Ken Goldin is a name that resonates with sports fans and collectors alike. He is the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, one of the leading auction houses for sports memorabilia and other rare items. He has sold some of the most valuable and iconic collectibles in history, such as Michael Jordan’s rookie card, Kobe Bryant’s championship ring, and Jackie Robinson’s Dodgers jersey. But how did he get to where he is today? And what does his Jewish heritage have to do with his success? In this article, we will explore the life and career of Ken Goldin, the king of Jewish collectibles.
Early Life and Passion for Sports Cards
Ken Goldin was born on August 18, 1965, in New Jersey, USA. He was raised in a Christian household and followed the Christian faith, according to Model Fact. However, he also had Jewish roots from his father’s side, as his paternal grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Russia, according to Entrepreneur. He developed a passion for sports cards at a young age, and started trading and selling them when he was 13. He used his savings and pocket money to buy packs of cards at local pharmacies, and soon realized their potential value. He also became fascinated by the history and stories behind the cards, and learned everything he could about the players and the sports.
Starting His Own Business with His Father
Ken Goldin attended The George Washington University School of Business for his bachelor’s degree, and then pursued his master’s degree in Business Administration and Management at Drexel University in 1987. However, even before completing his education, he started his own business with his father, Paul, in 1986. They named it The Score Board LLC, and it was a company that partnered with sports personalities and sold their autographed cards to consumers. They bought thousands of cards at a flea market, and then got sports stars to sign them and resell them at a higher price. They also signed exclusive autograph contracts with some of the biggest names in sports, such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Joe Montana. The Score Board went public in 1987, and did $1 million in sales that year. It grew rapidly in the next few years, reaching $100 million in sales in 1994.
Leaving The Score Board and Facing Challenges
Ken Goldin left The Score Board in 1997, after a decade of success. He wanted to pursue other opportunities and challenges, and also felt that the company was losing its edge and innovation. He was right, as the company went bankrupt the following year, due to oversupply and devaluation of the baseball card market. Goldin faced some difficulties in his personal life as well, as he divorced his first wife, Jennifer, who was a licensed clinical psychologist. They had three children together, Laura, Paul, and Carleigh. Goldin also had to deal with the death of his father, who passed away in 1999.
Rebuilding His Empire and Starting Goldin Auctions
Despite the setbacks, Ken Goldin did not give up on his passion and vision. He continued to sell collectibles through TV appearances and online platforms, and also diversified his inventory to include other items, such as coins, comics, and art. He also kept himself updated with the latest trends and technologies, and embraced social media and digital marketing. He started hosting live auctions on Instagram, where he gained a huge following and attracted new customers. He also remarried and started a new family with his second wife, whose identity he has kept private. In 2012, he launched his own auction house, Goldin Auctions, which specialized in sports memorabilia and other rare and high-end collectibles. He used his expertise, connections, and reputation to source and sell some of the most coveted and historic items in the world, such as Babe Ruth’s bat, Tom Brady’s jersey, and Mike Trout’s rookie card. He also partnered with celebrities and athletes, such as Mike Tyson, Logan Paul, and Peyton Manning, who either sold or bought items through his auctions. Goldin Auctions became one of the leading and most trusted auction houses in the industry, and broke several records and milestones. In 2020, it sold over $300 million worth of collectibles, and in 2021, it raised $40 million in funding from investors, such as Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban, and Dwyane Wade.
Celebrating His Jewish Heritage and Giving Back to the Community
Ken Goldin is proud of his Jewish heritage, and has expressed his gratitude and respect for his grandfather, who escaped persecution and poverty in Russia and came to America with nothing but hope and courage. He has also donated and supported various Jewish causes and organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation, and the Holocaust Museum. He has also given back to the community in other ways, such as sponsoring scholarships, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and raising money for charities. He has also shared his story and insights on various platforms, such as podcasts, magazines, and TV shows. In 2023, he starred in his own Netflix series, “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch”, which showcased his life and career, and gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his auctions and the fascinating world of collectibles.
Conclusion
Ken Goldin is a remarkable example of someone who turned his passion into a profession, and his hobby into a legacy. He is a visionary and a leader in the field of collectibles, and has created a niche and a brand for himself. He is also a proud and generous member of the Jewish community, and a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs and collectors. He is truly the king of Jewish collectibles, and his touch is golden.