From College Dropout to $7.8 Million Pokémon Card Business

Introduction

In an era where traditional educational paths are often seen as the sole route to success, Andres Fernandez offers a compelling counter-narrative. At just 20 years old, Fernandez made the bold decision to leave his business degree program in Florida to dive headfirst into the burgeoning world of Pokémon card sales. This unconventional choice has paid off spectacularly, with his company, MintlyCollects, achieving a remarkable $7.8 million in sales in 2025. This story, originally shared on Business Insider, underscores the power of identifying a niche, embracing digital platforms, and building a business from the ground up, even if it means deviating from societal expectations.

Key Details

Andres Fernandez, founder and CEO of MintlyCollects, dropped out of college after one semester to sell Pokémon cards full-time.
MintlyCollects specializes in Pokémon cards and operates primarily on the live-selling platform Whatnot.
The company's two Whatnot accounts boast a combined following of approximately 500,000 users.
In 2025, MintlyCollects recorded $7.8 million in sales, with projections exceeding $10 million for 2026.
The business has evolved into a family affair, employing Fernandez's girlfriend, cousin, brother, and childhood best friend, alongside 10 other streamers.
Fernandez initially invested $150,000 in sealed product, a significant risk that necessitated the expansion of his team.

Background

Fernandez’s journey into the Pokémon card industry wasn't immediate. Growing up in Miami, he was always drawn to creative pursuits, immersed in video games, YouTube, and content creation. While he played Pokémon video games from a young age, he wasn't initially a collector. His entry into the hobby was sparked by a simple act: buying a Pokémon card pack as a gift for his younger cousin. The excitement of opening the pack and the unexpected pull of a valuable card ignited a passion that would soon reshape his future. At the time, working a minimum-wage job at a croqueta bar, Fernandez found himself spending more money on cards than he was earning. This led him to start creating content around Pokémon, initially building a following on Instagram Live before being noticed by Whatnot, a platform that was just beginning to explore the Pokémon market.

Impact Analysis

Fernandez’s success is a testament to his early adoption of emerging platforms and his understanding of online community building. By joining Whatnot in its nascent stages of Pokémon sales, he positioned himself as a pioneer. He recognized the potential for exponential growth, likening it to being present at the dawn of YouTube. His dedication was unwavering; for the first two to three years, he single-handedly managed all aspects of the business, streaming six days a week, packing orders, and handling shipping. This intense period of self-sacrifice, including not paying himself for two and a half years, laid the groundwork for future expansion. The pivotal moment came when his uncle encouraged him to quit his job and focus entirely on the business. The subsequent $150,000 investment in inventory marked a significant turning point, requiring him to bring in friends and family to manage the growing operations, transforming MintlyCollects into a robust family business.

“People aren't going to like to hear this, but being comfortable doesn't equal success nine out of 10 times.”

Broader Context

Fernandez’s experience challenges the conventional wisdom that a college degree is a prerequisite for entrepreneurial success. He argues that the current economic landscape demands a more proactive and experiential approach to career development. The idea of simply “going with the flow,” he suggests, is a relic of past decades. In today’s world, gaining practical experience through internships, entry-level jobs, or even volunteer work is crucial. He draws parallels to the principles espoused by figures like Gary Vaynerchuk, emphasizing the value of identifying opportunities, whether it’s finding and flipping items or leveraging a job to fund a startup. Fernandez’s perspective is that of an adaptable entrepreneur, confident in his ability to pivot and find new avenues for success, regardless of the outcome of his current venture.

Future Outlook

With sales soaring from $3.7 million in 2024 to $7.8 million in 2025, MintlyCollects is poised for continued growth. The company is targeting over $10 million in sales for 2026, a goal that seems well within reach given their current trajectory and expanded operational capacity. The business now features 10 streamers, enabling simultaneous streams for over 20 hours a day on one account and 15 hours on another. This scaling capability, combined with Fernandez’s entrepreneurial drive and adaptability, suggests a bright future. The company’s success also reflects a broader trend in the collectibles market, particularly the resurgence and mainstream acceptance of trading card games as both a hobby and a lucrative investment.

Conclusion

Andres Fernandez’s story is more than just a tale of financial success; it's a narrative about redefining success in the 21st century. By prioritizing passion, embracing digital innovation, and demonstrating immense resilience, he built a multi-million dollar enterprise from a hobby. His decision to leave traditional education for a path less traveled highlights a growing sentiment among younger generations who are seeking purpose and tangible results over conventional career trajectories. MintlyCollects stands as a powerful example of how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with strategic use of online platforms, can lead to extraordinary achievements, proving that sometimes, the most valuable education is the one you create for yourself.