In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford welcomes Eric Wagenmaker, founder of Reclaim Customs, for a deep dive into custom memorabilia, creativity, and what really gives collectibles their meaning.

Eric shares how a simple project for his kids sparked a business that now works with professional athletes, podcasters, and sports teams. He explains the difference between perceived rarity created by big card companies and true one-of-one craftsmanship — where every piece is built by hand around a real artifact.

They explore Eric’s creative process, from foiling and textures to embedding relics, and how each design starts with the story behind the item. Ryan and Eric also talk about scaling a fully custom operation, navigating exclusivity in professional sports, and how social media helped propel Reclaim Customs into the spotlight.

The episode closes on one of Eric’s most meaningful insights: the most powerful collectibles aren’t always about players or value — they’re about family, memory, and legacy.

Key Takeaways





Custom craftsmanship creates deeper emotional value



Manufactured rarity isn’t the same as uniqueness



Creativity lives in details



Story transforms memorabilia into legacy



Building handmade businesses requires patience



Collectibles connect people across generations

📣 Connect with Ryan & Eric

🎙 Collector Nation Podcast:
https://thecollectornation.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollectorNation

🌐 Ryan Alford:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford

Download the Ludex App on IOS and Android!

🎨 Eric Wagenmaker — Reclaim Customs:
Website: https://reclaimcustoms.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/reclaimcustoms

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another collector.

Sponsors

Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? 

↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card

Collector Nation

Collector Nation

Custom Over Commodity: Eric Wagenmaker on Reclaiming Memorabilia

FEB 10, 202645 MIN
Collector Nation

Custom Over Commodity: Eric Wagenmaker on Reclaiming Memorabilia

FEB 10, 202645 MIN

Description

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford welcomes Eric Wagenmaker, founder of Reclaim Customs, for a deep dive into custom memorabilia, creativity, and what really gives collectibles their meaning.Eric shares how a simple project for his kids sparked a business that now works with professional athletes, podcasters, and sports teams. He explains the difference between perceived rarity created by big card companies and true one-of-one craftsmanship — where every piece is built by hand around a real artifact.They explore Eric’s creative process, from foiling and textures to embedding relics, and how each design starts with the story behind the item. Ryan and Eric also talk about scaling a fully custom operation, navigating exclusivity in professional sports, and how social media helped propel Reclaim Customs into the spotlight.The episode closes on one of Eric’s most meaningful insights: the most powerful collectibles aren’t always about players or value — they’re about family, memory, and legacy.Key TakeawaysCustom craftsmanship creates deeper emotional valueManufactured rarity isn’t the same as uniquenessCreativity lives in detailsStory transforms memorabilia into legacyBuilding handmade businesses requires patienceCollectibles connect people across generations📣 Connect with Ryan & Eric🎙 Collector Nation Podcast:https://thecollectornation.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheCollectorNation🌐 Ryan Alford:Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalfordDownload the Ludex App on IOS and Android!🎨 Eric Wagenmaker — Reclaim Customs:Website: https://reclaimcustoms.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/reclaimcustomsSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another collector.SponsorsAre you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card