Episode 18, 740 Hobby - Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street

Episode Description

What does it take to turn a passion project into a thriving business in just five years? For Cody Gutberlet, owner of 740 Hobby in Marietta, the answer is simple: start with your uncle, work full-time jobs on the side, and never stop believing in the community.

In this episode of Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, host Stephanie Plant sits down with Cody Gutberlet, owner of 740 Hobby in Marietta, Ohio.

Together with his uncle Aaron, Cody took over a trading card store that’s been in the community since 1992 — and transformed it into one of the region’s hottest gathering spots. From two people working weekends to six employees hosting 80+ person tournaments, here’s how a side hustle became a success story.

In This Episode:

How a family legacy of entrepreneurship shaped Cody’s path to business ownership
Why starting as a “side hustle” while working full-time jobs was actually the secret to success
The explosive growth: from 2 people to 6 employees, 1,000+ customers, and three relocations in five years
What “the toughest year in business” really means — and why it was also the best year
How social media strategy changed everything for 740 Hobby in the last year and a half
The power of hiring for passion: building “the best team out of any card shop, period”
Why tournaments every night of the week keep the community coming back
The diverse customer base: from 4-year-olds to collectors in their 80s
Work-life balance as a business owner: the reality of 1 PM–8 PM hours (and 2 AM tournament finishes)
Pokémon dominance in the trading card game market — and why 740 Hobby is the area leader
What’s next: online expansion, new games, and a mystery Kickstarter project
His simple advice for anyone thinking about starting a business: “Do it.”

About 740 Hobby:

740 Hobby is a trading card game store located at Pike Street in Marietta, Ohio, right beside Panera Bread.

Services include: Pokémon cards, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Dragon Ball, sports cards, booster boxes, elite trainer boxes, singles, supplies (sleeves, top loads, binders), and more.

Weekly Events: Tournaments every night of the week

Mondays: One Piece Trading Card Game
Tuesdays: Dragon Ball League
Thursdays: Pokemon League Day
Fridays & Saturdays: Magic: The Gathering

Connect

More about Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street

Join Stephanie Plant each Saturday for Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, a warm, community-first podcast that highlights the people who make our towns thrive. Stephanie sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders to share the stories behind their businesses—the challenges, the triumphs, and the small moments that shape local commerce.