collector, from beginners to seasoned investors, can use. They’re also reminders of why protecting your collection with proper insurance matters. Markets move fast, grading outcomes vary, and risks are always present. Having protection in place means your passion is secure, no matter what the hobby throws your way.
“Part of the game is losing money and cutting your losses when you need to. You have to free up cash to invest in other opportunities.”
— Sylvain Cormier
Building Community: Shows, Slab Sharks, and Networking
Sylvain quickly realized that the dealer life isn’t only about flipping cards. It’s about building trust and creating services for others. From small shows in Atlantic Canada to major events in Toronto, he’s expanded his reach by connecting with fellow collectors and organizations like Slab Sharks, where he now serves as Director of Affiliates for Eastern Canada.
That collaborative spirit is why we’re proud to call him a PCI Ambassador. Like us, Sylvain understands that collections thrive when supported by strong communities.
Why PCI Stands Beside Collectors Like Sylvain
PCI’s slogan is simple: We Protect What You Collect. Sylvain’s story reminds us why that matters because the path of a dealer is unpredictable. One day it’s a profitable flip, the next it’s a grading disappointment. But no matter the outcome, the collection itself deserves protection.
Sylvain represents the heart of the collector’s journey: passion, persistence, and purpose. By sharing his experiences — the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between — he helps others better understand the realities of the hobby. And by partnering with PCI, he shows collectors everywhere that protecting their investments isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Follow Sylvain’s Story
This is only Chapter One of Sylvain’s story. Together, we’ll be sharing more from his journey and what he shared in other Gongshow segments.
In the meantime, you can connect with Sylvain directly via Instagram at @lashwine or by email at [email protected].
PCI is proud to amplify voices like Sylvain’s. Because when collectors share their truths, the entire hobby grows stronger.
